CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
“Honesty, hard work, excellence and caring”
Com 3312 (01)
Writing for Electronic Media
Summer 2008
M-F, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Cosby 120
Mr. Mike Gormley
Office: 123 Cosby Center
Phone: (937) 376-6491
Email: mgormley@centralstate.edu
Michaelgormley.com
Summer Office Hours: By appointment
Prerequisite: COM 2219 and COM 2272
Text: I have written a manual, “Broadcast Stories, Stacks, Scripts, and Style,” which you must purchase and bring to class.
Course Description: As stated in the university catalog, this course involves teaching students how to write radio and television scripts, such as news, promos, commercials, public service announcements and documentaries. At the end of the semester, students should be able to write and format a complete radio and television newscast. We will also write a sit-com script.
Course Instruction: We will approach each class as a writing workshop. Students will spend the class writing a specific type of news story, formatting each story with a computer program in our laboratory.
COMMUNICATION PROGRAM COURSE POLICIES
Faculty members in the Communication Program have adopted some common course policies to help students develop good work habits and to facilitate well-ordered classrooms. We are confident that these policies will improve the quality of education in our program.
University attendance policy
“Students are admitted to the university upon the assumption that their purpose is to profit fully from the courses in which they enroll each semester. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and all examinations from the beginning of the semester. Class attendance takes precedence over all other activities or obligations” (Central State University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 51).
We take attendance seriously in the Communication Program. We want you to learn. We want you to develop good work habits. We want you to succeed in the workplace. With that in mind, we have developed a fair and easy-to-understand attendance policy.
Unexcused absences
Under university policy: “Each student is allowed only as many unexcused absences per semester as the class meets per week…. Faculty members have the right to assign a grade of ‘F’ to any student who has more unexcused absences during a semester than the number of times the class meets per week….”
Athletes and students engaged in special activities which may require absence from class, should discuss their class assignment requirements with each instructor in advance of their absence caused by the scheduled activity. “Failure to attend classes may be grounds for suspension” (Central State University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 51). We will begin taking attendance the first day of class.
.
Tardiness
The mass media and other professions operate on a deadline. You must be on time for class. We WILL ALLOW A TEN-MINUTE GRACE PERIOD, which means that we will lock the door five minutes after the start of class. You will not be permitted to enter after that time, and you will be marked absent. If you have a reasonable excuse for being late, you should present documentation within a week. We will consider excusing the absence assuming that you can provide this documentation. Please remember:
• We will use the classroom clock to determine when to start class and when to close the door of the classroom. Please synchronize your watches to the clock. If the classroom clock indicates 9:36 a.m., you are late, and you will not be permitted in the classroom.
• You must be in the classroom to be considered “present.” Please do not drop off your book bag or other personal items during the grace period and then leave the classroom. Once the door closes, you will not be permitted into the classroom.
Incomplete grades
Under university policy, “A grade of Incomplete is a temporary grade assigned to students who lack final assignments, or who, for some extenuating circumstances, were unable to complete the requirements of the course within the semester.” The incomplete grade requires the signature of the instructor and the student with a brief description of the requirements necessary to receive a grade (Central State University catalog, p. 34). It is your responsibility to request an incomplete grade. If you do not ask for one, you will not receive one.
Excused absences defined/evidence required
We will consider “excusing” reasonable absences related to personal illness, serious illness of an immediate family member, death of a family member, required military service, required school trips and activities, job interviews for graduating seniors, and required court appearances.
You must document your absence for us to excuse it. You must turn in supporting documentation explaining the absence within a week of your return to class. We will not excuse an absence — even if you have a legitimate excuse — if you do not document the absence within a week.
Here is what you should do:
• In the case of illness, you should submit a letter signed by your doctor, on the doctor’s stationary, with your name on it as a patient, with dates of illness, description of illness, treatment prescribed, phone number and address of doctor. (In the case of a sick family member, the doctor should give the same information on the patient, while stating your relationship to the patient.)
• In the case of a family member’s death, you should submit a copy of the person’s death certificate, a newspaper obituary, or a note from the funeral parlor. Whatever document you provide should establish when the person died and and/or when the funeral service was held.
• In the case of military service, you should submit a copy of your military orders signed by the appropriate officer and indicating the date and place of your off-campus assignment.
• In the case of required field trip or other school activity, you should submit a signed letter from your professor, coach or other school official stating the date and time of the trip, its purpose and duration,
• In the case of a job interview, you should submit a signed letter from your interviewer stating the date, time and place of the interview, the letter should be printed on company letterhead and state that there was no other time available — other than class time — to arrange the interview.
• In the case of a court appearance, you should submit an appropriate court record showing the date and time of the court appearance.
Please provide your documentation within a week. Submit a copy of the document if you need to keep the original.
Classroom conduct
It is important to maintain proper classroom decorum. The classroom is a place of learning. It is not a place to socialize, sleep, eat, or take phone calls. There will be no eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing during class. You must stay awake. Yawning in class is a sign of disrespect. Don’t do it. You must not be disruptive or unruly. Students who disregard basic manners will be instructed to leave the class and will be marked absent for the day.
Cell phones and audible pagers are prohibited from the classroom. If your cell phone rings during class, you must either give me the phone (to be returned to you by 4 p.m.) or you must leave class and be marked absent.
Make-ups
The professor will grant make-ups at his or her discretion.
Cheating
You cannot learn by cheating. If you turn in someone else’s work or otherwise cheat, you will get a “0″ (zero) on that assignment. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
Professional Attire Day
Every Wednesday is professional attire day. If you come to class, and you are not dressed in professional attire, you will be sent home. No exceptions.
Core Values
We want students who are “ripe.” They show respect, demonstrate initiative, have a positive attitude and strive for excellence.
ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES
Signing into class
You should report for class by signing the attendance sheet. I may “call out” attendance to confirm what I see on the attendance sheet, but your signature is the only proof of your attendance. If you do not sign the attendance sheet, you will be considered absent for the day. (At the end of the term, if there is any question about your attendance, we will simply refer to the sign-in sheets.)
Supplies
I have written an easy to understand, inexpensive manual for this class. You may purchase it from me for $10.
You must bring the course manual to class. You will use it every class session. You will not be permitted into class, beginning the third week of class, if you do not have the manual with you. Such absences will be “unexcused.” No exceptions.
Attendance
Under university policy (above), you are permitted as many unexcused absences as the class meets per week. However, given that we are working under an abbreviated schedule that policy must be modified. To wit, you will be permitted no more than three absences during this term. Anyone with more than three absences will fail the course. If you accrue two absences, you will mostly likely need to request an Incomplete. I will begin taking and counting attendance the third day of class.
Makeups: If you miss a class, you will have one week upon returning to class to turn in the assignment that you missed. It is your responsibility to determine what you missed and to turn in the assignment. Late assignments will be downgraded. Please note: Turning in an assignment late will allow you to make up some missed points. However, if you turn in an assignment late and miss a deadline, the missed deadline will count against your final grade.
• Deadlines
You will have regular writing assignments. You must complete your assignments by the deadlines provided.
If you miss three deadlines, you will receive no better than a C grade for the course. If you miss four deadlines, you will receive no better than a D grade for the course. If you miss five deadlines, you will fail the course.
THREE MISSED DEADLINES — AUTOMATIC “C” GRADE
FOUR MISSED DEADLINE — AUTOMATIC “D” GRADE
FIVE MISSED DEADLINES — AUTOMATIC “F” GRADE
• Quality
You will write at least seven newscast scripts and two commercial scripts. I will grade each of them on a 25-point scale. You may also write two major scripts —a complete newscast and a sit-com — worth 50 points each.
To do well on these assignments, you must
• use standard English,
• format your scripts properly,
• exhibit good broadcast style, and
• meet your deadline.
I will deduct points from your score, on each assignment, any time you deviate from standard English, (spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage), format your scripts improperly, violate basic broadcast style standards, or miss your deadline.
YOUR QUALITY GRADE = earned points / total possible points
Z/FZ grade: Any student who is registered for class but fails to attend even one class session will be awarded a “Z” grade. Any student who attends class but drops out without officially withdrawing will be awarded an “FZ” grade. Both grades are calculated as “F” grades and will affect your grade point average.
Communication Majors: If you are a communication major, you are encouraged to keep a file of any written, audio or video materials that you create in all communications courses because you may need them to compile a portfolio (necessary when applying for a job). Please also note that you are required to achieve a “C” grade in all courses counting toward your major.
Americans with Disability Compliance: If you have been documented as an individual with a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services at Ext. 6387, so that reasonable accommodations can be made to assist you in your learning.
Educational Support Services: The university offers a lot of free help to students struggling academically.
