SECTION 110.63. Independent Study in Journalism (One-Half to One Credit)

(a) Introduction.

(1) Students enrolled in Independent Study in Journalism write in a variety of forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. High school students enrolled in this course are expected to plan, draft, and complete written communications on a regular basis, carefully examining their copy for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English. Students will become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communication skills. Published work of professional journalists, technology, and visual and electronic media are used as tools for learning as students create, clarify, critique, write, and produce effective communications. Students enrolled in Independent Study in Journalism will refine and enhance their journalistic skills, research self-selected topics, plan, organize, and prepare a project(s).

(2) For high school students whose first language is not English, the students' native language serves as a foundation for English language acquisition and language learning.

(3) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.

(4) The essential knowledge and skills as well as the student expectations for Independent Study in Journalism, an elective course, are described in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Knowledge and skills.

(1) The student refines and enhances journalistic skills. The student is expected to:

(A) formulate questions, refine topics, and clarify ideas;

(B) organize and support what is known and what needs to be learned about a topic;

(C) compile information from primary and secondary sources using available technology;

(D) organize information from multiple sources, including primary and secondary sources;

(E) link related information and ideas from a variety of sources;

(F) evaluate product based on journalistic standards;

(G) understand and apply press law and journalistic ethics, including copyright law, the fair use exemption, and the ownership of intellectual property; and

(H) understand the consequences of plagiarism.

(2) The student produces visual representations that communicate with others. The student is expected to:

(A) conduct a research project(s) with instructor guidance and produce an original work in print or another medium demonstrating advanced skill; and

(B) use a range of techniques in planning and creating projects.

Source Note: The provisions of this §110.63 adopted to be effective September 1, 1998, 22 TexReg 7549; amended to be effective August 22, 2011, 35 TexReg 3261