Mass Media Prospectus/ 2008-2009/ Semester 1 & 2

Instructor: Mr. Jeremy VanDerKern

JVanDerKern@sau29.org

(603) 352-0640 ext. 7080

www.oocities.org/vanderkernj

Course: Mass Media 164 (Prerequisite: Application and Interview)

Time: Block 1: Mass Media Rm. 17, Library, & Labs.

Block 2: English 10 Rm. 17

Block 3: Mass Media Rm. 17

Block 4: English 10 Comp. Rm. 17

Student Learning Expectations:

Academic

(1)	Graduates read critically
(2)	Graduates comprehend at or above grade level
(3)	Graduates read for a variety of purposes
(4)	Graduates write competently
(5)	Graduates apply a writing process
~~(6)~~	~~Graduates apply mathematics~~
(7)	Graduates use a problem solving process
(8)	Graduates can find and use information
~~(9)~~	~~Graduates demonstrate skills in a chosen area of fine, performing, or practical arts~~

Social

(10)	Graduates speak clearly, concisely, and effectively
(11)	Graduates listen actively, critically, and responsibly
~~(12)~~	~~Graduates demonstrate an understanding of the values of lifelong fitness and wellness~~

Civic

(13)	Graduates demonstrate a sense of community
(14)	Graduates respect diversity
(15)	Graduates show respect for self and others
(16)	Graduates demonstrate conflict resolution skills
(17)	Graduates develop and utilize skills for a changing world (communication, leadership, teamwork, cooperation, creativity, critical thinking, decision-making, organization, problem solving)
(18)	Graduates develop a career plan

Objectives:

Broadcast Media I

This course is for those students with an interest in broadcasting and the media. In addition to developing fundamental skills in various mass media, students will study the types, purposes, and responsibilities of the media in an ever-changing world. In addition, students will not only analyze mass media but also discuss its impact on history, culture, and politics. Students will produce products in various media formats (e.g. print, radio, television, and the Internet) using appropriate speaking, writing, and presentation skills.

Materials:

ï Students will need to bring the following to class each day: a three-inch three-ring binder with dividers and college-rule paper, completed homework, and a writing utensil (pencil and black pen).

ï I prefer all work to be typed or written double-spaced in black pen.

ï The front office or the English Department provides supplies upon request to any student in financial need.

ï There is no textbook. Most reference material will be signed out to individuals or copies will be made for the class.

ï We will use a variety of video & audio recording equipment

Instruction:

ï ABOVE ALL: This class will require many extra early mornings, after school hours, ìworking lunches,î and possible weekend time.

ï We will also have several field trips planned that will interrupt your other classes.

ï I will introduce units with relevant movie clips.

ï The class will be taught using online tutorials and online quizzes.

ï I will supplement with worksheets and excerpts from industry publications.

ï I will bring in industry professionals for additional lecture notes.

ï I will strive to keep you interested by using the Internet, the library, television, radio, CDs, magazines, newspapers, field trip opportunities, guest speakers, and relevant movies.

ï Final tests will cover all relevant information for each unit.

ï Final projects will apply and reinforce skills being addressed.

ï I will teach you skills that will help you in the ìreal world.î

ï We will create the course together!

Grading: To earn a ìCî in this course, simply do what is asked and what is expected. To earn a ìB,î go one step beyond what others may think of. To earn an ìA,î be excellent.

SUPERIOR	ABOVE	AVERAGE	BELOW	FAILING
98-100 = A+	89-91 = B+	80-82 = C+	71-73 = D+	0-64 = F
95-97 = A	86-88 = B	77-79 = C	68-70 = D	0-64 = F
92-94 = A-	83-85 = B-	74-76 = C-	65-67 = D-	0-64 = F

UNITS:

Week 1: Introduction to Mass Media
Week 2: Ethics & The First Amendment
Weeks 3-5: Newspaper
Week 6: Magazine
Week 7 & 8: Radio
Week 9-11: Television
Week 12: Internet
Week 13: Trends
Week 14 & 15: Advertising
Week 16: Careers

11. Week 17 & 18: Media Blitz Final Exam

Link to complete list of units

Attendance, Formal and Informal Writing, Formal & Informal Speeches/ Debates, Listening Skills, Projects, Tests, Homework, Class Work, Class Participation, and the Portfolio will all help determine the grade for each of the sections. Each component is considered when asses final unit projects. Unit projects determine grade.

