Introduction to Journalism - ENG 121 at Virginia Highlands Community College
https://courses.vccs.edu/colleges/vhcc/courses/ENG121-IntroductiontoJournalism
Effective: 2024-05-01
Course Description
Introduces students to the practice of journalism through researching, interviewing, writing, editing and revising articles for potential publication. Explores current issues in the field, media law, journalistic values, ethics and reporting. Acquaints students with Associated Press Style, copy editing, news and feature writing, and creative journalism.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits
The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.
General Course Purpose
ENG 121 is designed for students interested in writing or pursuing degrees in English or Journalism, particularly those interested in publishing their work.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
Prerequisite: ENG 111 department approval.
Course Objectives
- Critical Thinking
- Analyze various information sources, including news articles, websites, social media, and other platforms, to make informed decisions about the quality of journalism.
- Identify and develop subject matter that appeals to specific audiences and publications.
- Written Communication
- Conduct journalistic interviews using sufficient background information and open-ended questions.
- Gather, weigh, confirm, and synthesize facts into accurate, easy-to-read stories.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and apply Associated Press (AP) style to writing assignments.
- Civic Engagement
- Explain the dynamic factors and issues affecting journalism and mass communications.
- Examine the role of journalism within American democracy.
Major Topics to be Included
- Writing Articles
- Conduct journalistic interviews using sufficient background information and open-ended questions.
- Write at least one article that requires extensive research and is of potential value to the college community.
- Demonstrate proficiency in gathering facts.
- Introduce and develop a primary idea or ?lead.?
- Identify and apply common newswriting story structures.
- Revise writing in response to feedback (peer and faculty).
- Submit one article for potential publication.
- Media law and ethics
- Develop an understanding of journalistic law.
- Recognize ethical dilemmas in journalism and apply ethical frameworks to real-world journalistic situations.
- Editing and AP Style
- Practice and gain proficiency with AP Style as well as distinguishing types of stories practiced.
- Participate in an iterative process involving feedback and revision.
- Revise manuscripts for readability and style.
- Provide constructive feedback on peers? writing.
- Journalism and Democracy
- Evaluate multiple perspectives to think critically about issues of public consequence.
- Examine the role of journalism within American democracy.
- Distinguish between fact and misinformation.
- Discuss current topics in journalism and news.