1. The Center for Student Academic Success assists students enrolled in introductory English and math courses. The center is located in Simpson Hall (adjacent to the police department). It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. No appointment is necessary to receive tutoring. You may also request help in courses other than English and math. In that instance, the center will find a tutor and schedule a tutoring session. Call 376-6110 for information.
2. The Writing Center helps students improve their writing. It is located in rooms
213 and 214 in Wesley Hall. Call Director Obi Iwuanyanwu at 376-6337, 6215 for more information. oiwuanyanwu@centralstate.edu
Concerns, Complaints
I pride myself on being a fair person, and I believe that the policies for this course are fair. You may disagree. You should feel free to voice any concerns or complaints to me directly. I prefer that you do so after class. It’s a waste of class time to engage in an extended debate about my attendance policy or my textbook policy or my on-time policy. If you have spoken to me after class but don’t like my response, feel free to take your concern to Central State administrators. These people include:
Dr. Lovette Chinwah
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Terrence Glass
Provost, Vice-President for Academic Affairs
At the end of the term, you will be asked to fill out an anonymous course evaluation. You should fee free to say whatever you wish about the course, good or bad.
How to Succeed: It’s easy. Come to class. Be on time! Participate. Ask questions. Complete your assignments. Study.
July 9th, 2008
Reality and Image: 20 questions
Country of Origin Briefing
The film is set in ______________________________________(name of country).
The country is located in (north, south, east, or west) ________________________ Africa.
Please distribute map of country with your handout.
A number of countries border “X.” These countries include:
This country was once a colony of __________________________________.
It became an independent nation in ______________________________(year).
The official language(s) of this country is/are__________________________.
The native language of this country — if different — is:__________________.
The population of this country (in millions) is: ____________________________.
The current life expectancy of a male is: ________________________________.
The literacy rate among women is ____________________________ percent.
The dominant religion is ____________________________(Christianity, Islam, Judaism or indigenous).
About _______________________percent of the people are Christian.
This country’s most prominent geographic feature(s) include: ______________________________(name significant river, mountain, desert, etc.)
This country is _________________________ square miles in size, roughly the size of ________________________(name US state).
__________________________is the capital city.
The country’s most significant natural resource is: _____________________________.
The dominant ethnic/tribal group(s) include:__________________________________.
The most popular sport is ____________________________________.
The people of this country are well known for ________________________________.
The most significant political/social event(s) of the last 20 years include: ____________________________.
Please also include a brief summary of the film director’s life and work here:
February 21st, 2008
Reality and Image
Film Discussion Template
_________________________directed this film.
The film was released in ______________________(year)
The film is set in _______________________(country). Specifically, it was shot in __________________ (name of a given city or some specific location within the country.)
This film is a good example of the _____________________ (romance, fantasy, comedy, drama, adventure, action, documentary, etc.) genre.
Actors in the film speak ___________________________(language).
Here is a list of the main characters in the film, their occupations in the film, and the names of the actors who portrayed them.
E.g. Don Corleone, a mafia hoodlum, Marlin Brando
Briefly summarize (in fewer than 100 words) the plot of this film:
The director develops several themes/ideas in this movie. These include:
In my view, the “message” of the movie is:
Several lines of dialogue caught my attention. These include (verbatim quote):
1.
2.
3.
The film contained some interesting production values (special effects, sets, costumes, locations, etc.). Viewers will especially note:
In my research and viewing of the movie, I discovered one other thing that students should know about this film:
Answer two of the following:
My favorite scene in the movie was when … (and explain why it was your favorites).
One scene in the movie took me by surprise:
One scene in the movie confused me:
One scene in the movie demonstrated to me that Africans have their own culture — different from that of African Americans. That scene was:
One scene demonstrated to me that Africans share a very similar culture with African Americans. That scene was:
And finally,
I would/would not (circle one) this movie to a friend. My reason for that is:
Reality and Image
Film Discussion Template
_________________________directed this film.
The film was released in ______________________(year)
The film is set in _______________________(country). Specifically, it was shot in __________________ (name of a given city or some specific location within the country.)
This film is a good example of the _____________________ (romance, fantasy, comedy, drama, adventure, action, documentary, etc.) genre.
Actors in the film speak ___________________________(language).
Here is a list of the main characters in the film, their occupations in the film, and the names of the actors who portrayed them.
E.g. Don Corleone, a mafia hoodlum, Marlin Brando
Briefly summarize (in fewer than 100 words) the plot of this film:
The director develops several themes/ideas in this movie. These include:
In my view, the “message” of the movie is:
Several lines of dialogue caught my attention. These include (verbatim quote):
1.
2.
3.
The film contained some interesting production values (special effects, sets, costumes, locations, etc.). Viewers will especially note:
In my research and viewing of the movie, I discovered one other thing that students should know about this film:
Answer two of the following:
My favorite scene in the movie was when … (and explain why it was your favorites).
One scene in the movie took me by surprise:
One scene in the movie confused me:
One scene in the movie demonstrated to me that Africans have their own culture — different from that of African Americans. That scene was:
One scene demonstrated to me that Africans share a very similar culture with African Americans. That scene was:
And finally,
I would/would not (circle one) this movie to a friend. My reason for that is:
Reality and Image
Film Discussion Template
_________________________directed this film.
The film was released in ______________________(year)
The film is set in _______________________(country). Specifically, it was shot in __________________ (name of a given city or some specific location within the country.)
This film is a good example of the _____________________ (romance, fantasy, comedy, drama, adventure, action, documentary, etc.) genre.
Actors in the film speak ___________________________(language).
Here is a list of the main characters in the film, their occupations in the film, and the names of the actors who portrayed them.
E.g. Don Corleone, a mafia hoodlum, Marlin Brando
Briefly summarize (in fewer than 100 words) the plot of this film:
The director develops several themes/ideas in this movie. These include:
In my view, the “message” of the movie is:
Several lines of dialogue caught my attention. These include (verbatim quote):
1.
2.
3.
The film contained some interesting production values (special effects, sets, costumes, locations, etc.). Viewers will especially note:
In my research and viewing of the movie, I discovered one other thing that students should know about this film:
Answer two of the following:
My favorite scene in the movie was when … (and explain why it was your favorites).
One scene in the movie took me by surprise:
One scene in the movie confused me:
One scene in the movie demonstrated to me that Africans have their own culture — different from that of African Americans. That scene was:
One scene demonstrated to me that Africans share a very similar culture with African Americans. That scene was:
And finally,
I would/would not (circle one) this movie to a friend. My reason for that is:
Reality and Image
Film Discussion Template
_________________________directed this film.
The film was released in ______________________(year)
The film is set in _______________________(country). Specifically, it was shot in __________________ (name of a given city or some specific location within the country.)
This film is a good example of the _____________________ (romance, fantasy, comedy, drama, adventure, action, documentary, etc.) genre.
Actors in the film speak ___________________________(language).
Here is a list of the main characters in the film, their occupations in the film, and the names of the actors who portrayed them.
E.g. Don Corleone, a mafia hoodlum, Marlin Brando
Briefly summarize (in fewer than 100 words) the plot of this film:
The director develops several themes/ideas in this movie. These include:
In my view, the “message” of the movie is:
Several lines of dialogue caught my attention. These include (verbatim quote):
1.
2.
3.
The film contained some interesting production values (special effects, sets, costumes, locations, etc.). Viewers will especially note:
In my research and viewing of the movie, I discovered one other thing that students should know about this film:
Answer two of the following:
My favorite scene in the movie was when … (and explain why it was your favorites).
One scene in the movie took me by surprise:
One scene in the movie confused me:
One scene in the movie demonstrated to me that Africans have their own culture — different from that of African Americans. That scene was:
One scene demonstrated to me that Africans share a very similar culture with African Americans. That scene was:
And finally,
I would/would not (circle one) this movie to a friend. My reason for that is:
February 21st, 2008
CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
“Honesty, hard work, excellence and caring”
Com 3308: Reality and Image
Spring 2008
W 3 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.
Cosby Studio
Mr. Mike Gormley Office Hours
Office: 123 Cosby Center W 9:30 a.m. — 10:45 a.m., 1 – 2:15, 5 – 5:15
Phone: (937) 376-6491 TWR 11 a.m. — 11:55 p.m.
Web: michaelgormleycom TR 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
Email: mgormley@centralstate.edu
Prerequisite: Com 2200: Introduction to Mass Communication
Text: You will not be required to purchase a text for this class. Instead, you will rely written handouts.
Course Description: As stated in the university catalog, this course serves as an introduction to the world of film. It provides detailed study of the history, technology, and business practices of the mass media and their relation to the reality they attempt to portray. It includes special consideration of independent films with minority theme or cast.
