SYLLABUS

JOURN 431 – Advanced Editing & Design: Visual Journalism

Summer 2007
CADD 117

Section 1 – Monday-Friday (daily) 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Instructor: Brett Atwood

Office: Murrow East 200A
Office Hours: Before and after class
Other times by arrangement
Office phone: (509) 335-0113

The best way to reach me out of class is by e-mail at: BAtwood@wsu.edu

I check e-mail multiple times per day. If you require an immediate response, please put
PLEASE RESPOND in the header of your e-mail. Otherwise, I will try to respond in a
prompt, but less urgent, manner (usually within 24 hours). However, please note that
there will be times that I may wait until class to address your inquiries.

Course Goals

This course is designed to bring together visual and verbal forms of communicating
messages. The goal is to not only report through writing, but to find ways to make your
readers/viewers “see” and understand what we are writing about in a way that is
meaningful to the recipient.

This class will include technical, “hands on” skill development for story development in
various media (with an emphasis on online reporting). While this class is not meant to be
a substitute for dedicated Web design and content development courses, it will expose
you to some of the common online and multimedia publishing utilities.

My teaching mission is to share and propagate the standards and ethics held by this
school’s namesake – Edward R. Murrow. It is my goal to help instill a set of core values,
ethics and skills that will help to immunize journalists against the inevitable temptations
present in this industry. In the media industry, credibility is earned. One poor choice can
destroy an entire career. For this reason, you will need to operate at the highest standards
of truth, fairness, balance and accuracy.
Recommended course resources:

• “Visual Journalism: A Guide for New Media Professionals,” C. Harris/P. Lester

• “The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual,” Norm Goldstein, editor.
• OPTIONAL (but recommended) A 1GB or higher jump drive for your ongoing work.
• A dictionary and grammar guide should be brought to class (or you can use on-line
resources in class).
• Please be sure I have your current email address, preferably a wsu.edu address that you
check regularly.

Online reporting portfolio:

Throughout the semester, you will be working on writing assignments designed to use
your reporting and online content development skills. You will maintain an online blog
for publishing your work that will be accessible by the instructor and classmates. Please
be aware that any information posted on this blog will be publicly viewable and, thus,
may be held to many of the same legal and ethical standards as writings published in
traditional media. Please be prepared to share and discuss your reporting in class.

While there will be a midterm and final in this class, the completion of all assigned
writings in your portfolio accounts for a large percentage of your grade. Any missed
assignments will impact your final grade in the class.

Tests and quizzes:

There will be at least two in-class tests (midterm and final). In addition, there may be
unannounced in-class quizzes that require attendance in order to complete.

Attendance:

Class attendance is vital, as there is no textbook. Poor attendance will be reflected in your
grade because of missed assignments or problems with completion. Assignments missed
due to absence generally can't be made up. Do not ask unless there are exceptional
circumstances for an excused absence. Consideration might be given if there is
documented hospitalization, family death, university-sponsored travel (documented in
advance) or extended individual sickness.
You will lose 5 points for every class session missed.

Computer use policy:

Since we are in a multimedia classroom, each student will have access to a computer that
can be used to bring up your blog assignments. During some class sessions, there may be
time to write in your blog or use the Internet to research a story. However, please do not
use the Internet during lecture and discussion. Students who use the Internet for any
purpose not directly relating to class assignments or discussion may be asked to leave the
classroom. In particular, please refrain from using class computers for instant messaging,
downloading or indiscriminate Web surfing.

Grading:

Projects and/or reporting assignments will be graded on a rigorous and fair system. Your
reporting will be evaluated according to publishable standards, including quality of the
lead, use of language, economy of expression, readability, organization of material and
content.

In evaluating mechanics, I will consider and review spelling, grammar, punctuation,

syntax and Associated Press style. Do not misspell words or names. If this happens I will
have no other choice but to dramatically reduce your grade on that assignment (possibly
less than passing). In evaluating story reporting, consideration will also include news
judgment in gathering and selecting information, accuracy, story approach and fairness.

