broadcast_journalism - Trussville City Schools

BROADCAST JOURNALISM I & II
Course Syllabus
Glendale High School 2008-2009
Ms. Cara Baxley Room 239
Phone/Voice Mail: 523.8840
GHS Office Phone: 523.8900
E-mail: cbbaxley@spsmail.org
Conference Block: First
“Great stories hang in the viewer’s ear and catch the viewer’s eye. Great
stories aim straight for the viewer’s heart. The best TV news stories don’t
just inform; they teach, illuminate, and inspire viewers.” Al Tompkins
Course Description: Broadcast Journalism I & II will provide students with the
skills and knowledge to be informed consumers of media in a technological
society. The course provides the opportunity for students to learn basic
journalistic and technological skills to be used in career choices and television
productions. Students will research, gather, and analyze information to create
video productions for broadcast to a variety of audiences.
Class Fee: Each student is required to pay a $25.00 lab fee that will be used for
equipment maintenance and supplies. This fee is due by the end of the first full
week of the quarter.
Major Instructional Goals: Students will have the opportunity to develop skills
and knowledge to
• Plan and use a variety of technologies to produce communications for
different audiences and purposes
• Evaluate and revise communications after considering audience feedback
• Edit and proofread communications to meet conventional standards
• Offer advice to classmates about revision and editing, providing support
for observations and opinions
• Analyze a variety of effective communications and use them as models for
writing and speaking
• Plan and create in-depth, research-based broadcast pieces
• Gather information and edit both pictures and sound using digital
technology
• Create broadcast packages with the elements of sound, interviews,
videography, and narration (written script)
• Analyze a variety of broadcast communications and use them as a model
for creating work
• Submit class projects to local, regional, and national competitions

• Create programming on a weekly basis for broadcast at Glendale High
School (411
Materials: Three-ring binder or folder with pockets (whichever organization
method student prefers), loose leaf notebook paper, reporter’s notebook
(optional), pen or pencil, flash drive, access to local and national television news
productions and publications
Participation/Truancies/ISS-OSS: Participation is not just mandatory—it is
essential to a successful television production and by extension, a favorable
grade. This is a performance-based class – students must be present to
perform. As a result, regular attendance is critical; truancies are not
acceptable and will result in a strike (see Penalty Sheet). Likewise, students
assigned to ISS and/or OSS will receive a strike for each instance of ISS
and/or OSS.
Many learning activities and steps in the production process will be due before
the end of the class block. A student’s participation will be measured by factors
such as attendance, punctuality, preparation, contributions, and cooperation.
Students will be awarded participation points daily, not to exceed 10% of the
student’s final grade.
Many opportunities will be presented during class to study print and video
journalism, brainstorm and research story ideas, conduct interviews, shoot
footage, log and capture video, edit packages, and tape voice overs and wrap
arounds. However, time outside of class will be required for most packages.
Students will most often be working on a package with a partner and MUST
abide by all deadlines the adviser and partner decide upon. Failure to meet
deadline will result in a punitive measure (see Penalty Sheet).
Final Exam: Students will complete a comprehensive final examination project
that will count as 10% of the student’s final grade.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Attendance: Regular attendance is essential to succeed in this class. The
Glendale attendance policy will be followed, and grade incentives will be
rewarded to those who attend class regularly.
100% attendance—Final exam or other end of term activity multiplied by 1.2
96% attendance—Final exam or other end of term activity multiplied by 1.15
92% attendance-Final exam or other end of term activity multiplied by 1.1
If students know in advance that they will incur an excused absence—due to
medical appointments, field trips, sports or other activities—he/she should turn in
work before the absence and/or make arrangements with their partner. Students
are expected to check the whiteboard for due dates, class agendas, and
objectives every day upon entering the classroom. In addition, students are