Course Instruction: We will view and discuss a dozen films during the course of this term. All of the films were produced by African filmmakers
Student Dispositions:
1. Students should develop an understanding of the African film industry by attending and participating in class lectures.
2. Students should develop an appreciation for African films and an understanding of their importance and place in the broader film industry. They should develop an awareness of African filmmakers.
3. Students should be able to make connections, when appropriate, between the African, American, and African American experience.
4. Students should acquire some knowledge of the history, geography, and politics of Africa.
COMMUNICATION PROGRAM COURSE POLICIES
Faculty members in the Communication Program have adopted some common course policies to help students develop good work habits and to facilitate well-ordered classrooms. We are confident that these policies will improve the quality of education in our program.
University attendance policy
“Students are admitted to the university upon the assumption that their purpose is to profit fully from the courses in which they enroll each semester. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and all examinations from the beginning of the semester. Class attendance takes precedence over all other activities or obligations” (Central State University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 51).
We take attendance seriously in the Communication Program. We want you to learn. We want you to develop good work habits. We want you to succeed in the workplace. With that in mind, we have developed a fair and easy-to-understand attendance policy.
Unexcused absences
Under university policy: “Each student is allowed only as many unexcused absences per semester as the class meets per week…. Faculty members have the right to assign a grade of ‘F’ to any student who has more unexcused absences during a semester than the number of times the class meets per week….”
Athletes and students engaged in special activities which may require absence from class, should discuss their class assignment requirements with each instructor in advance of their absence caused by the scheduled activity. “Failure to attend classes may be grounds for suspension” (Central State University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 51). We will begin taking attendance the first day of class.
THIS CLASS MEETS ONCE A WEEK. YOU ARE PERMITTED ONE UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FOR THE SEMESTER.
Tardiness
The mass media and other professions operate on a deadline. You must be on time for class. We WILL ALLOW A FIVE-MINUTE GRACE PERIOD, which means that we will lock the door five minutes after the start of class. You will not be permitted to enter after that time, and you will be marked absent. If you have a reasonable excuse for being late, you should present documentation within a week. We will consider excusing the absence assuming that you can provide this documentation. Please remember:
• We will use the classroom clock to determine when to start class and when to close the door of the classroom. Please synchronize your watches to the clock. If the classroom clock indicates 9:36 a.m., you are late, and you will not be permitted in the classroom.
• You must be in the classroom to be considered “present.” Please do not drop off your book bag or other personal items during the grace period and then leave the classroom. Once the door closes, you will not be permitted into the classroom.
Incomplete grades
Under university policy, “A grade of Incomplete is a temporary grade assigned to students who lack final assignments, or who, for some extenuating circumstances, were unable to complete the requirements of the course within the semester.” The incomplete grade requires the signature of the instructor and the student with a brief description of the requirements necessary to receive a grade (Central State University catalog, p. 34). It is your responsibility to request an incomplete grade. If you do not ask for one, you will not receive one.
Excused absences defined/evidence required
We will consider “excusing” reasonable absences related to personal illness, serious illness of an immediate family member, death of a family member, required military service, required school trips and activities, job interviews for graduating seniors, and required court appearances.
You must document your absence for us to excuse it. You must turn in supporting documentation explaining the absence within a week of your return to class. We will not excuse an absence — even if you have a legitimate excuse — if you do not document the absence within a week.
Here is what you should do:
• In the case of illness, you should submit a letter signed by your doctor, on the doctor’s stationary, with your name on it as a patient, with dates of illness, description of illness, treatment prescribed, phone number and address of doctor. (In the case of a sick family member, the doctor should give the same information on the patient, while stating your relationship to the patient.)
• In the case of a family member’s death, you should submit a copy of the person’s death certificate, a newspaper obituary, or a note from the funeral parlor. Whatever document you provide should establish when the person died and and/or when the funeral service was held.
• In the case of military service, you should submit a copy of your military orders signed by the appropriate officer and indicating the date and place of your off-campus assignment.
• In the case of required field trip or other school activity, you should submit a signed letter from your professor, coach or other school official stating the date and time of the trip, its purpose and duration,
• In the case of a job interview, you should submit a signed letter from your interviewer stating the date, time and place of the interview, the letter should be printed on company letterhead and state that there was no other time available — other than class time — to arrange the interview.
• In the case of a court appearance, you should submit an appropriate court record showing the date and time of the court appearance.
Please provide your documentation within a week. Submit a copy of the document if you need to keep the original.
Classroom conduct
It is important to maintain proper classroom decorum. The classroom is a place of learning. It is not a place to socialize, sleep, eat, or take phone calls. There will be no eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing during class. You must stay awake. Yawning in class is a sign of disrespect. Don’t do it. You must not be disruptive or unruly. Students who disregard basic manners will be instructed to leave the class and will be marked absent for the day.
Cell phones and audible pagers are prohibited from the classroom. If your cell phone rings during class, you must either give me the phone (to be returned to you by 4 p.m.) or you must leave class and be marked absent.
Make-ups
The professor will grant make-ups at his or her discretion.
Cheating
You cannot learn by cheating. If you turn in someone else’s work or otherwise cheat, you will get a “0″ (zero) on that assignment. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
Professional Attire Day
Every Wednesday is professional attire day. If you come to class, and you are not dressed in professional attire, you will be sent home. No exceptions.
Core Values
We want students who are “ripe.” They show respect, demonstrate initiative, have a positive attitude and strive for excellence.
ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES
Signing into class
You should report for class by signing the attendance sheet. I may “call out” attendance to confirm what I see on the attendance sheet, but your signature is the only proof of your attendance. If you do not sign the attendance sheet, you will be considered absent for the day. (At the end of the term, if there is any question about your attendance, we will simply refer to the sign-in sheets.)
Assignments: There will be three assignments due during the course of the semester.
1. Film Review
You will be expected to review an American film set in Africa. The film should be a major studio release. It may or may not be currently on exhibit in theatres. The review will be worth 25 points. This assignment is due at the start of class Wednesday, February 20. (Be sure to save a digital copy of your review. I will forward some of the better reviews to the student editor of the Gold Torch.) Note: I will provide you with several film reviews, which you may use as models for your reviews. There are several discount theatres in the area.
2. Personal essay
You will each be asked to write a personal essay relating any one of the films we have viewed to your own life. Each essay will be worth 25 points. This assignment is due at the start of class April 2, 2008.
• You will receive ten points if they essay is submitted by the assigned deadline.
• You will receive ten points if the essay is at least 500 words in length.
• You will receive five points if the essay is submitted as a “clean” document — it exhibits proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage, etc.
3. Presentation
Each student will be expected to make one class presentation, working with one or two classmates, over the course of the semester. Each presentation will be worth 25 points. We will begin these presentations the third week of class.
Tests
You will have 3-4 exams, and a final exam, over the course of the term. Each will be worth 50 points.
Extra Credit: I will typically include extra credit questions on the exams. You may earn up to 30 points by turning in extra credit assignments.
1. You may earn extra credit by submitting work for The Gold Torch. You may submit photo packets or news articles, worth 15 points each.
a. Photo Packet
Each photo packet that you submit will be worth up to 15 extra credit points. Here are some tips:
• Use a digital camera. I will accept digital photos only.
• Take a variety of shots. Send me at least five of them. You never know — when you are photographing a subject — how much space the paper will have to feature the photo. So shoot lots of different shots: a tight shot, a wide shot, a low angle shot, etc. The harder you work in the field, the greater the chance that you will produce a great photo. Good photographers sweat.
• Photograph newsworthy subjects or events. Not sure? Ask me in advance. (I will consider “beauty shots” showcasing the Central State campus, but you should avoid photos of your friends hanging out.)
• Label each photo. Include a photo caption for each photo. The caption must explain the action in the photo and give the names of all the people in the photo (from left to right).
• Remember the basics. Make sure that your subject is well lit. I won’t accept poorly lit photos. Keep the light behind your subject. Unless you are shooting a beauty shot, avoid wide angles. Remember that “people” shots are better than “building” shots.
b. News Articles
Each news article that you submit will be worth up to 15 points. Each article must be “publishable.” (Please review the Addendum before turning in your work.) You won’t receive any credit for the article unless you arrange to come to my office so that we can review the article together. Be prepared to make changes and — in some instances — to do additional reporting. I will not accept opinion columns for extra credit.
Personal Days
Under university policy, “Each student is allowed only as many unexcused absences per semester as the class meets per week.” After that, I can fail you. In our Communication Program Course Policies (above), we explain what constitutes an excusable absence and what you must do to document such an absence.
The university catalog does not explicitly place a limit on the number of “excused” absences students may accumulate. And that’s a shame because an excused absence is just as bad as an unexcused absence from an educational standpoint.
