hartgarciayearbook

							                                                Yearbook Syllabus


COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Basic principles of journalism are covered. Students actively pursue a curriculum which focuses on writing,
communication skills, and interpersonal skills. All levels of yearbook journalism are accommodated in one class.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

          Upon successful completion of this course, the student will
                  know the functions of a yearbook
                  understand the responsibilities of each staff position
                  know the purpose of each part of the yearbook
                  be familiar with printing terms and concepts as they relate to yearbook production
                  be familiar with yearbook components and the organization of these
                  know the importance of the ladder diagram and how to use it
                  understand the importance of a deadline
                  understand the significance of producing a yearbook
                  produce a yearbook
                  produce a daily broadcast

COURSE OUTLINE:

          1. The Yearbook and The Staff                                  11. The Caption
          2. The Anatomy of a Yearbook                                   12. The Headline
          3. Planning a Yearbook                                         13. Proofreading and Editing
          4. The Business of Yearbooks                                   14. Typography
          5. Theme Development                                           15. Advanced Design
          6. Coverage and content                                        16. Photography for Non-Photographers
          7. Basic Layout                                                17. Copy Preparation
          8. Basic Copywriting                                           18. Cropping
          9. The Interview                                               19. Legal Issues
          10. Writing the Story                                          20. Broadcast Journalism

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION/LEARNING:

1.   Class lecture/discussion/demonstration           5.   Group work
2.   Question/answer                                  6.   Audio-visual aids
3.   Guest speakers                                   7.   Student reports and projects
4.   Simulations                                      8.   HANDS ON ACTIVITIES
                                          ECHS Yearbook Syllabus/Contract


The expectations of the staff and requirements to remain on yearbook staff are as follows. Read them carefully!

    1.    Meet all deadlines as assigned by the yearbook advisor. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT
         REQUIREMENT OF ALL! This means YOU are responsible for taking photos for your pages, writing
         YOUR OWN copy and captions, getting your own quotes, attending your club meetings &sports, and
         getting the pages finished. If YOU don’t do it, it’ll still be there the next day, as no one else can or will do
         it for you.
    2.    Excellent attendance: If you aren’t here, you can’t meet your deadlines. Perfect attendance is not
         required but excellent attendance is expected! Being absent excessively is unacceptable and will result in
         the loss of access to the website. If you have a medical condition or family situation that causes continuous
         absences, please see me.
    3.   Efficient and appropriate use of class time. We have deadlines and they must be met. Goofing off,
         playing games/shopping online, arguing/gossiping, and wasting time is unacceptable. (This includes, of
         course, inappropriate and disruptive behaviors, which should already be understood in a class such as this.)
         You are expected to keep excellent records of all interviews and materials. Every staff member will be
         trained in the use of the website, design, photography, copywriting, and yearbook terminology, but it is
         your responsibility to retain and apply that knowledge.
    4.   Respect for and appropriate use of materials: We have lots of expensive materials in the yearbook lab
         and we cannot afford to replace them. Staff members are expected to treat all equipment as if it were their
         own, and to keep the lab clean, secure and organized. You will be assigned a camera, which you are
         responsible for using and returning. You are expected to protect the many secrets of the yearbook contents!
    5.   Participate in all activities scheduled by the advisor. There will be many times when staff members are
         asked to attend events (outside of school hours) to take photographs, sell ads, interview participants, and
         spend time working on the yearbook. I will make every effort to work around students’ schedules;
         however, everyone must do their part -0 if you cannot assist with this, you need to let me know so that we
         can meet and discuss options. This is a major commitment of time and energy! Yearbook requires
         dedication from every one of us - I expect no less.
    6.   Sale of business ads: every staff member is expected and encouraged to sell at least two business ads.
    7.   Maintaining no lower than a “B” average, both in yearbook and cumulatively.
    8.   Ethical/appropriate behavior and attitude: We do not have time for dishonesty, attitude, drama, or
         laziness. If you’re not willing to have a positive attitude, to be honest and trustworthy, and to work
         together as a staff, I cannot allow you to stay. We DO NOT MAKE UP QUOTES, we tally votes
         accurately, and we are extremely careful with all forms and monies!! Student editors are to be
         treated like faculty members. Please remember that yearbook is a professional organization with many
         freedoms –in effect, we’re running a business. These privileges will be lost if they are abused.

         Grading
         Usually, students in yearbook keep an A average as the grade is based upon the above requirements as well
         as participation and completion of the book itself. Many grades will have the same description. Grades are
         based on whether staff met deadlines on items such as layout/design, copywriting, captions, photography,
         quality of the product, and proofing.

         Participation: 40%
         Meeting Deadlines 30%
         Accuracy of Work 30%