Course Syllabus

1. Media II, III, IV: Journalism Syllabus
Mrs. Nicole Sitler, 724-941-6250 ext. 5379
sitlern@pt-sd.org
2015-2016
Course Procedures
Cameras & Computers
 Your seat will determine your computer for the year in G01.
 All bags, purses, drinks, food etc. must be stored in the designated closets. This will be STRICTLY enforced.
 No cellphones without permission.
 No food, drink or homework is permitted by the computers EVER!
 No web-surfing beyond related sites; all audio to be listened with headphones; no lining up by the door prior to
end of class.
Media Passes
 Media passes must be worn when going outside of the classroom.
 If pass is lost, you will receive only ONE replacement, after that, all privileges beyond classroom will be revoked.
 You may also have your pass taken from you and be "benched" for inappropriate behavior outside of the
classroom.
Levels II, III & IV
 Teamwork and striving to reach a common goal is vital to make this class a success.
 Class structure
o Level IIs – first year journalism students that work on sections of the news magazine
o Levels III & IV – returning journalism students who will serve as editors and have more decision making
power and influence over the news magazine and website.
Grading Procedures
Students will be graded using a variety of assignments and deadlines. They will be responsible for weekly assignments
as well as assignments related to the producing the print news magazine.
Weekly Assignments
Current Event Discussions
 Due weekly and day TBA.
 Class discussion about what’s happening in the world including news, sports, current events, and entertainment.
 Each student must discuss at least one story and comment on at a least one other story to receive credit.
 You must come to class prepared with at least one or more stories to discuss.
 Students cannot use their phones to look up info on the spot without permission.
Reflection Journals
 Due on Mondays.
 The purpose of journals is to set goals, write and reflect in a non-threating environment.
 They will be graded holistically on content and effort.
 Topics will be student centered and open–ended.
 Students will be given a class notebook and prompt weekly to record in their journals.

2. Online Assignments
 Due on Wednesdays.
 Responsible for one online assignment per week or small daily assignments.
 Assignments must not contain grammatical or spelling errors, provide accurate information and follow layout
guidelines.
Print News Magazine Assignments
Articles
 Rough drafts, peer edits, and final copies will be graded individually
 Students will be provided with specific requirements for each step of the writing process
Layout
 Preplanning and final layouts will be assessed
 Students will be provided with specific requirements for each step
Event Shoots
 1 -3 per news magazine
 Assessment based on quality of work, meeting deadlines and following procedures.
 Will change per issue
Workshop Days
 Level II students are first year journalism students to participate in class workshops.
o Purpose of workshops is to help teach writing, layout and photography skills.
o Responsible for completing 1-4 per news magazine issue.
 Level III & IV students are considered “editors” and will have more input into the website and print news magazine
o Will serve as teaching assistants during workshop days.
o May work on individual assignments for the news magazine.
Marketing Assignments
Marketing and fundraising are an essential part of producing the news magazine. If this is an issue, please discuss it
privately with Mrs. Sitler.
Parent/Community Subscriptions (20 pts)
 Due prior to the publication of the first print news magazine.
 Must sell a total of 2
Business Ads/Event Shoots (20 pts.)
 Editors are strongly encouraged to obtain a business ad.
 The grade will be recorded on the third nine weeks.
 Students may do two extra event shoots in place of a business ad.

3. Parental Consent Form
Media Honor Code
I will honor myself, my school, my peers and the media department by using my creativity and talent to inspire
integrity.
If you violate the student handbook and it is recorded, printed, or saved you will be held accountable to school
district discipline and you may be removed from the media class. This includes, but is not restricted to the
following:
 Defamation of another person
 Using copyrighted materials (this is any Internet image or image you did not take)
 Inappropriate media downloaded on school computers
 Changing another’s layout photographs or text without permission
 Inappropriate use/abuse of technology or inappropriate behavior outside of the classroom
Handbook Rules about Publications
It is important to remember that “students have the responsibility to refrain from libel and obscenity and to
observe the rules for responsible journalism.” Please consult School Board Policy #5220 on page 62 of the
student handbook. You will be held responsible “for materials which are libelous or obscene.”
Parental Consent
I have read the syllabus and understand that my child _______________________ is responsible for all of the
contents listed in this document especially for following the Media Honor Code and School Board Policy #5520.
I am aware that any violation of either of these policies will come with disciplinary or legal action. I have
spoken with my child and he/she has agreed to take his/her responsibility as a student journalist very seriously.
Parent Signature:
Student Signature:
Date:
*Core Body of Knowledge is available online www.ptmedia.net on the journalism class page.