Most businesses give employees a set number of personal/health days for the year. If an employee misses more days than he or she is permitted, the employee is subject to termination. In this class, you will be permitted three personal days for the term. You can take a personal day to go to the doctor if you are sick, to sleep in if you are tired, go on a field trip with a class, travel to a sporting event, join the choir on tour, or just skip class.
Anyone who misses more than three days of class will automatically fail the course, unless the student can justify the absences and requests an Incomplete grade. You must be passing the course to request an Incomplete.
Once you and I have signed an Incomplete contract, you will have six weeks upon the start of the next term to complete the assigned work. If you do not complete the work on time, the registrar will automatically convert the “I” grade to an “F.” Once an Incomplete grade has been converted to an “F” grade, no further change is permissible.
MORE THAN ONE UNEXCUSED ABSENCE: POSSIBLE “F” GRADE
MORE THAN THREE ABSENCES (OF ANY KIND): AUTOMATIC “F” GRADE; POSSIBLE “I” GRADE.
Makeups
You will not be permitted to makeup a missed exam. You may submit extra credit work instead. If you are absent the day of the final, you will be permitted to makeup the work. But it will be your responsibility to arrange to do it in a timely fashion. No one will be permitted to take the exam more than four days after the scheduled date.
Your grade on the makeup exam will be marked down by ten points – one letter grade – for each day that your work is late. I will not penalize any student who misses an exam because of a verifiable illness (written note required).
Cheating: You are all here to learn. You can’t learn by cheating. If you turn in someone else’s work or otherwise cheat, you will get a “0″ (zero) on the work and may be subject to disciplinary action. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
Grades: Your grade will be based on attendance and performance. Assuming that you have attended enough classes to pass the course, your final grade based on your exams (50 percent) and assignments (50 percent).
Z grade: Any student who is registered for class but fails to attend even one class session will be awarded a “Z” grade. A “Z” grade is calculated as an “F” and will affect your grade point average.
Communication Majors: You are required to achieve a “C” grade in all courses counting toward your major. You are also encouraged to keep a file of any written, audio or video materials that you create. You may need them to compile a portfolio (which is sometimes necessary when applying for a job). Please see me if you are compiling a portfolio and have any questions. I have created a “job guide” which is available in my office.
Americans with Disability Compliance: If you have been documented as an individual with a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services at Ext. 6387, so that reasonable accommodations can be made to assist you in your learning.
Educational Support Services: The university offers free help to students struggling academically.
1. The Center for Student Academic Success assists any CSU student enrolled in introductory English and math courses. The center is located in Simpson Hall (adjacent to the police department). It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. No appointment is necessary to receive tutoring. You may also request help in courses other than English and math. In that instance, the center will find a tutor and schedule a tutoring session. Call 376-6110 for more information.
2. The Writing Center helps students improve their writing. It is located in rooms
213 and 214 in Wesley Hall. Call Director Obi Iwuanyanwu at 376-6337, 6215 for more information. oiwuanyanwu@centralstate.edu
Concerns, Complaints
I pride myself on being a fair person, and I believe that the policies for this course are fair. You may disagree. You should feel free to voice any concerns or complaints to me directly. I prefer that you do so after class. It’s a waste of class time to engage in an extended debate about my attendance policy or my textbook policy or my on-time policy. If you have spoken to me after class but don’t like my response, feel free to take your concern to Central State administrators. These people include:
Dr. Lovette Chinwah
Head of the Communications Program
376-6209, 6300
Dr. Willie Houston
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
376-6324
Dr. Toy Caldwell-Colbert
Provost
376-6431
At the end of the semester, you will be asked to fill out an anonymous course evaluation. You should fee free to say whatever you wish about the course, good or bad.
How to Succeed: It’s easy. Complete your assignments. Come to class. Participate. Ask questions. You can’t learn if you don’t come to class. Participate in class and you will enjoy it much more than if you don’t. And always ask questions. I may not know the answer, but if I don’t, I will do my best to find out.
Good Luck!!!
Reality and Image Spring 2007
Tenetative Schedule of Films
JAN 9 Syllabus/ “The Price of Forgiveness”; Senegal
JAN 16 Urban Institute (Documentary Film Director), “Africa Dreams” (short films)
JAN 23 “O Heroi” (The Hero); Angola, Portugal, France
JAN 30 Pieces D’Identites; Congo, Belgium
FEB 6 Exam #1, “La Petite Vendeuse de Soleil”; Senegal/Switzerland
FEB 13 “Zan Boko” Burkina Faso
FEB 20 “A Walk in the Night”; South Africa
Film Review Due
FEB 27 “Everyone’s Child”’ Zimbabwe
MARCH 5 Exam #2, “These Hands” Tanzania
MARCH 12 “Black Girl”/Borom Sarret; Senegal
MAR 17-21 “Ca Twiste a Poponguine”; Senegal
MARCH 26 “Tableau Ferraille”’ Senegal
APR 2 Exam #3
Personal Essay due
APR 7-11 “Sango Malo” The Village Teacher, Cameroon
APR 16 Flex
APRIL 23 Flex
APRIL 30 Final Exam
Spring Semester Calendar
(January 7 - May 1, 2008)
JAN 7 Classes Begin
JAN 7-11 Late Registration ($150.00 Fee Assessed)
JAN 7-15 Drop/Add Period
JAN 15 Last Day to Add a Class; Last Day to Drop a Class Without Record
JAN 16 Last Day to use Book Voucher
JAN 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No Classes, Offices Closed)
FEB 4&5 English Proficiency Examination
FEB 4-10 Interim Grade Reporting Period
FEB 15 Last Day to Make Up “I” Grades from Fall Quarter
FEB 18 Presidents Day (No Classes, Offices Closed)
FEB 29 Final Deadline for submitting the Application for Graduation
MAR 4 Charter Day
MAR 10-16 Mid-Term Grade Reporting Period
MAR 17-23 Spring Break
MAR 31 Last Day to Drop or Withdraw With a Grade of “W”
APR 26 Last Day of Classes
APR 28, 29,30 Final Examinations
MAY 1
MAY 3 Commencement (Saturday )
MAY 5 Final Grades Due by 4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
NAME: Mike Gormley OFFICE: 123 Cosby Center PHONE: 937 376-6491 EMAIL: mgormley@centralstate.edu
WEB SITE: michaelgormley.com DEPT: Humanities/Philosophy YEAR: _2007-2008 QUARTER: Spring
HOUR MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
9:30-10:45 p.m.
Reporting
3319
OFFICE HOURS
Reporting
3319
11-11:50 a.m.
OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE HOURS
Noon – 1 Lunch Lunch Lunch
1 – 2:15 p.m.
Electronic Media
3312; 02
OFFICE HOURS
Electronic Media
3312; 02
3-5:40
OFFICE HOURS till 5
Reality/Image
3308; 01
OFFICE HOURS till 5
4-5:15 p.m.
Electronic Media
3312; 01
OFFICE HOURS
Electronic Media
3312; 01
January 28th, 2008
CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
“Honesty, hard work, excellence and caring”
Com 3312 (01)
Writing for Electronic Media
Spring 2008
TR 1-2:15
Cosby 120
Mr. Mike Gormley Office Hours
Office: 123 Cosby Center W 9:30—10:45 a.m., 1 p.m.— 2:15, 4 p.m. — 5:15
Phone: (937) 376-6491 TWR 11 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
Email: mgormley@centralstate.edu TR 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
Michaelgormley.com
Prerequisite: COM 2219 and COM 2272
Text: I have written a manual, “Broadcast Stories, Stacks, Scripts, and Style,” which you must purchase and bring to class.
Course Description: As stated in the university catalog, this course involves teaching students how to write radio and television scripts, such as news, promos, commercials, public service announcements and documentaries. At the end of the semester, students should be able to write and format a complete radio and television newscast. We will also write a sit-com script.
Course Instruction: We will approach each class as a writing workshop. Students will spend the class writing a specific type of news story, formatting each story with a computer program in our laboratory.
COMMUNICATION PROGRAM COURSE POLICIES
Faculty members in the Communication Program have adopted some common course policies to help students develop good work habits and to facilitate well-ordered classrooms. We are confident that these policies will improve the quality of education in our program.
University attendance policy
“Students are admitted to the university upon the assumption that their purpose is to profit fully from the courses in which they enroll each semester. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and all examinations from the beginning of the semester. Class attendance takes precedence over all other activities or obligations” (Central State University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 51).
We take attendance seriously in the Communication Program. We want you to learn. We want you to develop good work habits. We want you to succeed in the workplace. With that in mind, we have developed a fair and easy-to-understand attendance policy.
Unexcused absences
Under university policy: “Each student is allowed only as many unexcused absences per semester as the class meets per week…. Faculty members have the right to assign a grade of ‘F’ to any student who has more unexcused absences during a semester than the number of times the class meets per week….”
