About the class

WELCOME TO CFCC'S PATRIOT PRESS

The Patriot Press fills a vital role at CFCC – informing, educating and entertaining readers about the diverse opportunities and experiences that make up our college life. The Patriot Press reports on events and issues on the Ocala, Citrus and Levy campuses as well as the Hampton Center and Webber Center.

Participation on a college newspaper staff is an exciting and personally beneficial experience. You will have an opportunity to know on a first-hand basis the people, events and philosophy that shape our campus. You are the voice for CFCC students.

Introduction to Journalism and Newspaper Production has a second equally important function – to teach you the principles and practices of good professional journalism through lectures, readings and hands-on experience.

We will publish four issues of The Patriot Press this semester. You will write, edit and revise stories, take pictures, sell advertising, design pages and anything else associated with producing a monthly college newspaper.

Each month there will be several MANDATORY staff functions during class time. You must have an excused absence from Mr. Marino to miss these staff functions.

Instructional Methods: lecture, discussion, student-directed learning, hands-on production, observation, peer evaluation, guest speakers and field trips.

General Goals and Major Learning Outcomes

JOU 2100 is designed as a foundation course upon which all other studies in mass communications can be based. The focus in this course is on the development of critical-thinking skills needed by today's journalists, with an emphasis on integrity and on protecting and preserving our First Amendment press freedoms. The course examines current/past legal and ethical issues facing journalists. Its aim is to encourage students to develop a broader view of the cultural and ethical diversity in which we live. Students will also have the opportunity to develop written communication skills.

At the completion of the course, students will demonstrate:

1. the ability to define news values and qualities.

2. skills that allow them to clarify relevant issues for readers.

3. skills that show understanding of the differences between fact and opinion.

4. the ability to write in basic journalistic style

5. the ability to use grammar and spelling correctly based on the AP Stylebook.

6. cultural awareness

7. how to keep up with current events.

CODE OF ETHICS/PLAGIARISM

Student journalists are bound by the same code of ethics and responsibilities as professional journalists. Violating the CFCC Student Publications Manual Code of Ethics will result in referral to the CFCC Publications Board, which will review and recommend appropriate action.

Each student will be provided with their own copy of the CFCC Student Publications Manual. This guide outlines your rights and responsibilities as a journalist. You are expected to read and be familiar with the material in the manual.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY - Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated and may result in an "F" for the course as well as disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct. A student may be referred to Academy Integrity Seminar. This two-hour seminar costs $ 40.00 and attendance is required. (Student Handbook page 33)

ACCESS SERVICES

It is your responsibility to register with the Access Services Office should you have a verifiable and documented disability which may require reasonable accommodation (s). Further, it is your responsibility to provide your instructor with the Faculty Notification Sheet, which sets forth the reasonable accommodation(s) determined by the Equal Access Services Office. Registration with Access Services should be done at the beginning of the Term.