YEARBOOK JOURNALISM SYLLABUS

Adviser Name______________________________________________________________

Adviser Email______________________________________________________________

Please read this course overview. When you have done so, sign it and date it. Please have your parents read and sign this document. Should you or your parents have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Objectives: This course in yearbook journalism has two primary objectives: (1) to teach students the skills required to create the book and (2) to produce a book which reflects journalistic standards. In order to accomplish these objectives, the yearbook journalism students will devote their time to the following:

*Learning their rights and responsibilities as student journalists

*Incorporating advanced design principles such as grid design and use of layered coverage in the yearbook

*Learning and using journalistic writing techniques

*Developing student leadership and decision-making skills

*Finding ways to include every student and staff member in the yearbook

*And most importantly, producing a yearbook the staff, the school and the community can enjoy.

Expectations: Four Basic Attitudes Critical to the Success of the Yearbook Staff:

-Timelines

Students will be expected to meet all deadlines. Students will also be expected to be on time for class, meetings, photo shoots and interviews.

-Risk-taking

Yearbook staff members must be willing to take a risk and to try something new. Risk-taking may involve interviewing someone a student does not know or learning new software.

-Responsibility

When a student agrees to take on the responsibility of working on a student publication, the student must also assume responsibility for his/her actions. Whenever a student is out in the school or larger community fulfilling yearbook responsibilities, that student must act as a representative of the entire school.

-Attention to Detail

Yearbook is a perfectionist's business. Students must pay attention to details because details cost money.

Grading

Students will be graded on academic points, production points, and classroom participation points.

Materials

Each staff member will be provided with a small steno pad for interviews. Students will also be using the Mac computers provided by FALA. Students will make their own press passes in which they will wear so it is visible, when out on assignments.

After-School Responsibilities

Some assignments – particularly photo shoots and interviews – will be completed outside of class time. Students should plan transportation needs and homework schedules accordingly. Students will be required to attend after school activities, in order to document these events as they happen.

Ad Sales

All yearbook staff members are required to sell advertising. It is necessary to pay for the costs of yearbook production. Selling ads is part of the journalism program because advertising helps us to simulate the activities of a professional publication. Each staff member is required to sell at least one ad, and/or approach at least 10 businesses. To facilitate this process, students will be placed in groups and will split up the sales areas. Students who fail to sell one ad and/or to approach at least 10 businesses cannot receive and A for the final grade.

Photo Equipment Use

Students may use their own cameras or they may use staff equipment. All staff equipment may be checked out first thing in the morning from room #6 (Janeece Henes). You may trade your cell phone, ipod, etc for use of this camera. You will return the camera at the end of the school day. Students who abuse this privilege or the cameras, will not be permitted to use school equipment.

Computer Use

Yearbook students have access to our Mac computers. These are very expensive machines and are therefore not to be tampered with in any way. Any signs of misuse and/or abuse will result in being prohibited from computer use the rest of the school year. This will make it difficult to receive a decent grade in class.

After Book Completion

Once the yearbook is finished, students will be expected to participate in all classroom activities and to complete all assignments as requested by the teacher. While the assignments may not be directly related to the yearbook or its supplement, they will be journalistic in nature and focused on improving students' journalism skills.

Student's Signature_______________________________________Date_____________________

Parent's Signature________________________________________Date_____________________