Athletes and students engaged in special activities which may require absence from class, should discuss their class assignment requirements with each instructor in advance of their absence caused by the scheduled activity. “Failure to attend classes may be grounds for suspension” (Central State University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 51). We will begin taking attendance the first day of class.
THIS CLASS MEETS TWICE A WEEK. YOU ARE PERMITTED TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FOR THE SEMESTER.
Tardiness
The mass media and other professions operate on a deadline. You must be on time for class. We WILL ALLOW A FIVE-MINUTE GRACE PERIOD, which means that we will lock the door five minutes after the start of class. You will not be permitted to enter after that time, and you will be marked absent. If you have a reasonable excuse for being late, you should present documentation within a week. We will consider excusing the absence assuming that you can provide this documentation. Please remember:
• We will use the classroom clock to determine when to start class and when to close the door of the classroom. Please synchronize your watches to the clock. If the classroom clock indicates 9:36 a.m., you are late, and you will not be permitted in the classroom.
• You must be in the classroom to be considered “present.” Please do not drop off your book bag or other personal items during the grace period and then leave the classroom. Once the door closes, you will not be permitted into the classroom.
Incomplete grades
Under university policy, “A grade of Incomplete is a temporary grade assigned to students who lack final assignments, or who, for some extenuating circumstances, were unable to complete the requirements of the course within the semester.” The incomplete grade requires the signature of the instructor and the student with a brief description of the requirements necessary to receive a grade (Central State University catalog, p. 34). It is your responsibility to request an incomplete grade. If you do not ask for one, you will not receive one.
Excused absences defined/evidence required
We will consider “excusing” reasonable absences related to personal illness, serious illness of an immediate family member, death of a family member, required military service, required school trips and activities, job interviews for graduating seniors, and required court appearances.
You must document your absence for us to excuse it. You must turn in supporting documentation explaining the absence within a week of your return to class. We will not excuse an absence — even if you have a legitimate excuse — if you do not document the absence within a week.
Here is what you should do:
• In the case of illness, you should submit a letter signed by your doctor, on the doctor’s stationary, with your name on it as a patient, with dates of illness, description of illness, treatment prescribed, phone number and address of doctor. (In the case of a sick family member, the doctor should give the same information on the patient, while stating your relationship to the patient.)
• In the case of a family member’s death, you should submit a copy of the person’s death certificate, a newspaper obituary, or a note from the funeral parlor. Whatever document you provide should establish when the person died and and/or when the funeral service was held.
• In the case of military service, you should submit a copy of your military orders signed by the appropriate officer and indicating the date and place of your off-campus assignment.
• In the case of required field trip or other school activity, you should submit a signed letter from your professor, coach or other school official stating the date and time of the trip, its purpose and duration,
• In the case of a job interview, you should submit a signed letter from your interviewer stating the date, time and place of the interview, the letter should be printed on company letterhead and state that there was no other time available — other than class time — to arrange the interview.
• In the case of a court appearance, you should submit an appropriate court record showing the date and time of the court appearance.
Please provide your documentation within a week. Submit a copy of the document if you need to keep the original.
Classroom conduct
It is important to maintain proper classroom decorum. The classroom is a place of learning. It is not a place to socialize, sleep, eat, or take phone calls. There will be no eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing during class. You must stay awake. Yawning in class is a sign of disrespect. Don’t do it. You must not be disruptive or unruly. Students who disregard basic manners will be instructed to leave the class and will be marked absent for the day.
Cell phones and audible pagers are prohibited from the classroom. If your cell phone rings during class, you must either give me the phone (to be returned to you by 4 p.m.) or you must leave class and be marked absent.
Make-ups
The professor will grant make-ups at his or her discretion.
Cheating
You cannot learn by cheating. If you turn in someone else’s work or otherwise cheat, you will get a “0″ (zero) on that assignment. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
Professional Attire Day
Every Wednesday is professional attire day. If you come to class, and you are not dressed in professional attire, you will be sent home. No exceptions.
Core Values
We want students who are “ripe.” They show respect, demonstrate initiative, have a positive attitude and strive for excellence.
ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES
Signing into class
You should report for class by signing the attendance sheet. I may “call out” attendance to confirm what I see on the attendance sheet, but your signature is the only proof of your attendance. If you do not sign the attendance sheet, you will be considered absent for the day. (At the end of the term, if there is any question about your attendance, we will simply refer to the sign-in sheets.)
Supplies
I have written an easy to understand, inexpensive manual for this class. You may purchase it from me for $10.
You must bring the course manual to class. You will use it every class session. You will not be permitted into class, beginning the third week of class, if you do not have the manual with you. Such absences will be “unexcused.” No exceptions.
Personal Days
Under university policy, “Each student is allowed only as many unexcused absences per semester as the class meets per week.” After that, I can fail you. In our Communication Program Course Policies (above), we explain what constitutes an excusable absence and what you must do to document such an absence.
The university catalog does not explicitly place a limit on the number of “excused” absences students may accumulate. And that’s a shame because an excused absence is just as bad as an unexcused absence from an educational standpoint.
Most businesses give employees a set number of personal/health days for the year. If an employee misses more days than he or she is permitted, the employee is subject to termination. In this class, you will be permitted five personal days for the term. You can take a personal day to go to the doctor if you are sick, go on a field trip with a class, travel to a sporting event, join the choir on tour, etc.
Anyone who misses more than six days of class will automatically fail the course, unless the student can justify the absences and requests an Incomplete grade. You must be passing the course to request an Incomplete.
Once you and I have signed an Incomplete contract, you will have six weeks upon the start of the next term to complete the assigned work. If you do not complete the work on time, the registrar will automatically convert the “I” grade to an “F.” Once an Incomplete grade has been converted to an “F” grade, no further change is permissible.
MORE THAN TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: POSSIBLE “F” GRADE
MORE THAN SIX ABSENCES (OF ANY KIND): AUTOMATIC “F” GRADE; POSSIBLE “I” GRADE.
Makeups: If you miss a class, you will have one week upon returning to class to turn in the assignment that you missed. It is your responsibility to determine what you missed and to turn in the assignment. Late assignments will be downgraded. Please note: Turning in an assignment late will allow you to make up some missed points. However, if you turn in an assignment late and miss a deadline, the missed deadline will count against your final grade.
Extra Credit:
You may earn up to 30 points of extra credit over the course of the term. Extra credit points will be added to the total number of points you earned over the semester.
You may earn extra credit by submitting work for “The Gold Torch.” You may submit photo packets or news articles. You may submit two extra credit assignments over the course of the semester, one prior to spring break and one afterwards.
a. Photo Packet
Each photo packet that you submit will be worth up to 10 extra credit points. Here are some tips:
• Use a digital camera. I will accept digital photos only.
• Take a variety of shots. Send me at least five of them. You never know — when you are photographing a subject — how much space the paper will have to feature the photo. So shoot lots of different shots: a tight shot, a wide shot, a low angle shot, etc. The harder you work in the field, the greater the chance that you will produce a great photo. Good photographers sweat.
• Photograph newsworthy subjects or events. Not sure? Ask me in advance. (I will consider “beauty shots” showcasing the Central State campus, but you should avoid photos of your friends hanging out.)
• Label each photo. Include a photo caption for each photo. The caption must explain the action in the photo and give the names of all the people in the photo (from left to right).
• Remember the basics. Make sure that your subject is well lit. I won’t accept poorly lit photos. Keep the light behind your subject. Unless you are shooting a beauty shot, avoid wide angles. Remember that “people” shots are better than “building” shots.
b. News Articles
Each news article that you submit will be worth up to 15 points. Each article must be “publishable.” (Please review the Addendum before turning in your work.) You won’t receive any credit for the article unless you arrange to come to my office so that we can review the article together. Be prepared to make changes and — in some instances — to do additional reporting. I will not accept opinion columns for extra credit.
You may also earn extra credit by attending the Friday Teas offered by the Humanities Department. I will add ten points to your final script grade for each Tea that you attend.
Grades
Your final grade will be based on your class attendance, your ability to meet deadlines, and the quality of your work.
• Attendance
In determining your grade for the term, I will first consider your attendance. You may fail the course based on attendance alone — notwithstanding the quality of your work.
Good attendance is expected. It will not improve your final grade.
MORE THAN TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: POSSIBLE “F” GRADE
MORE THAN SIX ABSENCES (OF ANY KIND): AUTOMATIC “F” GRADE; POSSIBLE “I” GRADE.
• Deadlines
You will have regular writing assignments. You must complete your assignments by the deadlines provided.
