Do You Know Your Syllabus?

From the Missourian Mission: "We believe we can best serve citizens and our profession by relentless execution of four strategies. They are: • Immediacy: We will report and deliver news as it happens. We will not fear to report a story as it develops, while always striving to verify information. We will be willing to tell our readers-viewers-listeners what we don’t know as well as what we do. • Enterprise: We will find stories that provide meaning and context; that hold public officials and the public accountable; and that entertain and enlighten. We will use all the story-telling techniques available to tell stories that engage readers-listeners-viewers. • Community Knowledge: We will analyze, aggregate or create information that helps citizens tell their own stories. We will create methods to let citizens build community knowledge. • Conversation. We will foster better talk in mid-Missouri by joining existing streams in person and online. We will spark new dialogues from our reporting and through sharing the experience of one community with another. We will empower citizens to report the news that is important TO them, not just the news we feel is important FOR them."

All of the options listed in the question constitute plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work or ideas without giving them proper credit. Taking material verbatim from the morgue or the wire, using material from other publications without attribution, and using news releases verbatim without proper acknowledgment are all examples of plagiarism. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

The portion of the grade that depends on classroom performance varies depending on the student's level and program. For capstone undergrads, 15 percent of their grade is based on classroom performance. For other undergrads, 20 percent of their grade is based on classroom performance. And for grad students, 15 percent of their grade is based on classroom performance.

The correct answer is "Yes, but you only have one more you can miss" and "All of the above." The first statement implies that the person can miss class for the interview, but they have a limit on the number of classes they can miss. The second statement suggests that all the options mentioned in the question are correct.

From the syllabus: "FAIR WARNING: If you fail to accuracy-check a story and we publish an error, your grade in the course may be lowered by a letter. A second offense will result in failure of the course."

The question asks about a criterion that is NOT considered when judging whether an anonymous source may be used. The other options all provide valid considerations for evaluating the use of an anonymous source, such as assessing potential harm to the source, determining if there is a motive for taking a cheap shot, evaluating the importance of the information, and weighing the impact on the newspaper's credibility. However, whether the source is an official or an important person is not a relevant factor in this context.

"Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer." By Roy Peter Clark. These are pragmatic and often inspirational tools to improve your writing. Some of it will be new to you, but even the old stuff is presented in a very accessible way. We’ll use this throughout the semester.

The given answer is correct because it follows the guidelines stated in the Missourian dress code. According to the code, females are advised not to wear short-shorts while on assignment or in the newsroom, while males are advised not to wear shorts at all. This implies that there are specific rules regarding appropriate attire for both genders in these professional settings.

The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications requires that all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to: • understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech in your country, as well as understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances; • demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications; • demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications; • demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society; • understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information; • demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity; • think critically, creatively and independently; • conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work; • write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve; • critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness; • apply basic numerical and statistical concepts; • apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work, and to understand the digital world.

The advent of social media introduces a world of complications as we increasingly share aspects of our personal lives online.

Political viewpoints should not be apparent through students’ or staffers’ public profiles on social networking websites. Be careful what you post. Ask yourself: What would a source think?
At the beginning of each semester, students will conduct peer reviews of their Facebook profiles and/or other online social media. Remember: If you don’t think an editor should see it, why would you want a source to see it?
Students or staff may be “friended” by a source or a subject they cover. It may even be in the interest of students and staff to “friend” sources in order to follow their businesses or campaigns. In such cases, students and staff are accountable for viewpoints expressed on their private profiles as well.
Students and staff should refrain from expressing political and religious viewpoints or preferences while using online social media, especially on divisive issues.
As a rule, always assume that all posts are public. When in doubt, err on the side of neutrality.
This is a new area for everyone. There will be gray areas. But as with your wardrobe, your voicemail and your demeanor, the same ethic always applies: Be professional.