Mrs. Steffens

Goals
In the successful completion of this course, students will be able to work together as a team as well as take individual responsibility for the completion of assignments within deadlines in the production of the yearbook and school paper. The following skills will be covered:

• Basics of journalistic terms and concepts relating to newspapers, magazines, and yearbooks
• Basics of graphic design
• Examining how cultural, economic and various contexts influence design
• Choosing photos, composition, and cropping
• Interviewing and other techniques for gathering information
• Writing headlines, captions, and short articles
• Editing text
• Developing a theme and theme application within the yearbook
• Computer skills including Microsoft Publisher, Word, Photoshop, Paint and Scanning

Class Materials

• A folder for handouts and work
• writing utensil and paper
• Optional - digital camera

Evaluation
Grades are earned based on the following:

• Participation in class discussions and activities
• Completion of assignments for publication by the deadline
• Completion of occasional homework assignments and quizzes
• Grades come primarily from in-class participation (including individual computer work). Students receive one free absence per three week grading period. Additional absences for any reason result in participation grades that need to be made up. These points can come from completing assignments outside of class, taking extra photos outside of class, gathering information, etc.

Class Rules

• Be in the classroom on time and prepared
• Do not leave the classroom without permission
• Respect others, yourself and property
• No unauthorized use of computers, programs, or equipment
• No food, gum, or drink in class
• No cell phones should be seen or heard in class
• Cheating (including plagiarism) is not tolerated. Students are to do their own work for everything including homework, quizzes, tests, projects, and papers unless they are given permission to work with others. Cheating results in an automatic "F" for the assignment for all parties involved and further discipline as stated in the school's discipline policy

I expect all students to adhere to these rules and conduct themselves in a mature manner appropriate for a Christian classroom.