Learning Objectives:

• Examine the ways news is made, and note how news gathering is changing
• Identify news gathering in the broader world of mass communications
• Analyze what changes in news processes are doing to the principles of good journalism.
• Reconcile news gathering with current forces shaping the media economy.
• Explore how to verify information 

Learning Activities:

1. Read the assigned book chapter and online course guide
2. Gather information for 3rd beat story
3. [Extra-Credit]: Mid-Term Feedback to reflect on first four weeks
4. Individual appt with Dr. Loggins to review your work

Assigned Reading:

1. [Textbook Reading] Chapter 3
2. Read Fact-Check instructions, assignment, & rubric
3. Read Course Guide: Fact-Checking and Evaluation & Citation tabs
4. Read/View Guest Column

Assignments (Due by 9 am CT on 10/13):

1. [Blog Post 6]: Pick one of the 3 options below to write a blog post and comment 2 peers’ posts on the other two options.
   • Option 1: (Activity #3) Replicate the “Cover It Live” real-time reporting experience
   • Option 2: (Activity #2) Analyze a news story for values
   • Option 3: (Discussion Question #3) Your reflection on the news stories
2. [Guest Questions 1, 2, & 3] Provide at least two questions per guest by replying to their posts or my September 18 post that included our first guest session.
3. [Bb Quiz 4]: Chapter 3 quiz
4. [Blog Post 7]: Write one paragraph fact-check. Please select the category of “Blog Post 7” for this posting.
5. [Biweekly Article 3]: Turn in your 3rd beat story and categorize it under “3rd Beat Story”. DUE 10/15

In-Class:

• Tu 9/29 Work on example fact-check
• Th 10/1 Discuss text & activities, analyze the news values in your own stories
• Tu 10/6  Fact-check Questions. Article review/discussion
• Th 10/8  Meet with guest