JOUR 4823 01: Advanced Content Creation

JOUR 4823 - Advanced News Content Creation

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 42747,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

Log in to view more

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

Log in to view more

Course Description

4823. Advanced News Content Creation. Emphasis on extended research, extensive interviewing and investigative reporting techniques. Coursework may require travel for reporting projects. Prereq.: JOUR 3721L and JOUR 3731L. 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

Log in to view more

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

Log in to view more

How to Succeed in This Course

Log in to view more

Attendance Expectations

Log in to view more

Late Work Submission Policy

Log in to view more

Additional Course Expectations

Log in to view more

Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

Log in to view more

Assignments/Assessments

Log in to view more

Grading and Grading Scale

Log in to view more

University Policies

Log in to view more

Schedule of topics and assignments

Week of Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24 Review syllabus, Blackboard & safety procedures. Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
8/31 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
9/7 Legal Holiday-UNIVERSITY CLOSED IN HONOR OF LABOR DAY. Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
9/14 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
9/21 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
9/28 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
10/5 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
10/12 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
10/19 Midterm conferences. Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
10/26 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
11/2 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK. Pro Series speaker.
11/9 Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK. Pro Series speaker. UNIVERSITY CLOSED IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY
11/16 Pro Series speaker. Editorial mtg. Work on stories. HOMEWORK
11/23 Work on portfolio project. NO CLASS/YSU CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK
11/30 Individual portfolio reviews/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.