Do You Know Your Syllabus?

2.

The syllabus includes a statement on plagiarism. What constitutes plagiarism?

Taking material verbatim from the morgue.
Using material verbatim from the wire. Localizing wire stories is encouraged, but the wire service should be given a credit line.
Using material from other publications without attribution.
Using news releases verbatim.
All of the above

Correct Answer

A. All of the above

Explanation

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."

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3.

What portion of your grade will depend on your classroom performance (readings, blog, attendance, participation)?

5 percent for undergrads, zero for grad students
40 percent for undergrads, 35 percent for grad students
10 percent for undergrads, 5 percent for grad students
None. It's pass/fail for everything except stories published.
15 percent for capstone undergrads, 20 percent for other undergrads, and 15 percent for grad students

Correct Answer

A. 15 percent for capstone undergrads, 20 percent for other undergrads, and 15 percent for grad students

Explanation

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.

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4.

I have an important interview on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Can I miss class?

Yes, but we'll miss you.
Yes, but you only have one more you can miss.
Yes, but maybe I can reschedule the interview.
All of the above.
Option5

Correct Answer(s)

A. Yes, but you only have one more you can miss.
A. All of the above.

Explanation

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.

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5.

On accuracy, your grade may be lowered if:

You have more than one published correction
You have one published correction
You have a published correction AND you didn't do an accuracy check on the story.

Correct Answer

A. You have a published correction AND you didn't do an accuracy check on the story.

Explanation

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."

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6.

Which of these is NOT a question when judging whether an anonymous source may be used?

Does the source believe he or she will be harmed?
Is the source hiding behind anonymity to take a cheap shot at an enemy?
Is the source an official or other important person?
Is the information absolutely essential?
Is the story important enough to the health of our community to overrride the risk to the newspaper's credibility?

Correct Answer

A. Is the source an official or other important person?

Explanation

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.

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7.

Only one of the following is on your readings list. Which is it?

Writing for Story
Elements of Style
Watchdog Journalism
Writing Tools
The Elephants of Style

Correct Answer

A. Writing Tools

Explanation

"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.

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8.

According to the Missourian dress code:

I can't wear political T-shirts, but Mizzou gear is OK
I can't wear Greek insignia if the letters are 6" or larger
Designer jeans with holes are OK, but really old jeans with holes aren't
Females shouldn't wear short-shorts on assignment or in the newsroom; males shouldn't wear shorts at all

Correct Answer

A. Females shouldn't wear short-shorts on assignment or in the newsroom; males shouldn't wear shorts at all

Explanation

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.

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9.

The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications requires that all students graduate with these core competencies EXCEPT:

Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the audiences served
Critically evaluate your work for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammar
Understand and recite the acronym for the accrediting council
Understand the principles and laws of freedom of speech

Correct Answer

A. Understand and recite the acronym for the accrediting council

Explanation

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.

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10.

According to the conflicts-of-interest policy:

Political viewpoints shouldn't be public on your Facebook profile.
You may not ''friend'' a source
You may declare that you're against abortion, as long as you're not covering the issue.
You may declare yourself a fan of Swafford's band "The Abusers."
All of the above
A and D

Correct Answer

A. A and D

Explanation

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.

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Do You Know Your Syllabus?

The Missourian's mission is comprised of four key strategies. What are they?

Quiz Preview

The syllabus includes a statement on plagiarism. What constitutes plagiarism?

What portion of your grade will depend on your classroom performance (readings, blog, attendance, participation)?

I have an important interview on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Can I miss class?

On accuracy, your grade may be lowered if:

Which of these is NOT a question when judging whether an anonymous source may be used?

Only one of the following is on your readings list. Which is it?

According to the Missourian dress code:

The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications requires that all students graduate with these core competencies EXCEPT:

According to the conflicts-of-interest policy: