Journalism Writing Assignment: CLUB HISTORY

BACKGROUND:

Students needing ongoing practice to be able to demonstrate their capabilities in Journalism before returning 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: Journalism students will be completing a research and interview paper on the topic of "The History of Clubs at HHS." This could include FFA, FBLA, HOLA/LULAC, KNOWLEDGE BOWL, etc. Your adviser will give you your topic for your paper.

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

  1. What is the history of the club? How, where and when did it get started? What was the group's MISSION? Has this changed over the years? This is HISTORICAL INFORMATION and will require some online research.
  2. How do these clubs function at Highland High School? What do they do? What activities to they participate in?
  3. How do club participants (adviser, student members, etc.) feel about their participation in the club?

THE INTERVIEWS:

For this paper, journalism must CONDUCT and INCLUDE at least TWO interviews into their paper. ONE of a student member of the club and ONE of the club adviser.

THE PAPER:

Please follow this outline for your paper:

  1. Opening paragraph: Introduction regarding your club. 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 your club. Be very detailed in your writing, some of these clubs have long and storied histories! Include source material (just as if you were writing a history paper!)
  3. Paragraphs 3-4: Relate your interview material regarding your club. Be detailed in your information regarding the club, it's activities and function at HHS. USE QUOTATIONS PROPERLY!
  4. Paragraph 5: 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 2-3 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.