Journalism Writing Assignment 1: HOMECOMING- THEN AND NOW

BACKGROUND:

Students needing ongoing practice to be able to demonstrate their capabilities in Journalism before moving on to yearbook page assignments. Journalism students will be completing a series of research papers that will allow them to practice their interview and writing skills.

THE TOPIC: With Homecoming activities coming up starting next week, journalism students will be completing a research and interview paper on the topic of "Homecoming: Then and Now."

THE QUESTIONS: Journalism students will need to research and answer the following questions in the paper:

  1. What is the history of "Homecoming"? How did it get started? What did it mean? This is HISTORICAL INFORMATION and will require some online research. I am looking for the concept of Homecoming in general at high schools and colleges, not Highland specific material.
  2. How do adults of earlier generations (older than 30 years old) remember their Homecomings and associated activities?
  3. How do Highland students feel about Homecoming this year?
  4. How has the perception of Homecoming and associated activities changed over the years?

THE INTERVIEWS:

For this paper, journalism must CONDUCT and INCLUDE at least six interviews into their paper. THREE of these interviews will be of HIGHLAND students and THREE will be of ADULTS.

THE PAPER:

Please follow this outline for your paper:

  1. Opening paragraph: Introduction regarding "Homecoming." Make a statement in your opening paragraph regarding the POINT that you will be making in your paper.
  2. Paragraph 2: Relate your research regarding the history of Homecoming. Be detailed in your writing! Include source material (just as if you were writing a history paper!)
  3. Paragraphs 3-5: Relate your interview material regarding adults feelings and memories of their homecomings in years past. USE QUOTATIONS PROPERLY!
  4. Paragraphs 6-8: Relate your interview mateiral regarding current HHS students and their feelings regarding homecoming and homecoming activities. You are trying to contrast (if possible) the feelings of the modern student and the memories of older adults.
  5. Paragraph 9: Conclusion and wrap-up. Summarize your findings and your interviews and make the POINT that you mentioned in your opening paragraph.

THE REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Papers will be typed, double space, 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
  2. Papers will be a minimum of 3 pages in length.
  3. Paper will include a TITLE PAGE, which includes the title of the work, the class and the date submitted.
  4. Papers that do not meet the above minimal requirements will not be accepted. Late work will not be accepted.

YEARBOOK USAGE: Any interview or story material for this project is eligible for use on this year's Homecoming pages.

GRADING:

  • Writing, grammar and spelling= 20 pts.
  • Strong evidence of research and interviews as required above= 50 points.
  • All requirements of page met, as outlined above= 30 Points.

A NOTE ABOUT YEARBOOK ACTIVITIES:  Participation in this project does not exempt the student from other Yearbook duties such as photographing, writing, business ad sales or any other class requirements.