Objectives:

• To encourage you to go beyond the regular classroom assignments
  
  
• To foster exploration into the field of journalism via journalism organizations and journalists
  
  
• To provide a chance to boost your final grade

Due Dates: Assignments may be submitted on WebCT at any time;  You can earn the most points by submitting before mid-term (February 16) but all assignments must uploaded in the Extended Learning assignment modules NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2005 by 9:50 a.m (NOTE: This deadline is purposely scheduled during spring holidays to provide ample time for completion).  ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON WEBCT.  NO MORE THAN TWO WILL BE ACCEPTED.

EXTENDED LEARNING OPTION 1:  Journalism Report

Students exercising this option need simply to read an article in The Journalist NOT LISTED on the SYLLABUS and write a two-page double-spaced summary.   The summary must include both a discussion of the major points the author makes and your REACTION to those points (What do you think about what the author has to say?  How does this connect with what has been discussed in class?). 

EXTENDED LEARNING OPTION 2: Journalism Organization Feature

Students exercising this Option 2 must both ATTEND at least one meeting or activity of one of the journalism organizations with UA chapters and research the organization on the web (SPJ, RTNDA, CABJMC, SND, and ACES).  Links to journalism organizations are provided on WebCT.  Contact information about the organization (adviser and president) is located on a bulletin board outside Dr. Danielsí office (Room 309).  The feature should be a two-page double-spaced summary of both the meeting you attended, information about what the organization activities are and goals as listed on the organizationís website. 

EXTENDED LEARNING OPTION 3: Internship Cover Letter & Resume Session

Students exercising Option 3 must locate an internship opening in journalism trade magazine or website such as journalismjobs.com.  Write a cover letter and resume and schedule a feedback session with the UA Career Center.  You can schedule a session with Mrs. Mary Lowery, from the U.A. Career Center, who is available in Phifer Hall certain days of the week.   You must submit your internship cover letter, resume along with a one page write-up on your feedback session. This should be uploaded as ONE Microsoft Word File.

EXTENDED LEARNING OPTION 4: Published Story

Students exercising Option 4 must publish a news story on either the Crimson White or Dateline Alabama.  To receive credit, a Microsoft Word file with the original story submitted to these publications should be turned in with the URL to the story.  (THE OPTION COUNTS 10 POINTS REGARDLESS OF WHEN THE STORY IS PUBLISHED BEFORE MARCH 31, 2005)

Evaluation

BEFORE MID-TERM GRADES: (Feb. 16, 2005): Maximum Points: 5 Points

AFTER MID-TERM (Feb. 17-March 31, 2005): Maximum Points: 2 Points