How to Succeed in J200
- Read, read, read. Select quality publications and note how the reporter weaves together parts of the story. Also look at how stories are illustrated (pictures, graphs or other art) and how headlines and cutlines enhance and add to the information given in the writing.
- Stay up on the news. Read, listen and watch news for at least an hour a day. Again, pay attention to how news is presented. Listen for interviewing methods during radio and TV interviews. Think about how you would conduct the interviews differently. Keeping up with the news also helps build knowledge about the culture and world in which we live.
- Buy a style book and a grammar guide. You cannot build a house without good tools, and you cannot be a good writer without the foundation of good grammar and style skills.
- Take your instructor's advice. I will write suggestions and corrections on all your work. Those who receive an A in this class are those who respond to my suggestions and corrections in their revised work. I will get to know you by the mistakes you make, and I will notice if you aren't correcting them on subsequent assignments.
- Come to class. Take notes. Ask questions. Write, rewrite and polish your work before turning it in. You are paying for this training. Make the most of it.
Use this Web site as a touchstone to guide you through the class project.
- Use Class Work to see what we'll address each class period.
- A full description of each assignment will be listed or linked at Assignments.
- If you need to be reminded of how your work will be assessed, re-read Grading.
- Deadlines will be updated frequently so that you can quickly check due dates and times.
- Calendar gives you a grid of how the course is laid over the entire semester.
- For example, Grammar SOS contains links to tips on a variety of grammar issues, as well as other sites that may be helpful.
- Use The News page daily to link to a selection of news sites so that you'll be up on current events as well as get a feel for good writing style.
- Last, don't hesitate to come to office hours or make an appointment with me if you have questions or concerns about your work, your grades, your writing, or if you just want to brainstorm with me about your projects. That's why I'm here.
Need a syllabus? Download it here.
URL: http://www.asher-watts.com/j200/index.html
Problems? Questions? Contact Gena Asher at eulasher@indiana.edu
Updated August 2009
