Journalism Internship

JOUR 425V -
Journalism Internship
TBA at Local or Regional News Company

Your responsibility includes everything here and in the General Class Policies. Read both, then sign the contract and return by the third class meeting if you intend to stay in the class. If you have questions, consult the syllabus then consult me.

General Class Policies Index: ETHICS || FEEDBACK || e-MAIL || WebCT || DEADLINES || ATTENDANCE || ELECTRONIC DEVICES || ACCOMMODATIONS

Syllabus Index: PREREQUISITES || DESCRIPTION || OBJECTIVES || FORMAT || GRADING || CONTENT || ATTENDANCE

SUPPLIES

AP Stylebook

Electronic storage device of your choice

PREREQUISITES

399V (Publications lab)
Advanced standing (minimum 12 hours of JOUR course work)
Permission of instructor and Dean of Arts & Humanities
Working knowledge of the Internet and e-mail.

DESCRIPTION

Students work in a profit or non-profit environment, which allows for application of theoretical knowledge and the development of journalistic skills.

Syllabus Index: PREREQUISITES || DESCRIPTION || OBJECTIVES || FORMAT || GRADING || CONTENT || ATTENDANCE

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

To provide knowledge of the artistic talent and technical skills required for journalism writing

To provide knowledge of the day-to-day operations involved in a community newspaper

To provide on-the-job experience by working with the intern coordinator at an approved publication including any of the following:
- the Ashley County News Observer, a weekly newspaper
- the Pine Bluff Commercial, a daily newspaper (summers)
- internships at other publications must be approved by Sitton

FORMAT

Intensive on-the-job training

Preparation for both an oral and written report

Evaluation by internship coordinator and supervising instructor.

Syllabus Index: PREREQUISITES || DESCRIPTION || OBJECTIVES || FORMAT || GRADING || CONTENT || ATTENDANCE

GRADING

Oral and written reports (daily diary of job experience and final summary paper) submitted by student to supervising instructor
Evaluation by supervising instructor (may include oral or written examination as deemed appropriate)
On-site inspection of student performance in the work place (if deemed necessary)
Report of internship coordinator following receipt of supervising instructor's final evaluation

PERCENTAGE TOTAL POINTS	LETTER GRADE
90	A
80	B
70	C
Less	Conference w/ supervising instructor and internship coordinator

CONTENT

Training and use of, but not limited to:
- Computer graphics software and equipment
- Photography and development of photos
- Producing news stories; writing; editing; advertising copy

Syllabus Index: PREREQUISITES || DESCRIPTION || OBJECTIVES || FORMAT || GRADING || CONTENT || ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE: REQUIRED

The internship schedule will be assigned at the beginning of the semester in conference with the internship coordinator, supervising instructor and student. As it's impossible to learn on-the-job without being there, the student is required to be there at the scheduled time provided by the internship coordinator. When circumstances arise that prevent the student from attending, she or he will contact both the internship coordinator (first) and the supervising instructor as a matter of courtesy and respect. Flagrant abuse, as determined by instructor, shall warrant dismissal from the internship program.

PAYMENT: OPTIONAL

While everyone would like to be paid for their internship, sometimes it's just not possible. However, you need the internship to produce clips that will help you find future employment. In short, it's better to have an unpaid internship than no internship at all.

That being said, you might suggest the editor contact the Arkansas Newspaper Foundation to see if they still have paid internships that would offset the publication's expense in paying you. Typically, heaviest consideration will be given to newspaper journalism majors (including advertising), to junior and seniors, to students with working experience (part-time jobs and internships); and those who show professional promise. To help in the selection process, also submit (1) a short essay (one page or less) on your personal philosophy of journalism’s role in society; and (2) any supporting documents you choose.

If you don't understand something in this Web note, please e-mail Dr. Sitton.