If you miss three deadlines, you will receive no better than a C grade for the course. If you miss four deadlines, you will receive no better than a D grade for the course. If you miss five deadlines, you will fail the course.
THREE MISSED DEADLINES — AUTOMATIC “C” GRADE
FOUR MISSED DEADLINE — AUTOMATIC “D” GRADE
FIVE MISSED DEADLINES — AUTOMATIC “F” GRADE
• Quality
You will write at least seven newscast scripts and two commercial scripts. I will grade each of them on a 25-point scale. You will write at least two major scripts —a complete newscast and a sit-com — worth 50 points each.
To do well on these assignments, you must
• use standard English,
• format your scripts properly,
• exhibit good broadcast style, and
• meet your deadline.
I will deduct points from your score, on each assignment, any time you deviate from standard English, (spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage), format your scripts improperly, violate basic broadcast style standards, or miss your deadline.
YOUR QUALITY GRADE = earned points / total possible points
Z/FZ grade: Any student who is registered for class but fails to attend even one class session will be awarded a “Z” grade. Any student who attends class but drops out without officially withdrawing will be awarded an “FZ” grade. Both grades are calculated as “F” grades and will affect your grade point average.
Communication Majors: If you are a communication major, you are encouraged to keep a file of any written, audio or video materials that you create in all communications courses because you may need them to compile a portfolio (necessary when applying for a job). Please also note that you are required to achieve a “C” grade in all courses counting toward your major.
Americans with Disability Compliance: If you have been documented as an individual with a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services at Ext. 6387, so that reasonable accommodations can be made to assist you in your learning.
Educational Support Services: The university offers a lot of free help to students struggling academically.
1. The Center for Student Academic Success assists students enrolled in introductory English and math courses. The center is located in Simpson Hall (adjacent to the police department). It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. No appointment is necessary to receive tutoring. You may also request help in courses other than English and math. In that instance, the center will find a tutor and schedule a tutoring session. Call 376-6110 for information.
2. The Writing Center helps students improve their writing. It is located in rooms
213 and 214 in Wesley Hall. Call Director Obi Iwuanyanwu at 376-6337, 6215 for more information. oiwuanyanwu@centralstate.edu
Concerns, Complaints
I pride myself on being a fair person, and I believe that the policies for this course are fair. You may disagree. You should feel free to voice any concerns or complaints to me directly. I prefer that you do so after class. It’s a waste of class time to engage in an extended debate about my attendance policy or my textbook policy or my on-time policy. If you have spoken to me after class but don’t like my response, feel free to take your concern to Central State administrators. These people include:
Dr. Lovette Chinwah
Head of the Communications Program
376-6209, 6300
Dr. Willie Houston
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
376-6324
Dr. Toy Caldwell-Colbert
Provost, Vice-President for Academic Affairs
At the end of the term, you will be asked to fill out an anonymous course evaluation. You should fee free to say whatever you wish about the course, good or bad.
How to Succeed: It’s easy. Come to class. Be on time! Participate. Ask questions. Complete your assignments. Study.
Spring Semester Calendar
(January 7 - May 1, 2008)
JAN 7 Classes Begin
JAN 7-11 Late Registration ($150.00 Fee Assessed)
JAN 7-15 Drop/Add Period
JAN 15 Last Day to Add a Class; Last Day to Drop a Class Without Record
JAN 16 Last Day to use Book Voucher
JAN 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No Classes, Offices Closed)
FEB 4&5 English Proficiency Examination
FEB 4-10 Interim Grade Reporting Period
FEB 15 Last Day to Make Up “I” Grades from Fall Quarter
FEB 18 Presidents Day (No Classes, Offices Closed)
FEB 29 Final Deadline for submitting the Application for Graduation
MAR 4 Charter Day
MAR 10-16 Mid-Term Grade Reporting Period
MAR 17-23 Spring Break
MAR 31 Last Day to Drop or Withdraw With a Grade of “W”
APR 26 Last Day of Classes
APR 28, 29,30 Final Examinations
MAY 1
MAY 3 Commencement (Saturday )
MAY 5 Final Grades Due by 4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
NAME: Mike Gormley OFFICE: 123 Cosby Center PHONE: 937 376-6491 EMAIL: mgormley@centralstate.edu
WEB SITE: michaelgormley.com DEPT: Humanities/Philosophy YEAR: _2007-2008 QUARTER: Spring
HOUR MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
9:30-10:45 p.m.
Reporting
3319
OFFICE HOURS
Reporting
3319
11-11:50 a.m.
OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE HOURS
Noon – 1 Lunch Lunch Lunch
1 – 2:15 p.m.
Electronic Media
3312; 02
OFFICE HOURS
Electronic Media
3312; 02
3-5:40
OFFICE HOURS till 5
Reality/Image
3308; 01
OFFICE HOURS till 5
4-5:15 p.m.
Electronic Media
3312; 01
OFFICE HOURS
Electronic Media
3312; 01
January 28th, 2008
CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
“Honesty, hard work, excellence and caring”
Com 3319: Reporting
Spring 2008
TR 9:30 p.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Cosby 120
Mr. Mike Gormley Office Hours
Office: 123 Cosby Center W 9:30—10:45 a.m., 1 p.m.— 2:15, 4 p.m. — 5:15
Phone: (937) 376-6491 TWR 11 a.m. — 11:55 a.m.
Email: mgormley@centralstate.edu TR 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
Michaelgormley.com
Prerequisite: COM 2200 and the ability to type 25 words per minute.
Text: The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manuel, Associated Press. I have also written a Reporting manual, which you must purchase and bring to every class.
Course Description: As stated in the university catalog, this course emphasizes the fundamentals of journalism: identifying, obtaining and writing basic news stories. It includes writing hard news stories, background stories, interpretive articles, and features.
Course Instruction: We will be working on two tracks: the in-class track and the out-of-class track.
• In cllass
I will deliver a variety of lectures and you will complete a variety of written and interactive exercises to develop various reporting skills. All the exercises are included in the reporting manual that I have prepared for you. You must buy the manual and bring it to class. (The manual is offered to you at a significant savings compared to comparable journalism texts.)
We will use the manual every class and you will not be permitted into class if you do not have it. I will enforce this policy beginning the third week of the term.
• Out of class
You will work on stories and photographs for “The Gold Torch” on your own time outside of class. You will be expected to submit four stories and four photo packets over the course of the term. In addition, you will have at least one layout assignment.
COMMUNICATION PROGRAM COURSE POLICIES
Faculty members in the Communication Program have adopted some common course policies to help students develop good work habits and to facilitate well-ordered classrooms. We are confident that these policies will improve the quality of education in our program.
University attendance policy
“Students are admitted to the university upon the assumption that their purpose is to profit fully from the courses in which they enroll each semester. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and all examinations from the beginning of the semester. Class attendance takes precedence over all other activities or obligations.” (Central State University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 51)
We take attendance seriously in the Communication Program. We want you to learn. We want you to develop good work habits. We want you to succeed in the workplace. With that in mind, we have developed a fair and easy-to-understand attendance policy.
Unexcused absences
Under university policy: “Each student is allowed only as many unexcused absences per semester as the class meets per week…. Faculty members have the right to assign a grade of ‘F’ to any student who has more unexcused absences during a semester than the number of times the class meets per week….”
Athletes and students engaged in special activities which may require absence from class, should discuss their class assignment requirements with each instructor in advance of their absence caused by the scheduled activity. “Failure to attend classes may be grounds for suspension” (Central State University Catalog, 2006-2008, p. 51). We will begin taking attendance the first day of class.
THIS CLASS MEETS TWICE A WEEK. YOU ARE PERMITTED TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FOR THE SEMESTER.
Tardiness
The mass media and other professions operate on a deadline. You must be on time for class. We WILL ALLOW A FIVE-MINUTE GRACE PERIOD, which means that we will lock the door five minutes after the start of class. You will not be permitted to enter after that time, and you will be marked absent. If you have a reasonable excuse for being late, you should present documentation within a week. We will consider excusing the absence assuming that you can provide this documentation. Please remember:
• We will use the classroom clock to determine when to start class and when to close the door of the classroom. Please synchronize your watches to the clock. If the classroom clock indicates 9:36 a.m., you are late, and you will not be permitted in the classroom.
• You must be in the classroom to be considered “present.” Please do not drop off your book bag or other personal items during the grace period and then leave the classroom. Once the door closes, you will not be permitted into the classroom.
Incomplete grades
Under university policy, “A grade of Incomplete is a temporary grade assigned to students who lack final assignments, or who, for some extenuating circumstances, were unable to complete the requirements of the course within the semester.” The incomplete grade requires the signature of the instructor and the student with a brief description of the requirements necessary to receive a grade (Central State University catalog, p. 34). It is your responsibility to request an incomplete grade. If you do not ask for one, you will not receive one.