expected to be present when packages are due and during production of the
show. Students are required to participate; class time may not be used to
complete assignments for other classes. Students must be self-directed learners
who demonstrate their character and commitment by honoring production
deadlines.
Parents should notify the attendance office (523.8916 or 523.8915) each day the
student is absent. Students not excused from school by a parent/guardian will be
considered truant. Work missed because of truancy may not be completed for
credit.
Should the student choose not to contact the teacher within five school days and
make arrangements for work missed, the teacher is absolved of any
responsibility for the student’s negligence in this matter and will record a grade of
“F/0” for each of the assignments missed during the absence.
Classroom Rules:
Here’s the short version:
1. Be ready.
2. Be responsible.
3. Be respectful.
Here’s the detailed version:
• Students must sign out from the room when they are leaving to
research, interview, shoot, etc., using a legal pad on the small table
by the door. Students leaving the classroom must notify the
adviser and obtain a green pass, sign out of the classroom, and be
at the place specified on the sign-out sheet. In addition, students
must return to the classroom within 20 minutes after checking out, if
they have not received prior permission for extended time. If
students discover they must stay longer than 20 minutes while
interviewing/shooting on campus, they must phone the adviser from
a GHS classroom and, if applicable, produce a green pass back to
the classroom.
• Students who have parental permission to leave campus must
obtain permission from the adviser, have the adviser sign a green
pass to leave campus, sign out of the classroom, and must return
by the time agreed upon by student and adviser. All school rules
apply when students leave campus for broadcast journalism-related
activities. Remember, you are a representative of Glendale High
School and must behave professionally and responsibly.
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices:
Keep your cell phone out of sight and on silent/vibrate. Springfield
Public Schools Board policy states that cell phones and other electronic devices
(organizers, gaming devices, iPods, etc.) are not to be visible or audible during

instructional time. Any student with a visible or audible electronic device from
bell-to-bell will receive an automatic discipline referral to his/her assistant
principal.
Late Work: Deadlines and timelines are essential aspects of broadcast
journalism. Students work each day “on deadline.” Consequently, no late work
will be accepted in this class.
Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism/using non-legitimate sources or factgathering
practices: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students in
Broadcast Journalism I & II are required to submit their own work and cite their
sources. This means interviewing sources one-on-one in person, or if that is not
possible, via a phone call. Interviews using e-mail, Facebook, mySpace, or any
other non-“live” sources are not considered legitimate sources to use for
quotation purposes for broadcast (the exception is an e-mail or website
information area that—for example—relays factual/statistical information for use
in a story, such as a scoreboard or stats for a sports team from a coach, the
number of tickets sold for a dance from the financial secretary, a “word-for-word”
copy of a district/high school policy or practice from an administrator, etc.). Any
student caught plagiarizing, manufacturing quotes, fabricating facts and/or
using non-legitimate sources/fact-gathering practices will receive a grade
of “F/0” for the assignment and a strike.
Grading: Grading is based on a point system. The number of assignments
determines the number of points each quarter. At the end of the quarter, the total
number of points the student earns is divided by the total number of points
possible for that grading period.
ALPHA NUMERIC SCALE
GRADE %
A 4.00 93-100
A- 3.66 90-92
B+ 3.33 87-89
B 3.00 83-86
B- 2.66 80-82
C+ 2.33 77-79
C 2.00 73-76
C- 1.66 70-72
D+ 1.33 67-69
D 1.00 63-66
D- 0.66 60-62
F 0.00 0-59

STI Homepage: Parents/guardians may go to the GHS office and present a
driver’s license to receive a pin number to access their student’s attendance and
grades from home.
ALERTNOW: Springfield Public Schools has contracted with ALERTNOW, a
parent emergency notification software company, to notify parents of district-wide
important events or delays or cancellations due to inclement weather. Parents
will receive up to two messages a month highlighting upcoming events such as
report card distribution, attendance, and early release days.
CONCLUSION
Broadcast Journalism is a unique class where students have access to advanced
camera equipment, Macintosh computers, and television production software.
This endeavor will require more self-sufficiency, problem solving, teamwork,
interpersonal communication skills, and attention to detail than you can possibly
imagine. Because the entire school community will view your class work and
homework, the rewards are potentially immense. You have a challenging task
ahead of you as you report news, entertain viewers, evoke emotion, and sway
viewers’ opinions. Rely on each other and do your part to make this year a
successful one!

