The practicum is designed to give you hands-on experience in professional news writing, editing, and reporting. Each unit focuses on a different skill set or story type essential for success in the newsroom. Assignments must be completed by the due date to receive full credit.
Unit 1 – Writing Fundamentals (100 pts – 11%)
You will learn and apply the building blocks of strong journalism: clarity, conciseness, accuracy, and structure. This unit includes writing leads, practicing transitions, and organizing stories for maximum reader engagement. We will review punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
Unit 2 – AP Style (50 pts – 5%)
AP Style is the industry standard for professional journalism. This unit reviews key rules for grammar, punctuation, numbers, titles, and common word usage to ensure your writing is consistent and credible.
Unit 3 – News Values and News Elements (50 pts – 5%)
This unit focuses on understanding what makes something “news” and how to evaluate story ideas based on timeliness, impact, proximity, prominence, conflict, and novelty.
Unit 4 – Sources and Interviewing (100 pts – 11%)
You will develop strategies for identifying credible sources, preparing interview questions, and conducting professional interviews. You’ll practice gathering quotes and information that add depth and accuracy to your stories.
Unit 5 – Profiles and Features (100 pts – 11%)
This unit covers human-interest storytelling. You will learn to craft compelling profiles and feature stories that focus on people, events, or trends, using descriptive detail and narrative techniques.
Unit 6 – Story Assignments (Total: 500 pts – 56%)
In this major portion of the course, you will apply everything you’ve learned by producing a variety of publishable stories for SUU News and/or the University Journal. Each story must meet professional standards, follow AP Style, and be submitted by the assigned deadline.
- Life Stories –
Feature stories focusing on individual experiences, personal achievements, or unique perspectives in the SUU community. - News Stories – (100 pts – 11%)
Straightforward, fact-based coverage of events, announcements, or issues relevant to campus or the local community. - Arts Stories – (100 pts – 11%)
Reviews, previews, or coverage of music, theater, visual arts, or other cultural events. - Outdoors Stories – (100 pts – 11%)
Coverage of outdoor recreation, environmental issues, or events connected to the region’s natural landscape. - Sports Stories – (100 pts – 11%)
Reporting on SUU athletics, club sports, or profiles of athletes and coaches.