Lea J. Parker
Assist. Prof. Environmental Communication School of Communication
Box 5619
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Office: Bldg. 16, Room 205
Phone: (520) 523-4661;
FAX: (520) 523-1505 E-Mail: Lea.Parker@nau.edu
TEXTS:
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION: MESSAGES, MEDIA &METHODS,
1997 Edition, by Lea J. Parker (required)
MAGAZINE ARTICLE WRITING, by Betsy P. Graham (recommended)
WRITER'S MARKET (recommended)
Note:
Readings on environmental and other science issues will be assigned by instructor. Some library work will be involved.
COURSE PURPOSE:
To prepare students with research, writing and marketing skills
that will enable them to write articles on current environmental
and other science issues and then publish such articles in consumer
publications.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will complete the following objectives:
1. To gain an understanding of current environmental and other science issues and the knowledge of where to find information on such topics.
2. To narrow subjects and select one topic of interest to research and write about during the semester.
3. To become familiar with the market requirements of the general outlets which accept freelance non-fiction articles on environmental and other science issues.
4. To develop in-depth knowledge of several specific publications which are possible outlets for the selected topic.
5. To write and submit query letters to specific publication editors concerning the selected article topic.
6. To develop skills necessary for manuscript writing, preparation and submission.
7. To increase skill in writing styles for the selected target publications and their respective audiences.
8. To gain understanding of author's rights, copyright laws and fair use of source materials.
9. To research, write, rewrite, edit and submit one quality typed original manuscript to the selected media markets.
10. To meet all assignments by a predetermined deadline.
COURSE PROCEDURE:
The instructor plans to adhere to the attached class schedule
as closely as possible but reserves the right to make necessary
changes due to class needs and to accommodate guest speakers.
ATTENDANCE:
Miss a class and you jeopardize your grade. Much material for
this class is taken from a collection of outside sources in addition
to the text. Lecture materials will not be repeated. In-class
writing assignments for credit, as well as scheduled assignments
and tests, will NOT be allowed make-up except in cases of illnesses
documented by a written doctor's medical statement, or in cases
of family emergencies such as death in family documented appropriately,
or for institutional reasons documented by official institutional
excuse form. Two or more undocumented absences will be sufficient
cause for final grade reduction on one full letter grade per absence.
DEADLINES:
These are absolute! No work will be accepted after scheduled
deadlines, resulting in a grade of ZERO (0) for the assignment
not turned in on deadline.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM:
All work submitted for this course must be original and must
have been completed during the semester in which the class is
taken. No duplicate work (work completed for other classes) will
be accepted and will be treated as cheating. Any act of cheating
or plagiarism will result in a grade of ZERO (0) for the assignment
or test in question and possible lowering of the final grade by
one or more letter grades per instructor discretion.
GRADES:
Grades will not be discussed during class time - by appointment
only. Completion of graded assignments will be used to attain
cumulative points. It should be noted that completion of the assignment
does not insure maximum point value for the assignment. Students
wishing to achieve a high grade should strive to make the most
points possible for all assignments. A11 material will be graded
according to the Journalism Standards (see attached copy). Students
should keep copies of all graded returned work and will be asked
to exhibit these in case of grade dispute.
GRADED ASSIGNMENTS:
| Environmental Assessment Report - 1 at 35 pts. | 35 pts. |
| Market Assignments - 2 at 25 pts. each | 50 pts. |
| Preliminary Research Report - 1 at 50 pts. | 50 pts. |
| In-Depth Market Surveys - 4 at 25 pts. each | 100 pts. |
| Query Letters - 4 at 25 pts. each | 100 pts. |
| Leads - 2 at 15 pts. total | 15 pts. |
| Rough Draft - 1 at 100 pts. | 100 pts. |
| Final Manuscript - 1 at 300 pts. | 300 pts. |
| Final Examination - 50 pts. (optional) | 50 pts. |
| Total: | 800 pts. |
90% and above= A
80-90% = B
70-80% = C
60-70% = D
below 60% = F
BONUS POINTS:
Acceptance of a manuscript for publication received by final exam date will add a 100 POINT BONUS to the point total. Must be to an approved media market and be documented by editor.