News and Notes: 5.6.11

The San Francisco Chronicle has reported that student knowledge of our democracy (civics) is on the decline. Read the article here.  If we were going to feature this topic in the Titan Template, how should it be packaged? You'd have a story, of course, but what else would go with it? What kind of photos? Sidebars? Where would you get the information?

Prepare a one-page report (that's ONE side of the paper) describing how you would use either one page or a double-truck (that's two facing pages) to feature this topic. Be specific. Include the angle for your story, which specific people you would interview on campus and off campus, what your sidebars and graphics would be (feel free to sketch it out if you need to include that), and the specific sources you will use for your research on the topic. Typed work is required. You may hand-draw your graphics if necessary. You may use "I" language (i.e. I would do this because...). You may not work with a partner. I am looking for YOUR creative thinking. This is due by the beginning of the period on Monday, May 9. A period students: if you come to class late, it needs to be in your hand when you walk through the door. Electronic copies are not acceptable for this assignment.
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Mark your calendars:

1. May 18: Introduction to Journalism during both lunches. Your editors for 2011-2012 will be meeting with potential recruits for staff next year. Come in and help spread the word.
2. May 25: Work night. Be there or be square.
3. Final: (A period)We will have to set a date for your final since it's scheduled for the morning of the last day of school.  We can either meet after school for two days (2:30-3:30) OR two mornings before school (8:20-9:20). Your final assignment for the year will be an intense discussion and planning session. Let me know your druthers (which you prefer) on time.