This is the focus of this course and therefore worth 90% of your final grade (this includes both exams). Most of the writing you do in this class will be in lab. Outside written assignments (homework) that include reporting will be weighted to count double. You will have at least three homework assignments that involve reporting. Details of these assignments will be discussed when the assignment is made.
All stories composed outside lab must have multiple sources (more than 2). Your selection of sources plays a major part in your story evaluations. If you interview someone, that person's phone number MUST BE listed at the end of the story so the instructor may check the veracity of the information. You may not interview close friends, roommates, family members. Violation of this policy is considered academic dishonesty and will result in referral to Student Judicial Affairs.
There will be a midterm exam that will count 10% of your grade. It will take place in the Mac Lab. You will write a news story from a fact sheet. Classes preceding the midterm will be used to prepare you for the midterm.
The final exam will count 10% of your grade. The exam will have two parts. For this exam, you will listen to a videotape of a speech, take notes and then write a news story.
These will count for 10% of your grade. Expect a quiz at the beginning of every lecture class period. If you arrive late, you may take the quiz but you will be given no extra time to finish. Content for quizzes will be the assigned reading for the class, AP style, grammar, current events from the newspaper.
Prof. Matt Blake
Tehama Hall 339
530-898-3608
mdblake (at) csuchico.edu
M 2-4
T, Th 12:15-1:45
I am usually around my office during late morning and throughout the afternoon. If my door is open -- it usually is -- you are encouraged to stop by with any questions or concerns.
I am available to meet with you or to help you when you need it. Do not hesitate to call my office or my home. But I cannot help you unless YOU ASK FOR HELP.
Please, do not wait until the semester is nearly over before meeting with me. If you have a physical problem or disability that affects your participation in this class, please see me immediately in private so that we can reach a reasonable accommodation.
Design © 2006 Matthew Blake