Course Syllabus

Media Matters – Curriculum and Expectations 2023/24

Mr. Brazier

Room 227

braziera@wellesleyps.org

Office Hours: Monday 2:35- 3:05

Course Outline

WEEK 1, 2 → Introduction to course / why media matters / role of media in democracy

WEEK 3 → Role of student journalist / high school paper

WEEK 4-5 → First Amendment & Ethics

WEEK 6 →  How to read a paper/intro to journalistic writing / editing process and how to

WEEK 7,8 →  News leads & news writing

WEEK 9, 10 →  Sports writing

WEEK 11, 12 → Feature writing

WEEK 13, 14 → Editorial & Opinion Writing

WEEK 15, 16 → Review Writing

WEEK 17-19 →  Focus on writing for The Bradford

Grading:

• Writing 50% You will do most of your writing in class.  Occasionally, you will have to schedule an interview outside of class time.  You will always receive feedback and have the opportunity to revise before your work is graded/published.  You must meet deadlines for interviews, revisions, and publication.

• Classwork/Participation 30% You must be a POSITIVE, active participant in our discussions and in-class activities; while humor is appreciated, failure to treat our in-class exercises seriously is not acceptable and will result in a low participation grade.  You elected to take this course and being a serious, respectful contributor is essential.

• Attitude and Effort 20% This includes arriving on time, having necessary materials in class, working with integrity, conducting yourself professionally during interviews, and following school/class acceptable use policy for technology.)