Mass Communication and Journalism Pathway

The Academies of the ISD

NEWSPAPER

1600: Introduction to Media (1 credit, Gr. 9-12)

This introductory year long course focuses on broad knowledge of journalism. Students will examine the production of all media formats. The course is a prerequisite to Broadcast Media I, Journalism I, and Publications I unless approved by the instructor.

1601: Newspaper I (1 credit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Introduction to Media

Students in Journalism I will analyze media content, follow the development of journalism through its history and literature, study newspaper writing techniques, design and production. Emphasis will be on actual writing experience.

1603: Newspaper II (1 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Journalism I

This laboratory course is designed to pro- duce the school newspaper. Students will be exposed to practical experience in newspaper journalism through story generating, writing, designing, advertising, and the editing process. Additional responsibilities include meeting deadlines and recognizing legal and ethical scholastic press standards at the local, state and national levels.

1605: Newspaper III (1 credit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Newspaper II

Students will further their skills through working on the school newspaper. They will

learn the skills necessary to lead others, coach writing, and improve in-depth reporting skills. Students will also get additional preparation for a journalism career.

1607: News Writing and Reporting (MCC ENGL 104) (1 credit, Gr. 12) College Credit Available

This course offers instruction and practice in writing and editing copy for college news publications. Students will contribute work for publication. The course also includes analysis and discussion of professional and college newspapers

YEARBOOK

1600: Introduction to Media (1 credit, Gr. 9-12)

1701: Yearbook I (1 credit, Gr. 10-11)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Media

In addition to examining yearbooks through content analysis, students will study design, photographic and writing techniques of production.

1703: Yearbook II (1 credit, Gr. 11-12,)

Prerequisite: Yearbook I

This laboratory course is designed to produce the school yearbook. Students will be exposed to

yearbook (magazine) journalism through story generating, writing, designing, advertising, and the editing process. Students will observe and meet deadlines and follow student press laws. This class involves some after-school work.

1709: Yearbook III (1 credit, Gr. 12,)

Prerequisite: Yearbook II

Students will further their skills through working on the school yearbook. They will learn

the skills necessary to lead others, coach writing and improve reporting and graphics preparation for a career in publications.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

1600: Introduction to Media (1 credit, Gr. 9-12)

1901: Broadcast Media I (1 credit, Gr. 10-11)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Media

This course is to develop introductory skills in broadcast production. The content includes, but is not limited to, broadcast production; the history of broadcasting and its role as an element of the mass media; broadcast-related careers; ethical and legal issues; writing for broadcast; and use of basic equipment in broadcast production, such as video, audio, editing, and lighting.

1903: Broadcast Media II (1 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Broadcast Media I

This course is to develop skills for broadcast production and to apply these skills in producing broadcast packages/segments. The content includes, but is not limited to, skills development in writing, planning, directing, and recording broadcast packages/segments; and basic design; use of equipment, such as camera control units, audio boards, editors, special effect generators, and equipment for graphic preparation. Students must devote time outside of the regular school day to meet deadlines.

1905: Broadcast Media III (1 credit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Broadcast Media II

Through internships, job shadowing and other career investigation activities, students enrolled in Broadcast Media III will be given many opportunities to explore “real world” opportunities in the broadcast field. Students will also be responsible for producing a monthly public affairs program highlighting activities in the Independence School District.

PHOTOGRAPHY

1600: Introduction to Media (1 credit, Gr. 9-12)

8145: Basic Photography (0.5 credit, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Media or Intro to Visual Arts

This introductory course is designed to develop knowledge and basic skills in photography with an emphasis on technology and photo editing software (Photoshop). Project work will develop the student’s critical thinking and decision making skills through application selection, as well as concepts of composition and color theory. Students are required to supply their own digital camera (not a phone camera).

8148: Advanced Photography (0.5 credit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Basic Photography

This advanced course is designed to continue developing photographic knowledge and skills in photography with an emphasis on technology and photo editing software (Photoshop). Students will further develop critical thinking and decision making skills, expanding on concepts of composition and color theory. Students are required to supply their own digital camera (not a phone camera). After successful completion of this course students may continue into the AP 2D Design Photography, which may earn the student an elective college credit.

8146: AP Studio Art 2D Design/Photography (1 credit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Advanced Photography

Students will be required to investigate all three aspects of the portfolio, which include Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. Media used will be photographic. Students may use SLR 35 mm camera or digital camera or a combination of both. Students will have access to a darkroom and computer room with Adobe Photoshop CS software, as well as a scanner and printer. Students are expected to develop mastery in photographic concepts, composition and execution of ideas. They will be shown examples of AP portfolios for ideas and inspiration. The body of work submitted for the portfolio can include art/photos created prior to and outside of the AP Studio Art course. Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

MASS COMM/JOURNALISM PATHWAY ELECTIVES

1710: Photojournalism (1 credit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Media

Students in this laboratory course will produce photographs for the school publications,

including newspaper and yearbook. This involves some after-school work and should improve digital photography skills of student photographers, including proficiency in photo editing software. Students should submit an application, which can be obtained from the advisor for entrance into this course.

1650: Editorial Leadership (1 credit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Leadership position on a publication

The Editorial Leadership course is designed for student editors of the yearbook and newspaper. It emphasizes the development of skills in human relations, oral and written communication, critical thinking and advanced problem solving. This laboratory class is designed to help student editors meet the increasing demands of producing high-quality publications.

1907: Live Media and Event Broadcasting (1 credit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Media

This course will take broadcasting a step further as students will learn the skills needed to produce live video and audio coverage, and then put the skills to use as they film live events for the web, work cameras for the big screens, and assist with coverage of events.

1909: Public Relations and Marketing (1 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Media

This course will look at another career-oriented aspect of the fields, also allowing students hand on experience and promotion of schools and students. The students will learn the skills needed to write press releases, work public relations, and to create marketing and advertisement campaigns. Students will get real-world experience covering events, writing releases for the district Web site and sports Web site, and also help school organizations and groups produce programs, publications, and marketing materials. Public Relations is a key aspect of media today and an ever-growing career field that has a job at every business or group in the nation as all companies typically hire marketing and public relations people. The students will help promote their schools and students and also leave with career-based skills.