Writing class in the dugout at Fenway Park.
Although I am on campus Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri., it is recommended that you make an appointment to meet with me. I am available for scheduled and walk-in appointments from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. I am also available for telephone appointments and may be contacted by e-mail or via Wentworth's 24-hour voice mail system. Additionally, I will make every attempt to arrange for a mutually convenient time to meet.
To increase awareness of the public relations field and journalism/news process as it relates to PR, "PR" related issues, and to provide basic instruction in public relations writing and communications. This introductory course will also serve to create/enhance media awareness as students will be introduced and exposed to various PR/media communication forms, styles and procedures.
I have placed a number of Public Relations, Newswriting and related texts on reserve in the Library for your reference. (You are not required to purchase a text for this course
RESERVE MATERIALS/ADDITIONAL READINGS
The course involves EXTENSIVE OUTSIDE INFORMATION/MATERIALS PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. Students are responsible for all readings, materials and information discussed/distributed in class. Students are expected to read newspapers/news publications, and are strongly urged to view/listen to local and national news programs, in addition to become cognizant of current affairs as they pertain to media/PR concerns.
Students are expected to attend all classes. Excessive absences can result in withdrawal from the class. More than six (6)absences may result in a reduction of the student's final grade and/or withdrawal.
SAVING WORK
Students are expected to save their assignments on an IBM formatted disk, saved in Microsoft Word. Also, it is required that when submitting any work, students must submit their original work and maintain a copy for themselves.
Homework or in-class assignments must be mechanically produced (typed, wordprocessed), and adhere to the appropriate format.
ASSIGNMENT GRADING
Of professional quality in organization, format, composition, spelling, punctuation, mechanics and content. Unless otherwise noted, up to five errors.
B) ACCEPTABLE: A document or presentation which would/may be suitable from a professional workplace, but which undermines its credibility with some small errors, including mechanical errors. Unless otherwise noted, six to nine errors.
C) CHANGES NEEDED: Approximately 10-15 errors.
D) UNACCEPTABLE: A document or work which contains major errors.
F) Assignment/work not submitted or submitted after deadline.
As dictated in the public relations/newspaper/ broadcast industry standards, deadlines are expected to be met. Assignments must be submitted on time. Late submissions may not be accepted. If accepted, they will result in a grade reduction AND must be received as noted by the Instructor.
Exam and assignment make-ups are up to the professor's discretion and may not be all
SAVING WORK
Students are expected to save their assignments on computer disk. (An IBM formatted disk, saved in Microsoft Word. It is the students' responsibility to maintain their work and handouts. When submitting any work, students are expected to submit original work and maintain a copy for their own files.
Students will be graded on the basis of the following:
(1) Total assignments, (25%)
(2) **Mid-term exam (30%)
(3) Comprehensive final exam, (35%)
(4) Attendance, class preparedness, participation and professionalism (10%)
**serves as the mid-term grade
THE
WRITING CENTER
at Wentworth
All written work submitted for this course must meet the Standards for English I. Poorly written work may be returned to the student for revision.
Students are encouraged to utilize the services of the Writing Center for help with their written work. The Center will provide one-on-one guidance to students who have difficulty with English Language Skills and/or Composition Skills. Staff will also be available as a resource for any student who has questions about his/her written work.
It is the student's responsibility to contact the staff and utilize the services of The Writing Center. I urge you to utilize their assistance.
l SYLLABUS: This syllabus is meant to serve merely as a guide to course activities/expectations. Additional time may be required to complete topics, while some topics may be added or not covered due to time constraints. Instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus. Content area may not necessarily be presented in the order noted below.
I - CRISIS COMMUNICATION/OVERVIEW
Crisis communication
II - PR/JOURNALISM: STYLE & FORM
Fake news? What is news
The newspaper
PR Style & Form, Inverted Pyramid
Leads: 5 W's and H
Captions, Headlines & Leads
III PUBLIC RELATIONS & PR ISSUES
What is "PR"
Audience Analysis: Internal & External Publics
Issues in PR
Mission Statements
IV - ROLE OF THE PR PRACTITIONER
V - PR WRITING AND FORM
PR Leads
News releases
Photostories
Captions
MID TERM EXAM -
VI - THE MEDIA
Electronic media - Radio and Television;
PR Broadcast writing (Radio & Television)
Media relations
Public Service Announcements
VII - PR ACTIVITIES
Perception and shaping an image
Press Conference/Special Events
VIII - FINAL EXAM - TBA
REQUIRED FORMAT FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS (Unless noted otherwise)
1. Type or wordprocess your work.
2. Double space (or 1.5) your sentences. (Do not single space)
3. Include a space between your paragraphs.
4. INDENT? (Your choice, but be consistent).
5. Use a one to one-and-one-half inch margin on ALL SIDES (top, bottom, left and right).
6. Number your pages.
7. FLUSH LEFT, on the BOTTOM of your LAST PAGE include:
Jane Smith (Your Name)
PR Writing (Course Name)
Assignment NAME (Press Release)
Due Date (February 22, 2000)
8. Use white paper.
9. Do not include a cover or cover page.
10. Proof your work. (Spell check AND read it)
(RE member, spell Czech is knot and May not all weighs bee help full inn finding eras).
11. Unless otherwise noted, use Left Justification (ragged right).
12.Use appropriate Font and Print size:
Recommended font size (12),
Recommended fonts:
- Times New Roman. (This line has been typed using Times New Roman, 12 point)
- Courier. (This line has been typed in Courier New, 12 point)
- Arial. (This line has been typed in Arial, 12 point)
13. Include a Dateline for Press Releases