The Portfolio Assessment: The Portfolio Assessment will be based on maintaining an organized and complete portfolio which showcases all work for the Semester—I suggest that all work be kept for future reference.

The Final Exam will be cumulative & project based.

Classroom Rules:

1. Respect all supplies and equipment

2. Do not abuse press badge or passes

3. All assignments are deadline specific—No late work will be accepted

4. Be polite and respectful both in class and in the field

5. Do not fabricate facts. All sources must be cited

6. No "yellow" journalism

*Failure to follow these rules will result in removal from this class (either for the day, week, or year—depending on frequency or severity)

Academic Honesty: Cheating, plagiarism, violation of test conditions, complicity in dishonest behavior, or other falsification of academic work will result in a failing grade for the assignment. All resources that are used need to be adequately cited and documented in MLA format. Depending on the severity of the infraction, other actions may be taken. To simplify, if you borrow words or ideas from anyone or anything, give credit where credit is due.

Submitting Work: All work must be legible. All work must be on time. All work must have a proper heading: First & last name, block, date, and assignment title in the top right-hand corner. It is the student's responsibility to make sure work is handed in on time. Work submitted via e-mail or brought in on an electronic storage device (like a disk, CD, or jump drive) does not guarantee that work will be received on time or that the teacher will be able to open it or print it. For helpful hints, please refer to handout entitled Saving and Sending by Kelly Budd, KHS Librarian.

Makeup Policy: See KHS Handbook. For excused absences, students have one day for every day missed to make up work. If a student comes to school late or leaves early, I expect student to pick up and drop off any work for the day. For projects, papers, and any other assignment given in advance: students are expected to hand in work on the day it is due regardless of absences. Work may be dropped off, submitted via e-mail, or mailed to K.H.S. If a student is absent on a test day, the test will be made up after school the next day. I do not accept other late work unless arrangements have been made in advance. Students who are in-school-suspended are expected to request/ complete that will be missed. This work is due the next day. Students who are out-of-school-suspended may not make up any missed work.

Online Grades: Web Address: http://ps.sau29.org/public

You are able to check grades and attendance by pointing your Internet browser to http://ps.sau29.org/public and by entering your user name and password. If you do not have a name or password, or if you have questions regarding the operation of site, please direct them to Blue House. Parents who do not have computer and/or Internet access are invited to use our Mac Lab (Room 318) on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 6:00 PM.

As you view the site, it is important to remember that the system is provided as a convenience. Grades and other information are not always 100% up-to-date and are not official records. Specific questions about attendance should be directed to the respective house office, and questions regarding student's assignments and grades should be directed to the respective teacher.

I will make every effort in insure that assignments and grades are accurate and updated weekly. However, grades will fluctuate as I add/ drop low scores, adjust weighting, extend due dates, enter partial and extra credit, and make sure grades are an accurate reflection of student achievement. I print hard copies every other week for students and parents to check, make corrections to, sign, and return. I will not respond to unsolicited e-mails or phone calls inquiring about missing work, due dates, weighting, or assignment expectations. Students and parents should refer to the packet, calendar, and/or website for additional information regarding assignment expectations. No grade is final until progress reports and/or report cards are sent home. All missing work, corrections, and comments should be attached to the printed hard copy of grades for consideration.

E-mail Newsletter: E-mail me at jvanderkern@sau29.org and I will add you to my monthly parent/ student e-mail classroom newsletter. This newsletter contains a quick monthly outlook and enrichment opportunities.

Inclusion: The Keene School District does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, sexual orientation or marital status. If any student has a documented disability or a special circumstance, please consult privately with the teacher. Special services will be arranged and accommodations made to better suit the learner. Any student may request more time for any assignment if request is made prior to when the assignment is due. Extra Credit will be made available. I am available Mondays and Wednesdays after school from 2:15 to 2:45 and on other days and times by appointment.

This course is based upon New Hampshireís K-12 Language Arts Curriculum Framework which can be viewed at:

http://www.ed.state.nh.us/CurriculumFrameworks/k-122.htm

Special Note: Parents must sign the KHS Acceptable Use Policy allowing students to use technology at Keene High School. Students must retain these privileges throughout the semester. Additional time will be required before and after the school day for filming, interviewing, and editing. Fieldtrips to local newsrooms, broadcast stations, and colleges are required. These trips may take place during and after school (and on weekends). Students are required to watch various programs and movies in this course. Examples of programs and movies are listed separately.

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The following films and television programs may be watched in part or whole in conjunction with broadcast media.