Journalistic Writing (The Central Times)

Who should take this course?  Juniors and seniors who have applied for and been accepted to the staff of The Central Times. 

Course focus/umbrella questions:  The focus of the course is the production of nine monthly issues of The Central Times.

Non-negotiable assignments required of all students who take this course:  Assignments are determined by staff position.  All students, however, must meet deadlines.  They are also judged by the quality and quantity of their work for each issue.

Required reading:  Supplements: Scholastic Journalism; Associated Press Style Guide

Course specific policies:

• Prerequisite:  Students must have satisfactorily completed either Enriched Print Visual Media or Written Communication: Print Visual Media prior to this course OR have received the consent of the instructor.
• Central Times subscription required.

Student expectations:

• Students must fulfill all duties and responsibilities of a staff position.  Positions include editor in chief, managing editor, page editors, staff reporters, photojournalists, copy editors, advertising manager, circulation manager, artist.
• Students must meet all deadlines.
• Students must sell advertisements.
• Students must attend all staff meetings.
• Students must attend a summer journalism workshop & various conferences/conventions during the academic year.
• Students must learn & use computer programs such as In-Design & PhotoShop.

What makes this course different from other companion courses?

The major difference is that this course is a production course.  Within this course, students work to produce nine monthly issues of the school newspaper, The Central Times.  This is as real-life as it gets.

Any other relevant and important course-related information?

• Most members of this course attend Ball State University’s Summer Journalism Workshop in Muncie, Indiana, in July.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Muncie.  Average cost? Approximately $250.
• Most members of this course attend the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association (JEA/NSPA) fall national journalism convention held annually in November.  Costs of transportation and lodging will vary depending upon the city in which the convention is held; $300 is an approximate typical cost.