An Online Course Developed by Dr. Cory Armstrong and Moderated by Gary Ghioto

JOU 4321: Opinion Writing

An online course developed by Dr. Cory Armstrong and moderated by Gary Ghioto

Instructor: Gary Ghioto

Digital news and print lecturer

102A GAB

Phone: (940) 891-6722

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Required Text:

Public Opinion. Rosalee A. Clawson and Zoe Oxley. 2013, Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA. (3rd edition).

Reading at least one daily newspaper editorial section per day, along with the NTDaily/ntdaily.com news and views articles

Course Description and Objectives:

Study of the role of American news media in influencing public opinion through editorial/opinion writing and news analysis. Practice in persuasive writing and using evidence and research to craft an effective argument.

Course Goals:

• To examine newspapers' editorial page functions and responsibilities and the reporting and research involved in persuasive writing.
• To foster a critical, but positive, attitude toward newspapers' influence on public opinion and the influence of public opinion on newspapers.
• To create and complete effective personal columns.
• To sharpen reporting, research and writing skills involved in persuasive writing.

Course structure:This course is web-only. A learning module has been set up for each section of the class. Each module will run from Monday at 12:00 a.m. to Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of a given week—including any holidays. It is the student’s responsibility to follow and adhere to this schedule. Each module contains a lecture, readings, discussion topics, and a quiz. One exam will also evaluate your knowledge and understanding of the material and multiple writing assignments will also be required. Final grades will be developed from a mixture of quizzes, discussions, assignments and exams. See the grade breakdown later in this syllabus. It is the student’s responsibility to follow and adhere to this schedule.

Course Requirements:

Deadlines: The assignments in this class will all be turned in via Blackboard. If you experience technical difficulties, your first line of defense will be to contact the UNT Helpdesk at or (940) 565-2324. If they cannot resolve your issue, please contact your instructor regarding these issues. Please plan accordingly to negotiate these potential interruptions, as it is your responsibility to turn in assignments by the deadlines

.

Technology Requirements: You must have a working computer with a keyboard and consistent high-speed internet access during the course of the semester. This is a writing-intensive course, so having a keyboard on which to write your stories is necessary. Further, Microsoft Word is the preferred software program for class assignments, although any program that uses .doc or .rtf formats should be appropriate. Please verify if you have questions.

Assignments:All assignments should be typed, double-spaced, with 12-point font and follow AP style. Please attach assignments and do not copy and paste them into Blackboard, as they will lose their formatting.

1. Module Quizzes (10 percent): Students will complete an online quiz for each learning module in the class, based on readings and lecture materials.
2. Peer Discussion Posts (20 percent): Each student is required to post (roughly 200-300 words) discussing the reading/lecture content. Specifically, this will include responding to the specific discussion questions and thoughts put forth by the instructor within the learning module or as a response to a writing assignment. These responses should also have a clear thesis and correct grammar to receive credit.
3. Midterm Exam (20 percent): One exam will focus on key issues of public opinion and the relationship between government and media. Students will also be expected to write persuasive arguments related to a hypothetical issue.
4. Editorial (10 percent:Each will focus on contemporary public affairs issue or political candidate and be written from the position of a news organization. These will be well-researched and developed editorials which clearly state your position.
5. Op-Ed piece (10 percent): This assignment will be a personal column responding to a topical issue of the student’s choosing. Evidence, argument development and persuasiveness will be key grading criteria.
6. WrittenRebuttalResponse (5 percent): Students will respond to an existing newspaper editorial.Responses will refute or reinforce the position in the editorial using evidence and supporting research.
7. Final Package (25 percent): Students will develop an editorial package related to a current U.S. public affairs issue. Students will research it, develop a position statement and then write one editorial and one op-ed piece examining the theme through differing vantage points and weaving the position throughout the three pieces.The topic must be approved by the instructor.

Evaluation:

Earning your grade:

Editorial 10 percent

Op-ed piece10percent

Written Response to Editorial 5percent

Online Discussion20percent

Midterm Examination20percent

Quizzes10percent

FinalPackage25percent

Grading Scale:

A = 90-100

B = 80-89.99

C = 70-79.99

D = 60-69.99

Below 60 = F

Journalism students must earn a C or better for this course to count toward their degree program.

Makeup: Make-up assignments and exams are not permitted. However, under an extreme circumstance, if you have an excused absence AND the professor was notified in advance, an exception may be made.

Miscellaneous:

Discussion board policies:We will be covering sensitive topics in this class and students may have strong feelings about particular issues discussed in class. Everyone deserves a safe environment in which to participate in class discussions. Therefore, be respectful in all of your discussion posts and student interaction.

• Use attention-getting subject lines in all posts. DO NOT title each post with “Module 1, Module 2” etc. Instead, label the subject in a way that accurately describes its content.
• Responses should include a clear thesis statement and correct grammar within each post and cite any material (in lecture or readings) as appropriate.
• Proper grammar and word usage is expected.
• No derogatory language will be tolerated. If you have questions about the use of specific words or language that may be deemed derogatory, obscene, or biased in some way, you should speak with the instructor before including this language in your post.
• ONLY thoughtful posts that adhere to these policies (including due dates and times) will receive full credit.

