JOURNALISM I COURSE STANDARDS

J READING

Reading is a process, which includes demonstration comprehension and showing evidence of a warranted and responsible interpretation of text.
Comprehension means getting the ‘gist’ of a text. Demonstrating an understanding of the text as a whole; identifying complexities presented in the structure of the text; and extracting salient information from the text most frequently illustrated.

JR1 The student reads articles from a variety of sources, such as newspapers, magazines, and online journals in order to develop the following skills:
a--ability to recall details
b--ability to summarize information
c--ability to analyze data
d--ability to recognize various elements of style
e--ability to recognize of vivid images and unique word choice
f--ability to recognize of elements of the selection that contribute to the total effect
g--ability to draw conclusions
f--ability to annotate a selection
h--ability to determine tone and support from selection
i--ability to state theme and support from selection

JR2 The student reads and comprehends informational materials to develop understanding and expertise and produces both written and oral work.

JR3 The student reads and comprehends at least four books (or book equivalents) about media related issues, and produces evidence of reading that supports, evaluates, and draws text together.

J WRITING

Writing is a process through which a writer shapes language to communicate effectively.
Writing often develops through a series of initial plans and multiple drafts through access to informed feedback and response.

JW1 The student produces a plan for a story/paper that includes the following:
a--evidence of a complete understanding of the topic
b--evidence of a complete understanding of the basic organizational scheme for stories
c--evidence of thorough information gathering (i.e. quotes, facts, etc.)
d--evidence of how all gathered information ties directly to the topic

JW2 The student produces a story/paper that includes the following:
a--an opening/lead that clearly addresses the prompt and engages the reader by establishing a context, creating a persona, and providing factual, relevant topic information
b--clearly stipulated supporting details that reflect the intent of the prompt/topic and connect specifically to the focus of the paper
c--quotes from a reliable source being discussed or that clearly relates back to the topics and the points being made
d--use of an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context
e--inclusion of appropriate and accurate facts and details
f--a conclusion or closing that summarizes the main points of the story/paper and leaves the reader thinking
g--provides a guide to action for a complicated procedure in order to anticipate reader’s needs; creates expectations through predictable structures
h--excludes extraneous information
i--includes relevant information

JW3 The student will edit and proofread the story/paper to refine the following:
a--the story/paper has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and follows the appropriate format and structure used in journalism
b--ideas flow out of each other in a logical sequence
c--organization reflects a variety of transitional devices
d--content reflects a thorough understanding of the topic/issue
e--supporting details connect logically to the focus of the story/paper
f--quotes and elaborations clearly reflect the intent of the paper
g--all content is relevant to the main point
h--the writing reflects conciseness, clarity, and cohesiveness
i--sentences vary in length and structure
j--vivid, precise word choice demonstrates mature command of language
k--good demonstration control of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, spelling, and usage

J SPEAKING, LISTENING AND VIEWING

Speaking, listening, and viewing are fundamental processes which journalists use to express, explore, and learn about ideas.
The functions of speaking, listening, and viewing include gathering and sharing information; persuading others; expressing and understanding ideas; coordinating activities with others; and selecting and critically analyzing messages.

JSL1 The student participates effectively in small group discussions by demonstrating the following behaviors:
a--balancing the discussion by taking turns
b--asking thought provoking questions
c--clarifying points made by self and others
d--staying focused on the topic and task

JSL2 The student demonstrates mastery of producing group and individual oral presentations through the following behaviors:
a--planning content that adequately fulfills the assignment
b--demonstrates appropriate presentation techniques such as eye contact, voice projection, and body language

JSL3 The student demonstrates mastery of listening techniques through the following behaviors:
a--focusing on the speaker by avoiding all distractions
b--summarizing the content of the presentation through effective note-taking skills and methods
c--demonstrates ability to extract useful, relevant information from presentation
d--clear articulation and understanding of information presented

JSL4 The student participates in one-to-one conferences with a teacher, paraprofessional, or adult volunteer by demonstrating the following behaviors:
a--initiates new topics in addition to responding to adult-initiated topics
b--asks relevant questions
c--responds to questions with appropriate elaboration
d--uses language cues to indicate different levels of certainty
e--confirms understanding by paraphrasing the adult’s directions pr suggestions.

JSL5 The student makes informed judgments about television, radio, and film productions by demonstrating the following:
a--demonstrates awareness of the presence of the media in the daily lives of most people
b--evaluates the role of the media in focusing attention and informing opinion
c--judges the extent to which the media are a source of entertainment as well as a source of information
d--defines the role of advertising as a part of a media presentation

JSL6 The student listens to and analyzes a public speaking performance by demonstrating the following:
a--takes notes on salient information
b--identifies types of arguments and identifies logical fallacies
c--accurately summarizes the essence of each speaker’s remarks
d--formulates a judgment about the issues under discussion

J REPORTING

Reporting is an essential skill required of all journalists.
The functions of reporting involve the processing, collection, and eventual dissemination of information to the public in a responsible, ethical manner.

JRP1 The student will understand what news consists of by demonstrating the following:
a--cultivation of news judgment
b--development of news judgment through study and discussion of elements of news
c--development of methods aimed at assisting the generation of story ideas.

JRP2 The student will understand the interviewing process by demonstrating the following:
a--development of interviewing skills that enable students to prepare for and ask effective questions during interviews
b--acquisition of effective writing skills that will produce interesting questions and stories
c--quick thinking skills