BROADCAST JOURNALISM I & II
Student and Parent Syllabus Signature Page
Glendale High School
Ms. Cara Baxley 2007-2008
I have read and understand the guidelines and expectations for Journalism I.
Student signature
Date
Parent signature
Date
I prefer to be contacted at the following (fill in all that apply) . . .
Home phone_____________________________
Cell phone_______________________________
Work phone_____________________________
Parent email_____________________________

BROADCAST JOURNALISM I & II CONTRACT
Glendale High School
Ms. Cara Baxley 2007-2008
Dear parent/guardian:
Occasionally it is necessary for broadcast journalism students to leave the
classroom to complete interviews, attend events, shoot video, etc. During any
time a student is out of the GHS broadcast journalism classroom, he/she must
sign a log indicating time out, destination, and time returned. Also, students
MAY need to leave GHS campus to visit other schools, complete interviews,
attend events, and shoot video. Students will be allowed to leave campus only
with parental permission and if the assignment may not be accomplished
before or after school hours. Students may not ride together when leaving
campus. All school rules apply during a broadcast journalism activity off-campus.
Circle your choice: YES NO My child may drive his/her vehicle
for journalism activities off-campus
Parent/guardian signature Date Student signature Date
VIDEO CAMERA AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY USAGE
Students are expected to be responsible for school-owned equipment used in
broadcast journalism including digital cameras, film cameras, lenses, filmcards,
batteries, scanners, camera bags, video cameras, microphones, tripods, lighting,
computers (desk top and laptop), and software. I understand that my child will
be required to pay for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment if equipment is
lost, stolen, broken, or damaged while in the care of and/or checked out to
my child. Digital camera bodies are valued at more that $1,000; lenses are
valued at $450-$1,000; video cameras are valued at $2,200; laptops are valued
at $1,400-$2,700. Camera and computer repairs start at $300, minimum.
Springfield Public Schools does not provide insurance to cover any of these
costs; students are completely financially responsible for journalism equipment.
Parent/Guardian signature Date Student signature Date
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

BROADCAST JOURNALISM I & II CONTRACT
(continued)
Please initial the following statements:
Student’s initials on first line; Parent/guardian’s initials on second line
_____ _____ With parent/guardian and adviser approval, I understand that
I may be asked to leave campus for broadcast journalismrelated
assignments and will act responsibly as a
representative of the television production and school. I will
follow all school rules.
_____ _____ I understand I will be devoting time outside of class
(including nights and weekends) in order to complete
assigned tasks by deadline. I will fulfill my assignments
during those times. If I am involved in other activities, I will
make-up the time by agreement with the adviser and group
members/partner.
_____ _____ I understand the importance and value of broadcast
journalism equipment. I will treat equipment with respect
and will not leave equipment unattended at any time while in
my care. Should I lose, neglect, or abuse equipment, I will
pay for repair or replacement of items.
_____ _____ I understand the importance of being in class. For whatever
reason, when absent during production, I will call the adviser
and/or group members/partner to report my absence so
alternate plans can be made for deadlines and so materials
can be located.
_____ _____ I will meet all deadlines assigned to me and will
communicate immediately to the adviser and/or group
members/partner if circumstances beyond my control
(i.e., inclement weather, cancellation of an event, failure of
another group member/partner to complete his/her
assignment, etc). prevents my assignment from being
completed.
Student signature
Date
________________________________________________________________
Parent signature
Date

PENALTY SHEET
Student name:_____________________________________________________
Date:______________________________
Adviser will promptly complete this form and place it in the student’s file when an
infraction occurs. If the student has questions regarding the penalty/points lost,
students should address the issue during a conference with the adviser.
REASON FOR PENALTY
Missing a package, video, interview
(applies to both rough and final
deadlines)
Missing an event and failing to make
arrangements for another group
member/partner to fulfill the
assignment. Conversely, agreeing to
fulfill an assignment for another
staff member and failing to do so.
Not doing assigned class work
No or poor fact gathering or editing
Line producers: excessive errors in
putting together a show
Unexcused absence (Truancy)
Unethical behavior (lying to adviser,
using broadcast privileges for
unauthorized activities, leaving the
classroom/building without
permission, insubordination, failure
to care for or follow procedure when
handling equipment, any unethical
behavior)
ISS or OSS
POINTS LOST
100 points + Strike for each
100 points + Strike
Up to 100 points
Up to 100 points + Strike
Up to 100 points per deadline +
Strike
Strike
Students who receive THREE STRIKES during the course of a semester will be
grounded to the classroom during class time and dropped from the class at
quarter.
DATE:__________________
INFRACTION:____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Student’s signature________________________________________