Excused absences defined/evidence required
We will consider “excusing” reasonable absences related to personal illness, serious illness of an immediate family member, death of a family member, required military service, required school trips and activities, job interviews for graduating seniors, and required court appearances.
You must document your absence for us to excuse it. You must turn in supporting documentation explaining the absence within a week of your return to class. We will not excuse an absence — even if you have a legitimate excuse — if you do not document the absence within a week.
Here is what you should do:
• In the case of illness, you should submit a letter signed by your doctor, on the doctor’s stationary, with your name on it as a patient, with dates of illness, description of illness, treatment prescribed, phone number and address of doctor. (In the case of a sick family member, the doctor should give the same information on the patient, while stating your relationship to the patient.)
• In the case of a family member’s death, you should submit a copy of the person’s death certificate, a newspaper obituary, or a note from the funeral parlor. Whatever document you provide should establish when the person died and and/or when the funeral service was held.
• In the case of military service, you should submit a copy of your military orders signed by the appropriate officer and indicating the date and place of your off-campus assignment.
• In the case of required field trip or other school activity, you should submit a signed letter from your professor, coach or other school official stating the date and time of the trip, its purpose and duration,
• In the case of a job interview, you should submit a signed letter from your interviewer stating the date, time and place of the interview, the letter should be printed on company letterhead and state that there was no other time available — other than class time — to arrange the interview.
• In the case of a court appearance, you should submit an appropriate court record showing the date and time of the court appearance.
Please provide your documentation within a week. Submit a copy of the document if you need to keep the original.
Classroom conduct
It is important to maintain proper classroom decorum. The classroom is a place of learning. It is not a place to socialize, sleep, eat, or take phone calls. There will be no eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing during class. You must stay awake. Yawning in class is a sign of disrespect. Don’t do it. You must not be disruptive or unruly. Students who disregard basic manners will be instructed to leave the class and will be marked absent for the day.
Cell phones and audible pagers are prohibited from the classroom. If your cell phone rings during class, you must either give me the phone (to be returned to you by 4 p.m.) or you must leave class and be marked absent.
Make-ups
The professor will grant make-ups at his or her discretion.
Cheating
You cannot learn by cheating. If you turn in someone else’s work or otherwise cheat, you will get a “0″ (zero) on that assignment. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
Professional Attire Day
Every Wednesday is professional attire day. If you come to class, and you are not dressed in professional attire, you will be sent home. No exceptions.
Core Values
We want students who are “ripe.” They show respect, demonstrate initiative, have a positive attitude and strive for excellence.
ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES
Signing into class
You should report for class by signing the attendance sheet. I may “call out” attendance to confirm what I see on the attendance sheet, but your signature is the only proof of your attendance. If you do not sign the attendance sheet, you will be considered absent for the day. (At the end of the term, if there is any question about your attendance, we will simply refer to the sign-in sheets.)
Supplies
I have written an easy to understand, inexpensive manual for this class. You may purchase it from me for $10. You must bring the course manual to class. You will use it every class session. You will not be permitted into class, beginning the third week of class, if you do not have the manual with you. Such absences will be “unexcused.” No exceptions.
Assignments: You will be expected to submit a news stories and photo packet once a month. I will give these stories to the student editor of the Gold Torch. Here are the procedures to follow:
Stories
Type your stories using Word. Use a 10-point “Times New Roman font” and 1.5 line spacing. Include a headline at the top of your story and a standard byline.
Football teams wins big victory
By Tom Jones
Contributing Writer
Email me a copy of the story by the assigned deadline or bring me a digital file on a CD or flash drive. I will not accept a paper-version of the story. Don’t bother turning it in if you can’t write 300 words of copy. Please review the guidelines for “publishable stories” provided below before submitting your stories.
Photos
Email me five digital photos or hand them to me on a flash drive or CD so that I can download them onto my computer. Please make sure that your name is attached to the email so that I know who is sending the email. (Your email address may not indicate to me who you are. If it doesn’t, sign the email.) Be sure to include appropriate caption information with the photos. Please review the guidelines for “publishable photos” given below before submitting your photos.
Exams: There will be no exams. This is a writing class. You may be assigned a final writing project.
Makeups: You are expected to produce a news article and a photo packet once a month. Deadlines are established at the start of the term. You are expected to meet those deadlines. I will not accept late work. I encourage you to begin your assignments as soon as possible and to complete them early to guard against illness or some other unexpected development that could keep you from turning in your assignments the day that they are due. (If you turn in an assignment late, it will automatically be deemed “extra credit.” You are only permitted to submit one extra credit story and one extra credit photo packet per term.)
Extra Credit:
You may earn extra credit by submitting work for “The Gold Torch.” You may submit one extra story and one extra credit photo packet over the course of the semester.
An extra credit assignment may be submitted to improve your overall grade for the course or to take the place of a late assignment.
Additionally, I may administer brief quizzes on the lecture material in the manual. Each quiz will consist of five questions. I will add any extra credit you earn to the points you have earned writing stories.
Personal Days
Under university policy, “Each student is allowed only as many unexcused absences per semester as the class meets per week.” After that, I can fail you. In our Communication Program Course Policies (above), we explain what constitutes an excusable absence and what you must do to document such an absence.
The university catalog does not explicitly place a limit on the number of “excused” absences students may accumulate. And that’s a shame because an excused absence is just as bad as an unexcused absence from an educational standpoint.
Most businesses give employees a set number of personal/health days for the year. If an employee misses more days than he or she is permitted, the employee is subject to termination. In this class, you will be permitted six personal days for the term. You can take a personal day to go to the doctor if you are sick, go on a field trip with a class, travel to a sporting event, join the choir on tour, etc.
Anyone who misses more than six days of class will automatically fail the course, unless the student can justify the absences and requests an Incomplete grade. You must be passing the course to request an Incomplete.
Once you and I have signed an Incomplete contract, you will have six weeks upon the start of the next term to complete the assigned work. If you do not complete the work on time, the registrar will automatically convert the “I” grade to an “F.” Once an Incomplete grade has been converted to an “F” grade, no further change is permissible.
MORE THAN TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: POSSIBLE “F” GRADE
MORE THAN SIX ABSENCES (OF ANY KIND): AUTOMATIC “F” GRADE; POSSIBLE “I” GRADE.
Grades: Your final grade will be based on your class attendance, your ability to meet deadlines, and the quality of your work.
• Attendance
In determining your grade for the term, I will first consider your attendance. You may fail the course based on attendance alone — notwithstanding the quality of your work.
Good attendance is expected. It will not improve your final grade.
MORE THAN TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: POSSIBLE “F” GRADE
MORE THAN SIX ABSENCES (OF ANY KIND): AUTOMATIC “F” GRADE; POSSIBLE “I” GRADE.
• Deadlines
You must submit a story and photo packet once a month. You will have at least one layout assignment. You will have nine deadlines for the term. They are set at the start of the term.
Assignments are due at the start of class. If you miss two deadlines, you will receive no better than a C grade for the course. If you miss three deadlines, you will receive no better than a D grade for the course. If you miss four deadlines, you will fail the course.
We will review stories/photos on
If you are sick on deadline day, email me your work. Being sick will not serve as an excuse for not turning in your work. You should finish your work early to protect against missing a deadline. Deadlines are set at the start of term.
TWO MISSED DEADLINES — AUTOMATIC “C” GRADE
THREE MISSED DEADLINE — AUTOMATIC “D” GRADE
FOUR MISSED DEADLINES — AUTOMATIC “F” GRADE
• Quality
I will assign a letter grade to each story and photo packet. I’ve included some guidelines for publishable photos and stories at the end of this syllabus.
Please know that if you consistently turn in stories with mechanical problems — grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage problems — you cannot expect better than a C grade in this class. You cannot be considered “above average” if you do not meet a basic writing standard. (If you are having problems writing “clean” stories you should seek some of the free help that the university offers. See educations support services below).
At the same time, no student who attends class, shows up on time, participates with enthusiasm, works hard, masters basic skills, improves over the course of the term, and meets his or her assigned deadlines needs to worry about a grade lower than a “C.”
Please review the “self assessment” at the end of this syllabus to monitor your progress.
Z/FZ grade: Any student who is registered for class but fails to attend even one class session will be awarded a “Z” grade. Any student who attends class but drops out without officially withdrawing will be awarded an “FZ” grade. Both grades are calculated as “F” grades and will affect your grade point average.
Communication Majors: If you are a communication major, you are encouraged to keep a file of any written, audio or video materials that you create in all communications courses. You will need them to compile a portfolio in your Senior Capstone course. (In addition, you should always save the assignments that your teachers return to you, in case you have a concern about the grade you receive.)
