General Information

• Course Title: JRNL3203 Editing and Media Management
• Course Description: Designed for writers, journalists, and other communication professionals, this course provides advanced instruction in editing text and graphics. Topics include matters of style, copy editing, and graphic design in print and online environments. Other topics include publication management, information graphics, ethical and legal considerations. The course stresses a hands-on approach and workshop setting.
• Prerequisites: ENGL 1023 or JRNL 2403.
• Location: Slider Humanities and Fine Arts Building, Room 201
• Days and Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:30 – 11:20 a.m.

Course Professor

• Professor: David Goguen, Associate Professor, Journalism
• Office: Slider Humanities and Fine Arts Building, Room 303
• Office Hours: (Conferences also available by appointment)
• Address: Slider Humanities and Fine Arts Building, Room 303, Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, KY 42728
• Telephone: (270) 384-8241
• Course Web Site: http://comartsmatrix.com/3203/
• Course Management System: http://angel/home.asp
• E-mail: goguend@lindsey.edu

Semester Office Hours

Course Textbook

• This course requires a subscription to the Questia Online Library. Questia is an online collection of books, journal, magazine, and newspaper articles. Questia also offers a number of search, note-taking, and writing tools.
  • Questia Online Library
• Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law. 43 ed. New York: Basic Books, Inc. 2009.

Required Materials

• USB Flash Drive (at least 1 Gigabyte storage or larger is recommended)
• Reporter’s Notebook
• Digital Camera (recommended)
• Digital or Tape Recorder (recommended)

Course Outcomes

Students who successfully complete JRNL3203 Editing and Media Management should be able to:

• Understand the role of an editor as a decision maker in the contemporary media environment;
• Edit stories for mechanics, with special attention to style, grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
• Edit stories for content, with special attention to accuracy, fairness, attribution, news holes, and objectivity;
• Write effective headlines;
• Crop, edit, and process  photographs for print and online publication;
• Understand the fundamentals of page design and typography in print and online environments;
• Know how to create and edit information graphics;
• Demonstrate competence with word processing, photo-editing,  and page design software used by media professionals;
• Know the basic laws and ethical considerations that govern media professionals;
• Work effectively in a collaborative environment; and,
• Display professional attitudes and work habits.

Methodology

JRNL3203 Editing and Media Management prepares students for professional roles in the contemporary media, communication, business, and education environments. Critical skills learned in this class are essential for careers in print and electronic journalism, public relations, advertising, education, or almost any job requiring the gathering and presentation of information.

My philosophy as a faculty member is that I am more of a “facilitator of learning” than a teacher in the traditional sense. My approach to course design, delivery, and management is usually centered on what is called Constructivist Learning Theory. This means that I believe in experiential, inductive learning, where theoretical knowledge is paired with hands-on opportunities (learning by doing). Within this framework, I expect you to take an active role in your educational experience, whether it involves individual or collaborative learning.

Assignments for the course may be organized into all or some of the following categories:

• Photographic and Writing Projects
• Weblogs
• Seminars and Discussions
• Case Studies
• Role Playing
• Online Discussion Forums
• Exercises
• Study Guides
• Tutorials
• Wikis
• Exams and Quizzes

General Course Policies

Students should be familiar with academic policies outlined in the College Catalog. These are the standard policies throughout the institution.

• General Conduct. Professional conduct is expected at all times. Students should respect the rights of other classmates. Racist, sexist, or any other type of discriminatory language or behavior will not be tolerated.
• Prohibited Activities. Time designated for class is for official business. Engaging in personal activities during class time can be distracting for both the professor and fellow students. As a result, the following activities are prohibited:

• Academic Integrity and Plagiarism. Plagiarism is grounds for failure on an assignment or failure of the course. Plagiarism is defined here as the intentional theft or purchase of another person’s work or ideas for personal gain. Instances of plagiarism or any form of academic fraud will be reported immediately to the Academic Affairs Office. A complete copy of the Lindsey Wilson College Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy is attached to the printed version of this syllabus.
• Course Withdrawal. A copy of the Lindsey Wilson College Withdrawal Policy is attached to the printed copy of this syllabus.
• Course Extensions. Course extensions will be granted only under the most extreme circumstances and are subject to verification.
• Course Concerns. Concerns about the course or other classmates should be presented immediately in writing (via Memorandum Form) to the professor.

Special Needs and Assistance

• Learning and Other Disabilities. Students with disabilities should consult with the professor within the first two weeks of the semester about any instructional needs or special assistance needed to successfully complete the course. A complete Lindsey Wilson College Statement on Learning and Physical Disabilities is attached to the printed version of this syllabus.
• Academic Assistance. Students who need assistance with writing, math, or learning skills are encouraged to seek help at the Academic Success Center and/or Writing Center. Complete information on the Lindsey Wilson College Academic Success, Writing, and Mathematics Centers is attached to the printed version of this syllabus.

Final Exams

• The Final Exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The academic calendar, which contains the schedule for finals, is in the College Catalog and course schedule listing. Please do not make any travel arrangements to occur during the final exam week. Students are not permitted to take early finals unless extenuating circumstances exist. Extenuating circumstances include serious illness, a verified family emergency, or participation in officially sponsored travel in support of an event arranged by the College. Students should not plan on traveling before the conclusion of final exams and until the semester is officially over. All requests to take a final exam early must be made in person to the Academic Affairs Office.

