This course introduces students to writing for the mass media. These forms include: (1) news and feature stories for print and broadcast; (2) advertising and public relations copy; and (3) screenwriting. Assignments will introduce the fundamentals of reporting and newsgathering. Fundamentals of Media Writing will also survey news styles, policy, ethics, and legal issues associated with delivering news and entertainment in diverse forms.

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COMM 102—FUNDAMENTALS OF MEDIA WRITING
COURSE SYLLABUS | Fall 2009
Instructor: Professor Allissa V. Hosten, MSJ
Office Location: New Communications Building, Room 223
Telephone Number: 443.885.1486
E-mail: Allissa.Hosten@Morgan.edu
Office Hours: Tues. and Thurs.: 11 p.m.—1 p.m. W: 2 p.m.—4 p.m.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to writing for the mass media. These forms include: (1)
news and feature stories for print and broadcast; (2) advertising and public relations copy;
and (3) screenwriting. Assignments will introduce the fundamentals of reporting and
newsgathering. Fundamentals of Media Writing will also survey news styles, policy,
ethics, and legal issues associated with delivering news and entertainment in diverse
forms. The course will feature guest lecturers throughout the semester.
GOALS
1. To prepare students to write factually, persuasively and effectively, in accordance
with industry standards.
2. To distinguish modes of media writing styles between radio, television news, print
(newspapers, magazine and Internet) journalism and advertising.
3. To explore the convergence of print and on-line media.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Write news and feature stories, advertising and public relations copy and scripts.
2. Use various professional stylebooks and library resources.
3. Prepare convergent news stories for multimedia platforms.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Goldstein, N. (ed.) (2004). The Associated Press Style Book, Cambridge, MA: Perseus
Publishing.
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2. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Students who need special accommodations during the semester because of learning,
emotional, and physical challenges should meet with me to discuss these needs. Please
provide written documentation from the Morgan State University Counseling Center, so
we can create the best educational plan.
GRADING POLICIES
Please keep the following policies in mind, when submitting your work:
1. I do not accept late assignments unless you provide a note that excuses your
absence. You have one week from your absence to make up missed work.
2. If you are unhappy with any grade you receive, you may rewrite any assignment
within one week, to earn a higher grade.
3. I do not accept assignments via e-mail. Please submit hard copies.
4. All work must be typed. Please do not use fonts larger than 12 points.
5. All work must be submitted within the first 15 minutes of class. After this grace
period, I will deduct one letter grade, and continue to do so until you submit it.
6. If you plagiarize any assignment, you will earn an “F” automatically. You will not
be able to rewrite the assignment.
GRADED ASSIGNMENTS
Print/Internet News Writing Piece 15%
Broadcast News Writing Piece 15%
Film/Visual Storytelling Screenwriting 15%
Advertising and Public Relations Copy 15%
Quizzes 10%
Midterm 10%
Final 20%
Total 100%
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3. CLASS ATTENDANCE & ETIQUETTE
I award perfect attendance in this class. If you attend every single class this semester, I
will add an extra 10 points to your overall percentage grade. While you are in class, please
be considerate toward your fellow classmates. Turn off your cell phones. Keep side
comments to a minimum.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
The following is our schedule of this semester’s key lesson plans and dates to remember.
Unless otherwise indicated, all deadlines are final. I announce homework assignments in
class. If you miss a day, check our class’ Facebook group, in the News section. Here’s to a
productive learning experience!
Week No. Week of Lessons/Deadlines
1 8/25 (T) Introductions; (Th.) Orientation to Online Learning
2 9/1 (T) Lecture: The “Big 10”; (Th.) Lecture: The Interview
3 9/8 (T) In-Class Press Conference; (Th.) Lecture: AP Style
4 9/15 (T) Creating a Blog; (Th.) Hard News Story Due + AP Quiz
5 9/22 (T) Mobile Blogging 101; (Th.) Mobile Blog Assignment
6 9/29 (T) Lecture: Broadcast v. Podcast; (Th.) Online Radio Set-Up
7 10/6 (T) In-Class Podcasting; (Th.) Podcast Piece Due
8 10/13 (T) Lecture: The TV News Blog; (Th.) Midterms Due
9 10/20 (T) Lecture: Writing for TV; (Th.) Lecture: The “Spec” Script
10 10/27 (T) In-class Producer Studio; (Th.) Spec Script Due
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4. 11 11/3 (T) Visit to WEAA Radio; (Th.) Lecture: Media Advertising
12 11/10 (T) Lecture: PSAs & Press Releases; (Th.) PSA podcasting
13 11/17 (T) In-class ad PSA podcasting; (Th.) Online radio ad writing
14 11/24 Thanksgiving Break
15 12/1 Final Exam Rough Drafts
16 12/8 FINAL EXAMINATIONS
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