Writing for Mass Media 2033 Overview

Writing for Mass Media JMC 2033 is the gateway course for all prospective Gaylord students following completion of Introduction to Mass Media JMC 1114, as well as a passing grade on the Language Skills Test and Academic Integrity Test. Students are required to pass WFMM with a C or better to enroll in any other Gaylord course.

WFMM focuses on evaluating media information and writing, and prepares students for degrees in Journalism, Professional Writing, Advertising, Public Relations, and Broadcast Journalism. The course covers a variety of writing assignments and projects, including topics like multicultural awareness, grammar and punctuation, and news and feature writing. Students will also explore appropriate writing styles and standards for each of the five majors, as well as media law and media ethics. Other course work includes keeping a blog, and following internet sites. Four texts are required for exams, daily quizzes, and lectures, which cover AP style, diversity in mass media, journalistic writing, and proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage.

Class is split between lecture and lab. Kathryn Jenson White and Teaching Assistant Sarah Cavanah lead the lecture portion twice a week with all students. Labs are led by writing professionals skilled in one or more of the five degree fields. Lab and lecture each constitute 50% of class grading, and students may not have more than four excused and unexcused absences combined.

Students are expected to complete and keep up with all reading and assignments before class. Lab and lecture assignments often overlap, and the course’s policy for late work reduces final assignment grades by a letter grade for each day late.