Americans with Disability Compliance: If you have been documented as an individual with a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services at Ext. 6387, so that reasonable accommodations can be made to assist you in your learning.
Educational Support Services: The university offers a lot of free help to students struggling academically.
1. The Center for Student Academic Success assists students enrolled in introductory English and math courses. The center is located in Simpson Hall (adjacent to the police department). It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. No appointment is necessary to receive tutoring. You may also request help in courses other than English and math. In that instance, the center will find a tutor and schedule a tutoring session. Call 376-6110 for information.
2. The Writing Center helps students improve their writing. It is located in rooms
213 and 214 in Wesley Hall. Call Director Obi Iwuanyanwu at 376-6337, 6215 for more information. oiwuanyanwu@centralstate.edu
Concerns, Complaints
I pride myself on being a fair person, and I believe that the policies for this course are fair. You may disagree. You should feel free to voice any concerns or complaints to me directly. I prefer that you do so after class. It’s a waste of class time to engage in an extended debate about my attendance policy or my textbook policy or my on-time policy. If you have spoken to me after class but don’t like my response, feel free to take your concern to Central State administrators.
Dr. Lovette Chinwah
Head of the Communications Program
376-6209, 6300
Dr. Willie Houston
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
376-6324
Dr. Toy Caldwell-Colbert
Provost/Vice-President for Academic Affairs
At the end of the term, you will be asked to fill out an anonymous course evaluation. You should fee free to say whatever you wish about the course, good or bad.
How to Succeed: It’s easy. Come to class. Be on time! Participate. Ask questions. Complete your assignments. Study.
The publishable story
Here is a check sheet to help you assess your writing. All news stories should exhibit good writing mechanics, good writing style, and good journalism.
• Writing mechanics
o The story is “clean.” Words are used properly and spelled correctly. The writer uses proper grammar and punctuation. (No story should have more than four mechanical errors.)
• Style
o The story has a clear, simple lead sentence.
o The story is written in the active voice.
o The story makes sense. It is well organized and easy to understand. The writer uses paragraphs to develop his ideas. (The writer avoids the dreaded “one paragraph” story.)
o The story is concise. It doesn’t include unnecessary words.
o The writer abides by the conventions of the Associated Press Stylebook.
• Journalism
o The story is accurate, fair, and balanced.
o The story is comprehensive. It doesn’t leave a lot of unanswered questions. (I have resisted establishing a requirement on story length. However, if you want an “A” on a story you should write at least 300 words of copy.)
o The story includes a variety of perspectives. It quotes more than one source and at least one authoritative source.
o Information is properly attributed.
oYou made your deadline!
This assessment scheme may seem complicated. Just remember, I am trying to assess your writing mechanics (grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage, AP style rules), your style (stories should be clear, concise and coherent) and your journalism (stories must be fair, factual, and focused)
Still confused? Here’s an even easier acronym: Every reporter remembers this FACT: Stories should be fair, accurate, (in) context, and timely.
The publishable photo
oThe photo is newsworthy. It highlights a person or event of interest to your audience.
oThe photo is in focus. It is well lit. The subjects of the photo are easily viewed. The photo has a focal point.
oThe photo includes caption that identifies the subjects of the photo and/or explains the action of the photo. The time and place of the photo are given. The photo includes a byline indicating who took the photo.
oThe reporter submits a packet consisting of five to six photos approaching the subject matter from a variety of viewpoints. (It is always necessary to submit tight shots, wides shots, straight-on shots, low-angel shots, etc. to give your editor a variety of options for filling the available space.)
oThe photo is submitted as an individual, jpeg attachment.
o You make your deadline!
The publishable page
After you layout a page of any paper, you should proof the layout. You should
• Check each section heading.
o It is appropriate for the content on the page.
o The page number is correct.
o The date of publication is correct.
• Check each page
o News columns are the same width on any given page.
o There are focal points on pages with photos.
o The page is completely filled with content.
• Check the photos.
o The photos on pages one and eight are in color. Inside photos are grey scale.
o Photos have explanatory captions giving the names of the people involved.
o The photographer is credited by name.
o The photo has a border.
o “Stand alone” photos appear in double boxes. They have headlines.
• Check each story.
o The headline is appropriate. It exhibits TACT. (It is tasteful, appealing, clear and true.) The headline fills the available space.
oThere is a byline for each story. The byline is formatted correctly.
o The same font and font size are used in all of the stories.
Spring Semester Calendar
(January 7 - May 1, 2008)
JAN 7 Classes Begin
JAN 7-11 Late Registration ($150.00 Fee Assessed)
JAN 7-15 Drop/Add Period
JAN 15 Last Day to Add a Class; Last Day to Drop a Class Without Record
JAN 16 Last Day to use Book Voucher
JAN 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No Classes, Offices Closed)
FEB 4&5 English Proficiency Examination
FEB 4-10 Interim Grade Reporting Period
FEB. 5 Class Cancelled (Makeup Friday, Feb. 15, 08)
FEB. 14 1ST Story (Opinion)/Photo Pack due
FEB. 15 Makeup Class – Field Trip to Victoria Theatre in Dayton
FEB 15 Last Day to Make Up “I” Grades from Fall Quarter
FEB 18 Presidents Day (No Classes, Offices Closed)
FEB 29 Final Deadline for submitting the Application for Graduation
MAR 4 Charter Day
MAR 6 2ND Story/Photo Pack due
MAR 10-16 Mid-Term Grade Reporting Period
MAR 17-23 Spring Break
MAR 27 3RD Story/Photo Pack due
MAR 31 Last Day to Drop or Withdraw With a Grade of “W”
APR 17 4th Story/Photo Pack due
APR 26 Last Day of Classes
APR 28, 29,30 Final Examinations
MAY 1
MAY 3 Commencement (Saturday )
MAY 5 Final Grades Due by 4:00 p.m.
Office Hours
NAME: Mike Gormley OFFICE: 123 Cosby Center PHONE: 937 376-6491 EMAIL: mgormley@centralstate.edu
WEB SITE: michaelgormley.com DEPT: Humanities/Philosophy YEAR: _2007-2008 QUARTER: Spring
HOUR MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
9:30-10:45 p.m.
Reporting
3319
OFFICE HOURS
Reporting
3319
11-11:50 a.m.
OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE HOURS
Noon – 1 Lunch Lunch Lunch
1 – 2:15 p.m.
Electronic Media
3312; 02
OFFICE HOURS
Electronic Media
3312; 02
3-5:40
OFFICE HOURS till 5
Reality/Image
3308; 01
OFFICE HOURS till 5
4-5:15 p.m.
Electronic Media
3312; 01
OFFICE HOURS
Electronic Media
3312; 01
Reporting Self Assessment
Student Name____________________________Date________________________________
You each received a syllabus for this course at the start of term. It explains grading policies for this class: “Your final grade will be based on your class attendance, ability to meet deadlines, and the quality of your work.”
It is time for each of you to assess your work in these areas. See me once you have completed this form.
Section I: Attendance/Reliability
Please indicate the number of absences you accumulated this term.
Unexcused absences*: __________
Total personal days (unexcused and excused absences)** __________
*Under university policy, you are permitted two unexcused absences for the term. In this course, more than two unexcused absences may result in a “F” grade.
**In this course, you are permitted six personal days. More than six absences will result in an automatic “F” grade unless you can justify your absences and request an “Incomplete” grade.
Section II: Deadlines/Productivity
Please list the stories and photos that you submitted for each monthly deadline. *
Story Photo Late submission that did not get published
Deadline #1
Date:
Deadline #2
Date:
Deadline #3
Date:
Deadline #4
Date:
*You were required to turn in a news story and photo each month. You also had to turn in a layout assignment. You had nine deadlines. If you missed two of these deadlines, you will not be eligible for a grade above a C in this course. Three missed deadlines will result in a D grade. Four missed deadlines will result in a failing grade.
Section III: Quality*
Please give yourself a quality grade. How do you feel about the work that you submitted? Did it meet the criteria for publishable stories and photos outlined in the syllabus (and course manual) that you received the first day of class?
A = I met most of the established guidelines on a consistent basis. I produced high quality work appropriate for a professional newspaper. Mr. Gormley rarely edited my work.
B = I met most of the established guidelines on some of the stories. I produced some work appropriate for a professional newspaper. Mr. Gormley lightly edited my work.
C = I often didn’t meet the established guidelines. I submitted average work that was not appropriate for a professional paper.
D = I seldom met the established guidelines. Mr. Gormley edited work quite heavily, so that it could appear in the paper.
*No one who consistently turned in writing with serious mechanical problems (spelling, grammar, punctuation, or word usage) will be eligible for a grade higher than a C.
My self-assigned quality grade:
January 28th, 2008