Course Criteria

Course Description:

Building on various units and skills covered in the 9th grade year, students will continue to develop their writing skills while examining the discipline of journalism and media studies. This course focuses on the content, history, artistry, and philosophical issues the discipline encounters. Students will be asked to write creatively in a variety of genres (including journalism, creative non-fiction, film, graphic novels/cartoons, photography, television, new media, etc.). Students will study, learn, and critically think, discuss, and write about the role of Media in our lives and culture, and continue to develop their writer's voice in a variety of original writing projects to build a creative writing portfolio. 


Course Objectives:
• To understand and explore the characteristics of effective writing
• To learn successful writing techniques for non-fiction and script writing
• To explore and develop each writer’s own authentic voice
• To practice the writing process (from brainstorming through publication) in a variety of writing projects
• To communicate effectively in class and small-group discussions
• To read and research a variety of different texts as models, inspiration, and for a better understanding of the topics central to the academic fields of Communications, Media Studies, and Journalism.

Course Requirements:
• Participate in class assignments and projects
• Read, read, read; write, write, write!
• Engage in the complete writing process
• Keep a folder for handouts/work in progress/writing exercises
• Keep a writer’s portfolio of all work in progress and completed/revised work
• Keep a journal or writing notebook for writing assignments and practices
• Adhere to standard written English language conventions and grammar
• Communicate regularly with the teacher and peers through conference and discussions
• Attend school events and author’s nights (extra credit available*)
• Respect and follow the rules and procedures of the school and classroom

Course Evaluation:
25% Attendance, behavior, participation, homework, discussions
25% Portfolio (graded each term), classwork
25% Writing practices, writing projects
25% Tests/quizzes