Discussion Post Due Dates: To receive credit, all posts and replies will be due on Sunday nights by 11:59 p.m., which correspond to the end of the module. Any posts received after that time will not receive credit.

Disability Accommodation: The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course.

You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class.

Students are strongly encouraged to deliver letters of accommodation during faculty office hours or by appointment. Faculty members have the authority to ask students to discuss such letters during their designated office hours to protect the privacy of the student.

For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.

Instructor Contacts and Assignment Returns:I will respond to email queries at within 24 hours (or the following business day). Assignments will generally be returned within a week of submission, unless otherwise specified. All email correspondence with the instructor should follow a business professional format, including complete sentences.

Attendance: This is an online class, so no attendance grade is available. However, I am able to see your level of participation through Blackboard logins. Please be mindful that a lack of participation in all portions of the class will have a negative impact on your grade.

Accessibility Statements of Key Technology in Course:Below are the accessibility policies of the major technology used in the course.

You Tube:

Blackboard:

MS Office:

Adobe:

DATETOPIC/ASSIGNMENTS READINGS

Week 1 / Module 1: Introduction and Class Requirements
Assignment: Quiz 1; Discussion Post 1 / Course Syllabus, Assignments and Discussion Pages
Week 2 / Module 2: What is public opinion?News versus opinion.
Assignment: Quiz 2; Discussion Post 2 / Clawson and Oxley: Ch, 1, pp. 3-26;
Week 3 / Module 3a: How to research an article
Developing your ideas
ASSIGNMENT: Rebuttal of news editorial due to Blackboard with link or copy of original editorial due. / TBA assigned editorials and links.
Week 4 / Model 3b: Media and Government:
Formulating Opinion;
Assignment: Quiz 3; Discussion Post 3 / Clawson and Oxley: Ch. 2, pp. 43-68; Ch. 3, pp.69-100.
Week 5 / Module 4a Attitude stability and change
ASSIGNMENT: Position statements posted in Blackboard by TBARespond to one other position statements by TBA / Clawson and Oxley: Ch. 4, pp. 101-130;
Week 6 / Module 4b: Framing the Argument
Types of Editorials and Commentary Assignment: Quiz 4; Discussion Post 4 / TBA assigned editorials and links.
Week 7 / Module 5a: Role of opinion in policymaking
Affecting public opinion
ASSIGNMENT: Editorial Due to Blackboard; Respond to one other. / Clawson and Oxley: Ch. 9-10, pp. 241-300.
Week 8 / Module 5b The power of writing: Reporter vs. Editorial Writer
Assignment: Quiz 5; Discussion Post 5 / Clawson and Oxley, Ch. 12, pp. 337-365
Week 9 / TBA / TBA
Week 10 / Module 6: News vs. Opinion: Advocacy, Action and Change
Assignment: Quiz 6; Discussion Post 6 / Clawson and Oxley: Ch. 7, pp.185-208
Week 11 / Module 7: Political Endorsements; Choosing a candidate and crafting a political message
Assignment: Quiz 7; Discussion Post 7
ASSIGNMENT: Post final project package ideas in Blackboard. / Clawson and Oxley: Ch. 8, pp. 211-240;

Week 12 / Module 8: Functions of editorial boards
Marketplace of ideas
Choosing columns and letters to editor
Assignment: Quiz 8; Discussion Post 8 / Clawson and Oxley: Ch. 5-6, pp. 133-184
Week 13 / Essay Exam
Week 14 / Module 9a: Editorials vs. Commentary
Persuasive Writing
ASSIGNMENT: Op-ed piece due in Blackboard. / Clawson and Oxley, Ch. 11, pp. 303-336.
Week 15 / Module 10: When do I get my say? Ethics, personal opinion and opinion polls.
Assignment: Quiz 10; Discussion Post 10 / TBA assigned editorials and links.
Clawson and Oxley, Ch. 13, pp.369-374
Week 16
Final / Final package due 11:59 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12

JOURNALISM REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

JOURNALISM COURSE REGISTRATION

• Registration will begin on the dates noted in the schedule of classes each semester. The system is a live, first come/first serve program.

• By registering for this course, you are stating that you have taken the required prerequisites according to your catalog year and major/minor status. If the instructor later determines that you haven’t taken and passed these requirements, then you may be dropped at any point in the semester. If you have questions about your prerequisites, please see an advisor.

• A journalism major enrolled in any restricted 3000 and 4000 level classes must have taken and passed the GSP test, all foundational courses, and Math 1680/1681. Students must earn and maintain a 2.5 UNT and/or overall GPA (depending upon catalog year) to be eligible for major-level courses.

