Feature Writing Syllabus

1. PURPOSE:
   The purpose of EH 3321 is to offer an organized approach to the standard course in magazine or newspaper feature writing offered at practically all schools of journalism or communication; to serve as supplementary reference for somewhat similar composition courses offered by university English departments; and to serve as a practical handbook of freelancing for students either individually or in class.

2. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
   
   1. The student will develop competence in using standard American English, grammar and usage within a feature writing format.
   2. The student will develop competence in basic APA style as needed for feature articles.
   3. The student will work on developing and marketing the informative non-fiction and human interest article.


3. COURSE PREMISE, PHILOSOPHY, and METHODOLOGY:
   

   This course is viewed as a deductive and cooperative learning partnership between the faculty member and the student. The success of this partnership depends upon everyone being fully prepared for each class experience and student participation in the publication of the newspaper

   If the faculty members roll is to provide guidance, resources, and information as needed, and the provide feedback and specific instructions on news assignments. This course is designed as a learner centered experience with the students being intimately involved in the course materials and activities.



4. CONTENT OUTLINE:
   
   1. Study of the definition of "feature writing"
   2. The development of the ability to select appropriate feature subjects
   3. The development of the student's own writing style
   4. The development of appropriate methods of work
   5. A study of query writing
   6. A study of how to achieve readable writing, including titles, beginnings and endings
   7. A study of appropriate illustrations
   8. A study of preparing manuscripts for sale and the science of consistent selling


5. RESOURCES:
   Refer to the Master Textbook list


6. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION
   1. All assignments must be turned in to the instructor on the due date assigned. If a paper is excessively sloppy, it may be returned to be rewritten and will be subject to late paper penalties.
   2. Students should learn to listen, speak when called upon, and develop good study and work habits.
   3. Work written outside of class must be typed according to feature writing format and observe the following:
      1. Correct and revise papers if so directed.
      2. Spend extra time in the support lab working on written assignments, if instructed to do so.
      3. For any paper requiring research, a photocopy of any borrowed material, with title and page number of the source identified, must be stapled at the end of the paper.
   4. Out-of-class assignments are due on the date announced at the beginning of class, despite a student's absence from the classroom that day. Any paper turned in after the class is well under way or later that day after the class period is considered late and will be penalized 5 points. Late out of class papers are subject to a penalty of one letter grade per day (Friday is a day; the weekend is a day).


7. COURSE GRADING
   Grading scale: A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; NC=69 & below.

   Article grades are averaged using the following scale:

   A+ =100	B+ = 89	C+ = 79	D = 65	F = 50
   A = 95	B = 85	C = 75
   A- = 90	B- = 80	C- = 70



8. Distribution of grades:
   

   Articles and final exam	70%
   Color Story	10%
   Human Interest	10%
   Entertainment	10%
   Personality Sketch	10%
   Seasonal	10%
   Travel	10%
   Personal Experience/Humor	10%
   AP Style editing exercises	10%
   Daily grades	10%
   Final Exam	10%