Intro to Journalism   
College of the Atlantic — Winter 2008
Instructor: Earl D. Brechlin, Editor, Mount Desert Islander
Telephone:  288-4859 home, 288-0556 office
Email:ebrechlin@mdislander.com

Links

Syllabus

Resume

Poynter Intitute

Mount Desert Islander

COA

National Press Photographers

 

References:
Rules for Writers, by Diana Hacker
Reading assignments from text throughout the term.

Classroom expectations
All assignments should be typed, double spaced and spell-checked!
Student name, date, and course name must be on the top and all pages attached.
Grades and evaluations will be based on timely and adequate completion of assignments (point deductions for late work without permission of instructor), classroom participation and attendance.

Monday sessions  2:30-4 p.m. Library Seminar Room.
Students must be prepared to participate in You Make the Call ethicsdiscussions. Students will be expected to take notes and ask questions concerning the scheduled topic of the day’s lecture. Hand in brief written analysis comparing coverage of a single issue by various media or by various outlets in similar media and be prepared to briefly discuss your opinion.
Thursday sessions  2:30-4 p.m.
Class will begin with students sharing their discovery of any “Goofs or Gaffs” they have found or seen or heard. Editing, layout, paste-up mistakes, typos and photos switches abound. Some are funny, some serious. Careful reading of any publication will turn some up.
Come prepared with questions for the current week’s speaker or be ready to work on projects related to completing your portfolio.

Portfolio assignments during the term will include:
1.) covering a local government meeting;
2.) writing a police beat-type item;
3.) writing a letter to the editor or an editorial;
4.) writing a press release;
5.) writing news story for possible publication;
6.) filing Freedom of Information requests under Maine, Federal law;
7.) writing an obituary.

The Fine Print

Students who desire letter grades for Intro to Journalism should inform the instructor as soon as possible. Factors that will be considered will include timely and thorough completion of written assignments, class participation, and completion of portfolio. Attendance will be taken and considered in final grade determination. Classes start promptly.