Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School offers a course in Journalism to introduce students to the field of journalism and to produce a school newspaper. Specifically, in this course students will learn and polish news-writing techniques; examine the purposes, successes and failures of the mass media; examine layout, photography and production techniques and learn the history, laws and ethical issues related to journalism. Along with learning journalistic practices, students will learn to use computers for word-processing and page layout and to produce a school newspaper. Success in this course depends on a student’s willingness to assume responsibility for independent effort and ability to meet deadlines. Writing Competency is a writing-intensive course designed to expose students to many different writing styles and improve their writing skills. On average, one writing assignment will be completed each week, including drafting, peer editing, revising and final copies. Each student will create his or her own writing portfolio containing examples of different types of writing and reflections on their work.
