Stovall, James Glen (2002). Writing for the Media (Fifth Edition), Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

1. To prepare students to think critically about writing for the media (specifically broadcast journalism, public relations and advertising);

2. to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of the general principles of media writing;

3. to help students develop and apply media writing skills.

Participation is important and is part of your grade. Students are expected to have read the required chapters for each class session and be prepared to discuss its contents. A lack of preparation not only hurts your grade it also takes away from the quality of the in-class discussion and makes the learning experience less enjoyable for your classmates. Attendance is also a part of your participation grade. Excessive absences and/or tardiness will be reflected in the participation grade.

Projects are due at the beginning of the class period noted in the course outline. Late projects or missed exams will not be accepted without a legitimate excuse such as medical illness or emergency. If you have a situation that may present difficulties in turning a project in on time or making an exam date the proper procedure is to discuss this with me before the due date. I'm flexible and understanding when students talk with me before an assignment or exam is due. I'm much less flexible if a student tries to explain their situation after the due date has passed. In short, if you think you're going to have a problem turning in an assignment on time, talk with me before the due date. The same also applies to attendance. Excused absences are at my discretion. I am far more likely to grant them when students let me know ahead of time (when possible) or contact me as soon as possible after the missed class.

Student work will be evaluated according to the guidelines laid out in the 2003-2004 Bethel College catalog (see p. 28). To receive an "A," work should be "exceptional". "B" work is considered "good," and "C" "work "satisfactory" and so on. Handouts/explanations will be provided with the criteria for the take home exam, case presentation, team case and term paper. If you have any questions about these assignments, ask!

Students seeking disability-related accommodations, or students seeking to appeal a grade, should review policy information at http://bethelnet.bethel.edu/collegefaculty/Policies/index.htm.

The Bethel policy on academic honesty applies in this course. (see pp. 31-32 in the 2003-2004 Bethel College catalog)

Percentage breakdown for the course requirements are as follows:

Group Project Guidelines

Final grades will be based on the weighted average grades earned on the requirements noted above. For example, if a student gets a B+ for writing assignments, an A- for PR, a B for group and an A for participation, the grade would look like this: 3.3(.3) + 3.7(.3) + 3.0(.3) + 4.0(.1) = 3.4, for a final grade of B+.

Grades will be assigned based on the following scale: