Spring 2013
Welcome to Global News Convergence, J4810/J7810! We're excited to have you join us. This course is intended to teach processes and techniques for monitoring, analyzing and presenting the world's news.You'll receive intensive hands-on experience through the lab portion of the course, under the guidance of the instructor and a staff of professional journalists, which is complemented by the weekly 1-hour lecture portion that focuses on the broad concepts underlying multi-perspective news presentation.
Faculty/Staff Contact
Jim Flink, InstructorEmail: [email protected]
Office hours: M-F (email me if you want to have a "sit-down" chat) Main newsroom #: 573-442-4557 |
Christian Bryant, Teaching AssistantEmail: [email protected]
Office hours: Just shoot me an email or stop by the newsroom. |
Click here to find out who else works at Newsy and how to contact them.
Course objectives
J4810/7810 includes an emphasis on hands-on learning in a real-world setting -- the newsroom of Newsy, a multi-perspective video news start-up. Students will spend 10 hours a week in the newsroom researching, writing and producing video reports for Newsy's website, mobile applications and other distribution models. The experience at Newsy is distinguished from other applied learning journalism courses by its focus on reviewing and analyzing news sources' coverage of specific stories and synthesizing multiple perspectives to present in a Newsy report. Students will receive ongoing individual coaching from experienced and professional editorial staff in the skills required for these reports. The objectives of the course include:
1) Understand the elements needed to produce an effective multi-perspective video news report
2) Be able to quickly research, analyze and prepare a multi-perspective report of 1:30- 2:30 minutes length
3) Produce well-written scripts in broadcast style that are ready for transcript posting, with proper grammar, punctuation and style
4) Learn and execute basic production skills, which include using Final Cut Pro software to produce a final version of the story for air
***For questions about anchoring, click here.
J4810/7810 includes an emphasis on hands-on learning in a real-world setting -- the newsroom of Newsy, a multi-perspective video news start-up. Students will spend 10 hours a week in the newsroom researching, writing and producing video reports for Newsy's website, mobile applications and other distribution models. The experience at Newsy is distinguished from other applied learning journalism courses by its focus on reviewing and analyzing news sources' coverage of specific stories and synthesizing multiple perspectives to present in a Newsy report. Students will receive ongoing individual coaching from experienced and professional editorial staff in the skills required for these reports. The objectives of the course include:
1) Understand the elements needed to produce an effective multi-perspective video news report
2) Be able to quickly research, analyze and prepare a multi-perspective report of 1:30- 2:30 minutes length
3) Produce well-written scripts in broadcast style that are ready for transcript posting, with proper grammar, punctuation and style
4) Learn and execute basic production skills, which include using Final Cut Pro software to produce a final version of the story for air
***For questions about anchoring, click here.
Course assignments and grading
Students will spend 10 hours a week in lab in the newsroom researching, writing, producing and editing video reports for Newsy’s website, mobile applications and other distribution models.
This spring, 70% of your grade will be determined by the 52 weekly shifts you complete (two per week for 16 weeks). You'll earn 10% of your grade through the current events quizzes you'll take each week during the lecture. Another 10% of your grade all be determined by a group innovation project (more info on that later on in the semester). The final 10% of your grade is determined by the Newsy staff and is based on the overall quality of your work. For example, did you become a more efficient and effective writer? Did you come prepared with thoughtful story pitches? Were you able to independently write, edit and add your story to the content management system?
Here's the breakdown:
70% Bi-weekly lab shifts
10% Class participation/Attendance
10% Quizzes and Assignments
10% Innovation projects
Note: Graduate students will need to complete an extra component to earn credit in the course. This will be an individual project tailored to the student’s interests.
Students will spend 10 hours a week in lab in the newsroom researching, writing, producing and editing video reports for Newsy’s website, mobile applications and other distribution models.
This spring, 70% of your grade will be determined by the 52 weekly shifts you complete (two per week for 16 weeks). You'll earn 10% of your grade through the current events quizzes you'll take each week during the lecture. Another 10% of your grade all be determined by a group innovation project (more info on that later on in the semester). The final 10% of your grade is determined by the Newsy staff and is based on the overall quality of your work. For example, did you become a more efficient and effective writer? Did you come prepared with thoughtful story pitches? Were you able to independently write, edit and add your story to the content management system?
Here's the breakdown:
70% Bi-weekly lab shifts
10% Class participation/Attendance
10% Quizzes and Assignments
10% Innovation projects
Note: Graduate students will need to complete an extra component to earn credit in the course. This will be an individual project tailored to the student’s interests.
Newsy Expectations
1) Come to class.
2) Show up for your shifts with story ideas. If you want to look for story ideas while in the newsroom, please arrive before your scheduled start time.
3) Do not turn in your script before thoroughly checking it for fact errors and spelling/grammatical mistakes.
4) Stay for your entire 5-hour shift.
5) Complete all obligations of your shift and check with the “Wingperson” before leaving the newsroom. These obligations include: sharing your script with staff members, putting your elements on the server and completing your Admin.
6) Barring medical or family emergencies, do not reschedule your shifts. Let staff members know if you will be missing a shift and fill out the “shift switch” form.
7) Script your stories on your lap top. Leave newsroom computers open for collecting elements and editing.
8) You must work your shifts during Finals Week (you can move your shifts this week to accommodate your finals schedule).
9) Let a staff member know if there is some specific skill you want to build on. We want you to get as much out of this experience as possible.
1) Come to class.
2) Show up for your shifts with story ideas. If you want to look for story ideas while in the newsroom, please arrive before your scheduled start time.
3) Do not turn in your script before thoroughly checking it for fact errors and spelling/grammatical mistakes.
4) Stay for your entire 5-hour shift.
5) Complete all obligations of your shift and check with the “Wingperson” before leaving the newsroom. These obligations include: sharing your script with staff members, putting your elements on the server and completing your Admin.
6) Barring medical or family emergencies, do not reschedule your shifts. Let staff members know if you will be missing a shift and fill out the “shift switch” form.
7) Script your stories on your lap top. Leave newsroom computers open for collecting elements and editing.
8) You must work your shifts during Finals Week (you can move your shifts this week to accommodate your finals schedule).
9) Let a staff member know if there is some specific skill you want to build on. We want you to get as much out of this experience as possible.
Policies
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful.
Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to the following:
Use of materials from another author without citation or attribution.
Use of verbatim materials from another author without citation or attribution.
Extensive use of materials from past assignments without permission of your instructor.
Extensive use of materials from assignments in other classes without permission of your instructor.
Fabricating information in news or feature stories, whether for publication or not.
Fabricating sources in news or feature stories, whether for publication or not.
Fabricating quotes in news or feature stories, whether for publication or not.
Lack of full disclosure or permission from editors when controversial reportorial techniques, such as going undercover to get news, are used.
When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting or collaboration, consult with your instructor. For closed-book exams and exercises, academic misconduct includes conferring with other class members, copying or reading someone else's test and using notes and materials without prior permission of the instructor. For open-book exams and exercises, academic misconduct includes copying or reading someone else's work.
Classroom Misconduct
Classroom misconduct includes forgery of class attendance; obstruction or disruption of teaching, including late arrival or early departure; failure to turn off cellular telephones leading to disruption of teaching; playing games or surfing the Internet on laptop computers unless instructed to do so; physical abuse or safety threats; theft; property damage; disruptive, lewd or obscene conduct; abuse of computer time; repeated failure to attend class when attendance is required; and repeated failure to participate or respond in class when class participation is required.
IMPORTANT: Entering a classroom late or leaving a classroom before the end of the period can be extremely disruptive behavior. Students are asked to arrive for class on time and to avoid early departures. This is particularly true of large lectures, where late arrivals and early departures can be most disruptive. Instructors have the right to deny students access to the classroom if they arrive late and have the right to dismiss a student from the class for early departures that result in disruptions.
Under MU policy, your instructor has the right to ask for your removal from the course for misconduct, disruptive behavior or excessive absences. The instructor then has the right to issue a grade of withdraw, withdraw failing or F. The instructor alone is responsible for assigning the grade in such circumstances.
Dishonesty and Misconduct Reporting Procedures
MU faculty are required to report all instances of academic or classroom misconduct to the appropriate campus officials. Allegations of classroom misconduct will be forwarded immediately to MU's Vice Chancellor for Student Services. Allegations of academic misconduct will be forwarded immediately to MU's Office of the Provost. In cases of academic misconduct, the student will receive at least a zero for the assignment in question.
Professional Standards and Ethics
The School of Journalism is committed to the highest standards of academic and professional ethics and expects its students to adhere to those standards. Students should be familiar with the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists and adhere to its restrictions. Students are expected to observe strict honesty in academic programs and as representatives of school-related media. Should any student be guilty of plagiarism, falsification, misrepresentation or other forms of dishonesty in any assigned work, that student may be subject to a failing grade from the instructor and such disciplinary action as may be necessary under University regulations.
Audio and Video Recordings of Classes
Students may make audio or video recordings of course activity for personal use and review unless specifically prohibited by the faculty member in charge of the class. However, to foster a safe learning environment in which various viewpoints are respected, the redistribution of audio or video recordings or transcripts thereof is prohibited without the written permission of the faculty member in charge of the class and the permission of all students who are recorded. (Collected Rules and Regulations, University of Missouri, Sect. 200.015, Academic Inquiry, Course Discussion and Privacy)
University of Missouri-Columbia Notice of Nondiscrimination
The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action institution and is nondiscriminatory relative to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. Any person having inquiries concerning the University of Missouri-Columbia's compliance with implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, or other civil rights laws should contact the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Human Resource Services, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1095 Virginia Ave., Room 101, Columbia, Mo. 65211, (573) 882-4256, or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education.