RE-TAKING FAILED JOURNALISM CLASSES

Students will not be allowed to automatically take a failed journalism course more than two times. Once you have failed a journalism course twice, you will not be allowed to enroll in that course for one calendar year after the date you received the second failing grade. Once a student has waited one calendar year after failing a course twice, the student may submit a written appeal to the director to be approved to enroll a third time. Students will not be allowed to re-take a failed journalism course more than three times.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Undergraduates

A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue to receive financial aid. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in addition to successfully completing a required number of credit hours based on total registered hours per semester. Students cannot exceed attempted credit hours above 150% of their required degree plan. If a student does not maintain the required standards, the student may lose financial aid eligibility.

If at any point you consider dropping this or any other course, please be advised that the decision to do so has the potential to affect your current and future financial aid eligibility. Please visit aid.unt.edu/satisfactory-academic progress-requirements for more information about financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress. It may be wise for you to schedule a meeting with your MSOJ academic advisor or visit the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office to discuss dropping a course before doing so.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

All first-time-in-college students at UNT are required to schedule an appointment with their Academic Advisor and receive an advising code to register for classes both fall and spring semesters of the first year in college. ALL students should meet with their Academic Advisor at least one time per long semester (Fall & Spring). It is important to update your degree plan on a regular basis to ensure that you are on track for a timely graduation.

• It is imperative that students have paid for all enrolled classes. Please check your online schedule daily through late registration to ensure you have not been dropped for non-payment of any amount. Students unknowingly have been dropped from classes for various reasons such as financial aid, schedule change fees, parking fees, etc. MSOJ will not be able to reinstate students for any reason after late registration, regardless of situation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all payments have been made.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR FALL 2016

Top of Form

Classes Begin. / Aug 29
Census. / Sept 12
Labor Day (no classes; university closed). / Sept 5
Beginning this date a student who wishes to drop a course must first receive written consent of the instructor. / Sept 13
Last day for student to receive automatic grade of W for nonattendance.
Last day for change in pass/no pass status.
Last day to drop a course or withdraw from the semester with a grade of W for courses that the student is not passing. After this date, a grade of WF may be recorded. / Oct 7
Beginning this date instructors may drop students with a grade of WF for nonattendance. / Oct 8
Last day to drop with either W or WF.
Last day for a student to drop a course with consent of the instructor. / Nov 7
Beginning this date, a student who qualifies may request an Incomplete, with a grade of I. / Nov 14
Last day to withdraw (drop all classes).
Last day for an instructor to drop a student with a grade of WF for nonattendance. / Nov 23
Thanksgiving Break (no classes, university closed). / Nov 24-27
Last Regular Class Meeting. / Dec 8
Reading Day (no classes). / Dec 9
Final Exams. / Dec 10-15
End of term. / Dec 16

ACADEMIC ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Understanding the academic organizational structure and appropriate Chain of Command is important when resolving class-related or advising issues. When you need problems resolved, please follow the step outlined below:

Individual Faculty Member/Advisor
Director, Mayborn School of Journalism
Dean, Mayborn School of Journalism

OFFICE OF DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

The University of North Texas and the Mayborn School of Journalism make reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. Students are strongly encouraged to deliver letters of accommodation during faculty office hours or by appointment. Faculty members have the authority to ask students to discuss such letters during their designated office hours to protect the privacy of the student. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.

COURSE SAFETY STATEMENTS

Students in the Mayborn School of Journalism are urged to use proper safety procedures and guidelines. While working in laboratory sessions, students are expected and required to identify and use property safety guidelines in all activities requiring lifting, climbing, walking on slippery surfaces, using equipment and tools, handling chemical solutions and hot and cold products. Students should be aware that the University of North Texas is not liable for injuries incurred while students are participating in class activities. All students are encouraged to secure adequate insurance coverage in the event of accidental injury. Students who do not have insurance coverage should consider obtaining Student Health Insurance for this insurance program. Brochures for this insurance are available in the UNT Health and Wellness Center on campus. Students who are injured during class activities may seek medical attention at the UNT Health and Wellness Center at rates that are reduced compared to other medical facilities. If you have an insurance plan other than Student Health Insurance at UNT, please be sure that your plan covers treatment at this facility. If you choose not to go to the UNT Health and Wellness Center, you may be transported to an emergency room at a local hospital. You are responsible for expenses incurred there.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or exams; dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor, the acquisition of tests or other material belonging to a faculty member, dual submission of a paper or project, resubmission of a paper or project to a different class without express permission from the instructors, or any other act designed to give a student an unfair advantage. Plagiarism includes the paraphrase or direct quotation of published or unpublished works without full and clear acknowledgment of the author/source. Academic dishonesty will bring about disciplinary action, which may include expulsion from the university. This is explained in the UNT Student Handbook. If you are caught engaged in conduct deemed academically dishonest, I reserve the right to give you an F for the course, drop you from the class or give you a “0” for the assignment. The severity of the punishment will depend on the severity of the conduct.