Do not make major factual errors. Again, if this happens, I will have no choice but to
dramatically lower your score on the assignment (possibly less than passing).

The following will also be considered in grading your reporting:

• Does the lead tell what the story is about? Is it creative, interesting and relevant?
• Is the story well reported? Does it have multiple sources? Is it balanced and objective?
Are all of the reader's questions answered? Are direct quotes informative and of high
quality? Are all sides of a story represented with a diversity of voices? Is material
organized in a logical fashion? Is writing clear and concise?
• Is the story written like a news story (precise nouns, strong verbs, active voice, correct
tense, short sentences and paragraphs, etc.)?

Since there will be an online component to some of the work you submit, I will also
factor in the technical execution of your storytelling.

Story letter grading:

Here is how I will assign grades to the stories you submit:

• A (90-100 percent) = the story needs only minor editing (this is a publishable story).
• B (80-89 percent) = the story is good, but contains some minor problems that need work
(also a publishable story).
• C (70-79 percent) = the story is an acceptable completion of the assignment, but it has
one or two serious problems in the reporting or writing. (it is not publishable without
some significant re-working).
• D (60-69 percent) = the story is seriously flawed; three or more serious problems in
reporting or writing, or not adhering to syllabus standards (it is highly unlikely this story
can be published; it would be best to start over).
• F (59 percent or below) = the story has not been completed on deadline, or was
seriously lacking in effort.
Extra credit:

Throughout the semester, there may be opportunities for extra credit. We will talk more
about any possible opportunities as the semester continues. However, availability of extra
credit is subject to change and, thus, you should not rely upon this option to reach a
higher grade.

Anonymous sources:

In most cases, do not use anonymous sources. I must approve usage in advance or
assignments will not be accepted.

Identification:

You must always identify yourself to sources as a reporting student whose work might be
published. Do not make any pre-publication review promises.

Other Housekeeping Items:

• Cell phones must be turned off in class.

• Surfing the Internet is not allowed during class (unless it is related to an assignment).
• Please be on time. Excessive tardiness may result in a lower grade.

Academic Dishonesty, Integrity and Plagiarism:

PLAGARISM OR CHEATING OF ANY KIND ON ANY ASSIGNMENT OR EXAM

WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE IN THE
COURSE. (Consult the WSU Student Handbook for further details). In other words, do
your own work. If using the ideas, work or wording from another source in written
assignments you must acknowledge the source.

Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of

completing academic work. When a student enrolls in Washington State University, the
student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with
the standards of academic integrity adopted by the University.

To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the University cannot tolerate acts
of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication.

