COM 202 - Writing for the News Media 2

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Build on reporting and writing techniques learned in COM 102, with emphasis on developing sources, covering news beats, understanding media law and ethics, and reporting for print and electronic media. Study a range of news gathering techniques, learn to develop story ideas and use public records and practice journalistic writing.

Prerequisite(s): COM 102 or permission of the department chair.

Note: Typically offered at MC and OL; spring term.

Course Outcomes:

Analyze the role of journalism in a democracy.
- Explain how the press functions as a watchdog on public officials and agencies.
- Explain the relationship between the press and society.
Access and use public records.
- Find statistics and other information online.
- Evaluate information for credibility.
- Recognize which records are required to be open to the public.
- Access public records in hard copy and online.
- Explain the open meetings law.
Find and interview sources.
- Employ initiative and creativity in finding and contacting sources.
- Demonstrate effective interviewing techniques.
Effectively cover a news beat.
- Determine what is important to readers about the beat.
- Determine how to contact key players on the beat.
Explain journalism ethics.
- Explain the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics.
- Explain professional standards of ethical journalism.
Explain the basics of media law.
- Explain libel laws in reference to case law.
- Explain invasion of privacy with reference to case law.
Demonstrate sound journalistic writing.
- Apply the basics of news writing style to writing projects.
- Demonstrate an understanding of Associated Press style.
- Explain syntax and word use as it pertains to news writing.
- Explain punctuation as it pertains to news writing.