Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Practicum News Writing Lab (Face-to-Face)

COMM 3502-01

Course: COMM 3502-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: COMM
CRN: 32045

Course Description

This course is intended to jumpstart a student’s career as a media writer by learning how to successfully write for print journalism, broadcast journalism, online media, and public relations. Students will engage in all facets of the writing process, including writing, critiquing, editing and revising, with the ultimate goal of becoming more effective writers and readers of media messages. The course will cover writing fundamentals like punctuation, grammar, spelling, and other writing mechanics. Students will learn Associated Press style and various journalistic reporting and writing techniques. This course will also survey news styles, policy, ethics, and legal issues associated with delivering news and entertainment in diverse forms.

Required Texts

The Associated Press Stylebook: 2024-2026

The Associated Press Stylebook : 2024-2026
ISBN: 9781541605114
By The Associated Press
Published by Basic Books
Publication Date: Jul. 9, 2024

Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
  1. Report and Write Professionally – Produce accurate, engaging, and well-structured news stories that meet AP style and professional standards.
  2. Demonstrate News Judgment – Identify, pitch, and develop relevant story ideas appropriate for the SUU News audience.
  3. Work Under Deadline – Manage time effectively to meet newsroom production schedules without compromising accuracy.
  4. Apply Ethical Standards – Make editorial decisions guided by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics.
  5. Collaborate in a Newsroom Environment – Contribute productively to a team, communicate effectively with editors and peers, and provide constructive feedback.

Course Requirements

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.

Course Outline

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Unit 1 - Writing Fundamentals
Unit 2 - News Values and News Elements
Unit 3 - Sources and Interviewing
Unit 4 - Profiles and Features
Unit 5 - AP Style
Unit 5 - Stories
  • Life Stories
  • News Stories
  • Arts Stories
  • Outdoors Stories
  • Sports Stories

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

LATE WORK OR EXTENSIONS

There are situations that happen that prevent you from being able to complete work on time. Sometimes really tragic situations. I often can't believe the hardships students must go through.  It makes me sad and I want to help you. But in any situation I HAVE TO ASK FOR DOCUMENTATION. Sometimes this is very awkward for me to even ask.  If your mother died I would have to ask for some documentation. I can't just take you at your word. I have heard a lot of stories over the years (some which have not been true) and to be fair to everyone I need documentation in EVERY situation.  If you can't provide documentation then you will need to understand that I will not be able to give you an exception or extension.  A note from your mother, boyfriend, husband or roommates does not constitute documentation. We can determine what the documentation is on a case-by-case basis that takes into consideration your privacy and the privacy of others.

COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR PROFESSOR

I will respond quickly, but sometimes there is an expectation from students that they should get an immediate response at all times. If you haven't heard back from me in a day or so, just email me again. Please be patient and understand that I set aside time for work and time for family.  I need balance, and so do you.  Especially in this crazy upside down world we're in right now.  So, I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can.  I don't work or answer emails on Sundays at all. Sometimes on Saturdays.  Weekday mornings I am most likely to respond to you quickly.  Evenings and weekends you will most likely not hear from me until the next day.  I'm in the newsroom (EVT 209) on most weekdays, you are always welcome to stop by if you want to talk to me or if you want to check out the news.  The newsroom is locked, but if you knock on the window or door hopefully I will hear you back in my office. If I don't respond, call me at (435)586-7751 and I might be back in my office and just don't hear the knock. 

Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE

This is a face-to-face class for a reason: It is essential that all students attend class. Attendance will be taken at every class. Absences due to university activities (e.g., debate, sports, etc.) must be discussed with me no later than one week before the relevant class period(s). Written documentation for a university-sanctioned absence must be provided. Arrangements concerning absences are entirely at my discretion.

Valid excuses include medical emergencies and deaths in the family.  Written documentation from an appropriate source must be provided in order to be excused.  If you have employment or other situations that will interfere with your ability to take the class, please consider taking the class at another time.  If you have a major change in your life sometime during the semester (e.g., taking a new job, change in daycare, etc.), this will not excuse you from meeting assignment deadlines.

Course Fees

N/A

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.