Washington State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude
students who engage in academic dishonesty. Please understand the following definitions:
• Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty includes cheating, falsification, fabrication,
multiple submission, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, complicity, or misconduct
in research, all of which are defined below.
• Cheating: Cheating is the intentional use of, or attempt to use, unauthorized material,
information, or study aids in any academic activity to gain advantage. Cheating includes,
but is not limited to, communicating improperly with others, especially other students,
during tests or the preparation of assignments for classes; copying from books, notes, or
other sources during a test when this is not permitted; copying from another student’s
work (reports, laboratory work, computer programs, files, etc.); making improper use of
calculators or other devices during a test; illegitimately procuring or using copies of
current examinations; allowing a substitute to take an examination or write a paper for
oneself.
• Falsification: Falsification is the intentional and unauthorized alteration of information
in the course of an academic activity. Falsification includes, but is not limited to, altering
the record of data, experimental procedures, or results; falsely describing the source of
information (e.g., reproducing a quotation from a book review as if it had been obtained
from the book itself); altering academic records; altering a returned examination paper
and then seeking a higher grade based on the result.
• Fabrication: Fabrication is the intentional invention or counterfeiting of information in
the course of an academic activity without proper authorization. Fabrication includes, but
is not limited to, counterfeiting data, research results, information, or procedures with
inadequate foundation in fact; counterfeiting a record of internship or practicum
experiences; submitting a false excuse for absence or tardiness.
• Multiple Submission: Multiple submission includes, but is not limited to, submitting the
same paper or oral report for credit in two courses without the responsible instructor’s
permission; making minor revisions in a paper or report for which credit has already been
received and submitting it again as a new piece of work.
• Plagiarism: Plagiarism is knowingly representing the work of another as one’s own,
without proper acknowledgment of the source. The only exceptions to the requirement
that sources be acknowledged occur when the information, ideas, etc., are common
knowledge. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, submitting as one’s own work the
work of a “ghost writer” or work obtained from a commercial writing service; quoting
directly or paraphrasing closely from a source without giving proper credit; using figures,
graphs, charts, or other such material without identifying the sources. Identified cases of
plagiarism will result in a grade of "F" for the work in question or for the whole course.
Basically, there are two forms of plagiarism: (1) the unintentional or careless use of other
writers' words and ideas as though they were your own, and (2) the intentional
submission of another's work as your own. The important issue is that published material,
whether in print, electronic, or other media format, must be cited and not presented as
your own. For example, material obtained from the Internet is still subject to academic
integrity guidelines, and even may be identified more easily by special online search
engines used to evaluate suspect material. If you commit the first type of plagiarism, you
might be asked to rewrite part or all of your paper so your sources are properly
acknowledged.
If you knowingly turn in a paper written by someone else and claim it as your own, or
copy sections of a book or article without proper documentation, even though you
understand how to document, you have cheated and thus violated WSU's academic
integrity policies. Creating quotes or inventing sources will result in an "F" on the
assignment, possibly an "F" in the course.
• Abuse of Academic Materials: Abuse of academic materials occurs when a student
intentionally or knowingly destroys, steals, mutilates, or otherwise makes inaccessible
library or other academic resource material that does not belong to him or her. Abuse of
academic materials includes, but is not limited to, stealing, destroying, or mutilating
library materials; stealing or intentionally destroying another student’s notes or laboratory
data; hiding resource materials so others may not use them; destroying computer
programs or files needed in others’ academic work; copying computer software in ways
that violate the terms of the licensing agreement that comes with the software.
• Complicity in Academic Dishonesty. A student is guilty of complicity in academic
dishonesty if he or she intentionally or knowingly helps or attempts to help another or
others to commit an act of academic dishonesty of any of the types defined herein.
Complicity in academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, knowingly allowing
another to copy from one’s paper during an examination or test; distributing test
questions before the time scheduled for the test; collaborating on academic projects when
students are expected to work independently; taking a test for another student; or signing
a false name on a piece of academic work.
• Misconduct in Research: Graduate and undergraduate students on research
appointments for the University are responsible for compliance with the University’s
Policy and Procedural Guidelines for Misconduct in Research and Scholarship found in
the Faculty Manual. Misconduct in research is treated as academic dishonesty.
• Responsible Instructor: The responsible instructor in the academic integrity process is
the person who assigns the grades, supervises students’ work, or is responsible for
teaching operations in the course of study in which the alleged violation occurred. The
term “responsible instructor” can include, but is not limited to, instructors, graduate
assistants, another instructor, and clinical supervisors. If the conduct does not relate to a
particular course, the role of instructor for these procedures may be a department chair or
academic advisor.

Class schedule:

I reserve the right to change the class outline and even class location. If you miss a class,
I expect you to find out from your classmates what you must do for the next class. I may
give a quiz without prior notification.

At this time, I am not providing a week-by-week calendar for each session. However,
here are some notable dates:

May 25 – Midterm
May 28 – HOLIDAY (Memorial Day)
June 15 – FINAL

Accommodations

Students who have a documented disability may arrange for reasonable accommodations.
Please notify me during the first week of class of any accommodations needed for the
course. All accommodations must be approved through the Disability Resource Center
(DRC). Students requesting accommodations must have documentation of their disability
on file at the DRC, and must complete an accommodation form with a DRC staff member
and take it to each instructor for his/her signature