Accommodations
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need assistance, please notify me immediately. The school will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your special needs. Students are excused for recognized religious holidays. Please let me know in advance if you have a conflict.
ADA Compliance
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and need assistance, please notify the Office of Disability Services, S5 Memorial Union, 882-4696, or the course instructor immediately. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.
Religious Holidays
Students are excused for recognized religious holidays. Let your instructor know in advance if you have a conflict.
Intellectual Pluralism
The University community welcomes intellectual diversity and respects student rights. Students who have questions concerning the quality of instruction in this class may address concerns to either the Departmental Chair or Divisional leader or Director of the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities (http://osrr.missouri.edu/). All students will have the opportunity to submit an anonymous evaluation of the instructor(s) at the end of the course.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful.
Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to the following:
Use of materials from another author without citation or attribution.
Use of verbatim materials from another author without citation or attribution.
Extensive use of materials from past assignments without permission of your instructor.
Extensive use of materials from assignments in other classes without permission of your instructor.
Fabricating information in news or feature stories, whether for publication or not.
Fabricating sources in news or feature stories, whether for publication or not.
Fabricating quotes in news or feature stories, whether for publication or not.
Lack of full disclosure or permission from editors when controversial reportorial techniques, such as going undercover to get news, are used.
When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting or collaboration, consult with your instructor. For closed-book exams and exercises, academic misconduct includes conferring with other class members, copying or reading someone else's test and using notes and materials without prior permission of the instructor. For open-book exams and exercises, academic misconduct includes copying or reading someone else's work.
Classroom Misconduct
Classroom misconduct includes forgery of class attendance; obstruction or disruption of teaching, including late arrival or early departure; failure to turn off cellular telephones leading to disruption of teaching; playing games or surfing the Internet on laptop computers unless instructed to do so; physical abuse or safety threats; theft; property damage; disruptive, lewd or obscene conduct; abuse of computer time; repeated failure to attend class when attendance is required; and repeated failure to participate or respond in class when class participation is required.
IMPORTANT: Entering a classroom late or leaving a classroom before the end of the period can be extremely disruptive behavior. Students are asked to arrive for class on time and to avoid early departures. This is particularly true of large lectures, where late arrivals and early departures can be most disruptive. Instructors have the right to deny students access to the classroom if they arrive late and have the right to dismiss a student from the class for early departures that result in disruptions.
Under MU policy, your instructor has the right to ask for your removal from the course for misconduct, disruptive behavior or excessive absences. The instructor then has the right to issue a grade of withdraw, withdraw failing or F. The instructor alone is responsible for assigning the grade in such circumstances.
Dishonesty and Misconduct Reporting Procedures
MU faculty are required to report all instances of academic or classroom misconduct to the appropriate campus officials. Allegations of classroom misconduct will be forwarded immediately to MU's Vice Chancellor for Student Services. Allegations of academic misconduct will be forwarded immediately to MU's Office of the Provost. In cases of academic misconduct, the student will receive at least a zero for the assignment in question.
Professional Standards and Ethics
The School of Journalism is committed to the highest standards of academic and professional ethics and expects its students to adhere to those standards. Students should be familiar with the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists and adhere to its restrictions. Students are expected to observe strict honesty in academic programs and as representatives of school-related media. Should any student be guilty of plagiarism, falsification, misrepresentation or other forms of dishonesty in any assigned work, that student may be subject to a failing grade from the instructor and such disciplinary action as may be necessary under University regulations.
Audio and Video Recordings of Classes
Students may make audio or video recordings of course activity for personal use and review unless specifically prohibited by the faculty member in charge of the class. However, to foster a safe learning environment in which various viewpoints are respected, the redistribution of audio or video recordings or transcripts thereof is prohibited without the written permission of the faculty member in charge of the class and the permission of all students who are recorded. (Collected Rules and Regulations, University of Missouri, Sect. 200.015, Academic Inquiry, Course Discussion and Privacy)
University of Missouri-Columbia Notice of Nondiscrimination
The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action institution and is nondiscriminatory relative to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. Any person having inquiries concerning the University of Missouri-Columbia's compliance with implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, or other civil rights laws should contact the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Human Resource Services, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1095 Virginia Ave., Room 101, Columbia, Mo. 65211, (573) 882-4256, or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education.
Accommodations
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need assistance, please notify me immediately. The school will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your special needs. Students are excused for recognized religious holidays. Please let me know in advance if you have a conflict.
ADA Compliance
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and need assistance, please notify the Office of Disability Services, S5 Memorial Union, 882-4696, or the course instructor immediately. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.
Religious Holidays
Students are excused for recognized religious holidays. Let your instructor know in advance if you have a conflict.
Intellectual Pluralism
The University community welcomes intellectual diversity and respects student rights. Students who have questions concerning the quality of instruction in this class may address concerns to either the Departmental Chair or Divisional leader or Director of the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities (http://osrr.missouri.edu/). All students will have the opportunity to submit an anonymous evaluation of the instructor(s) at the end of the course.