JOUR 4893 - Journalism Senior Project
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 42492,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Michele Gatts
Email: mmgatts@ysu.edu
Adam Earnheardt
Email: acearnheardt@ysu.edu
Course Description
4893. Journalism Senior Project. Capstone experience for journalism major. Individualized reporting projects with demonstration of advanced newsgathering and storytelling techniques. Prereq.: JOUR 3731L AND senior standing. 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.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of topics and assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Review syllabus and course expectations. Brainstorm Capstone concepts. | ||
| 8/31 | Project pitches to faculty panel. | ||
| 9/7 | Legal Holiday-UNIVERSITY CLOSED IN HONOR OF LABOR DAY. Proposals due. Guest speaker: Sara Fugett, dir. of YSU Office of Career Exploration & Dev. | ||
| 9/14 | Senior project reviewers secured. Contact sources and begin interviews. | ||
| 9/21 | Progress report 1 due. Complete interviews. Write story. Submit draft to SP Reviewer. | ||
| 9/28 | Secure supporting visuals. Continue writing and making edits. | ||
| 10/5 | Continue writing and making edits. Send SP Reviewer 2nd draft. | ||
| 10/12 | Meet for peer reviews. Make edits based on SP Reviewer and peer feedback. | ||
| 10/19 | Work on pkg. | ||
| 10/26 | Edit pkg. Progress report 2 due. Peer review of videos. Gain feedback from SP Reviewer or instructor. | ||
| 11/2 | Begin PowerPoint. Work on outside submission portion of assignment. | ||
| 11/9 | Begin work on website. UNIVERSITY CLOSED IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY | ||
| 11/16 | Peer reviews of PPs and websites. Work on outside soliciation for your project. | ||
| 11/23 | Make any necessary edits to website and PP based on SP Reviewer and peer feedback. NO CLASS/YSU CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK | ||
| 11/30 | Complete exit intv. in BB. Final Project presentations to peers.. | ||
| 12/7 | Senior Showcase Fri., Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., location TBA. |
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.