Disclaimers

• Online Course Resources. Online resources developed for this course cannot be guaranteed. Although frequent attempts will be made to keep online information posted and current, problems can still occur. Please report any problems immediately to the professor.
• Syllabus Changes. The professor reserves the right to change this syllabus.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is expected, unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Poor attendance and lack of participation can result in loss of credit for an assignment and the course.

Excused and Unexcused Absences. Students are allowed three excused absences per semester for a course that meets three times a week and two excused absences for a course that meets twice a week.

There are four categories of excused absences:

• College-sponsored activities
• Personal illness
• Family or personal emergencies
• Severe weather

To qualify for an excused absence, students must meet the criteria listed below:

• The excuse must fit into one of the categories of excused absences listed above; and,
• The student must complete and submit the Memorandum Form on the professor’s web site within 24 hours before or after the absence. Telephone calls, conversations, printed notes, etc., will not be accepted.
• Failure to submit or properly fill out the Memorandum Form may result in an unexcused absence and a loss of points from your final grade.

Penalties for Poor Attendance. Each unexcused absence and/or excused absence in excess of the amount allowed above will result in a loss of two points from your final grade.

NOTE: Do not schedule doctor’s appointments, employment work hours, or any other type of appointment to occur during class time.

Tardiness. Although coming late to class is sometimes unavoidable, students should make an effort to arrive on time and prepare for scheduled activities. Coming late to class is a distraction for both the professor and classmates. The following rules regarding tardiness apply:

• Three instances of tardiness count as one absence.
• The student must complete and submit the Memorandum Form on the professor’s web site within 24 hours before (if anticipated) or after the tardiness. Telephone calls, conversations, printed notes, etc., will not be accepted.

Missing Work Assignments. Students are responsible for consulting with classmates about work missed because of absence or tardiness.

Missing an exam. Missing an exam with no penalty requires that a student follow the above procedures for an excused absence, in addition to providing written documentation stating that the absence unequivocally could not be avoided. When missing an exam, all written excuses will be verified.

• Students who fail to secure an excused absence for missing an exam will incur a penalty of 10 percent off the grade earned on the make-up test.
• Students who miss a second exam and do not have an excused absence will not be allowed to take a make-up test and will receive no points for the exam.
• Students who miss an exam must make up the test at 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday of the same week the test was administered. This will be the only time a make-up exam will be offered.

Attendance Policy Exceptions. Exceptions to the attendance policy may be made for extreme circumstances, student athletes, and those participating in other college-sponsored events. Arrangements should be made to prevent loss of credit.

Excuse Verification. The professor reserves the right to verify any excuse regarding absences or tardiness.

Assignments and Evaluation

Evaluation for the course is based on a point system. A total of 500 points are possible. Information on assignments, specific point values, and the course grading scale is found below.

Assignments are due at the beginning of each class period or, if required, within a specific time designated for a web discussion forum or blog. For more information on course topics and assignment due dates see the Course Schedule.

All work should be computer processed. Always keep printed copies of work (this includes notes, outlines, drafts, etc.). Save all work on a computer storage device and keep backups.

Late assignments are subject to a penalty of one letter grade per day, unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor. Assignments more than two days late will not be accepted.

Assignments and Values

Course Exams. Two exams are scheduled for the semester. These require you to demonstrate specific knowledge on topics and terminology covered in the course. You are responsible for preparing for exams and, of course, following directions. The Final Exam is not comprehensive. Each exam is worth 50 points or 10 percent (20 percent total) of your final grade

Study Groups. Research shows that participation in a study group can increase your chances for academic success. At the beginning of the semester, I will assign you to a study group. Your responsibilities as a study group are as follows:

• Meet at least for 30-60 minutes once every two weeks;
• Compare and contrast course notes;
• Discuss course subject matter;
• Seek help (if needed) from peers regarding course subject matter;
• Prepare for exams and/or projects; and,
• Meet as a group with the professor (if needed).

Course Grading Scale

• “A” Range
  • Percentage: 93-100%
  • Point Range: 465-500 points
• “A-” Range
  • Percentage: 90-92%
  • Point Range: 450-464 points
• “B+” Range
  • Percentage: 87-89%
  • Point Range: 435-449 points
• “B” Range
  • Percentage: 83-86%
  • Point Range: 415-434 points
• “B-” Range
  • Percentage: 80-82%
  • Point Range: 400-414 points
• “C+” Range
  • Percentage: 77-79%
  • Point Range: 385-399 points
• “C” Range
  • Percentage: 70-76%
  • Point Range: 350-384 points
• “D” Range
  • Percentage: 60-69%
  • Point Range: 300-349 points
• “F” Range
  • Percentage: 0-59%
  • Point Range: 0-299 points

Course Contract

Please read the following course contract. You should be able to answer “yes” to each statement listed below. If you have any questions regarding this agreement, please contact the instructor in writing (via Memorandum Form) within two weeks of receiving this document.

• I have received and read the course syllabus in its entirety.
• I fully understand the contents of the course syllabus and have asked any questions relevant to this document.
• I understand all course policies and what is expected of me throughout the semester.
• I have read the course evaluation policy and have a full understanding of how I will be graded.
• I understand the course attendance policy and know the consequences of missing class.
• I am aware that all correspondence with the instructor will be sent via e-mail (Memorandum Form) for archive purposes.
• I understand that electronic correspondence (e-mail, etc.) is subject to illegal invasion of privacy. If such an incident occurs, I do not hold the professor and/or the College liable in any circumstances.
• I understand that the professor has the right to change this syllabus at any time if necessary.