JOUR 3721L 02: News Content Creation 1

JOUR 3721L - News Content Creation 1

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 42743,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Michele Gatts

Email: mmgatts@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Instructor

Michele Gatts

Professional Qualifications:
MA English, Youngstown State University, 1996
AB Speech Communication/Telecom (Broadcast Journalism), YSU, 1989

Lecturer

Email: mmgatts@ysu.edu

Office: Bliss Hall 2011

Fall 2026 Office Hours:
TBA; by appointment recommended.

Office Phone: (330) 941-3631

Preferred Contact Method: email

Communication Expectations:
Monitor your university email frequently; email will be answered by instructor within 48 hours.

How to Refer to me:
Professor

Private Instructor Information

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Course Description

3721L. News Content Creation 1. Application of the principles of news reporting skills in student media. Emphasis on basic reporting skills, media tools and content creation for print and television. Prereq.: JOUR 2602. 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Associated Press Style Book 2024-2026 (56th edition acceptable) The Associated Press ISBN-13: 978-1541647572
Optional The Elements of Style Strunk & White 978-0205309023

Additional reading/video viewing may be required.

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Additional Course Materials

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Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Schedule of topics and assignments

Week of Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24 Review syllabus, Blackboard & safety procedures. Unit 1 Lecture. Related in-class activity. HOMEWORK. Editorial mtg.
8/31 Unit 2 Lecture. Lecture video instruction. HOMEWORK
9/7 Legal Holiday-UNIVERSITY CLOSED IN HONOR OF LABOR DAY. Units 3 & 4 Lectures. Related in-class activity. HOMEWORK
9/14 Interviewing in-class activities. 1st story project due. Editorial mtg.
9/21 Lectures: Unit 5 & 6. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK. Community-engaged project.
9/28 Lectures: Units 7 & 8. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK
10/5 In-class activities. 2nd story project due. Editorial mtg. HOMEWORK
10/12 Lectures: Units 9. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK
10/19 Midterm conferences. HOMEWORK
10/26 Lecture: Unit 12. Community-engaged project. 3rd story project due. Editorial mtg. HOMEWORK
11/2 Lecture: Unit 13. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK. Pro Series speaker.
11/9 Lecture: Unit 11. Pro Series speaker. UNIVERSITY CLOSED IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY
11/16 Lecture: Unit 12. 4th story project due. Editorial mtg. HOMEWORK Pro Series speaker.
11/23 Project-related work. NO CLASS/YSU CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK
11/30 Project-related work. Project presentations.

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.