Journalism Courses Offered

There are three journalism courses offered at Waterloo West High School. The introductory courses is Journalism. It is highly recommended to take this courses before applying to get on the Wahawk Insider or Wahawk Yearbook staff, however it is not required. Online Publications and Yearbook are the classes responsible for creating content for Wahawk Insider and the Wahawk Yearbook. You can read about each of the courses below.

Journalism: Open to 10-11-12th grade. One English credit. Students will study all facets of mass communication. This course teaches the writing of news stories, features, editorials, in-depth articles, headlines, layout, and design. This course is recommended for the yearbook and online publications staff.

Online Publications: Open to 10 -11-12th grade. Two elective credits. Recommended: Journalism and/or instructor approval based on proof of competency. The purpose of this course is to promote professional journalism, enhance students’ journalistic skills and encourage the production of a student-run publication. This course provides information and hands-on practice in designing, planning, and launching online digital publications. Students learn how to create and format content, how to optimize content for a variety of audiences and digital platforms, how digital publishing standards work, and how to organize digital content to include interactivity. Online Publications focuses on writing articles, conducting interviews, taking photographs and understanding media law. Students will gain hands-on experience as they contribute to producing the school’s digital news publication. The course is structured as a workshop or seminar and is a project-based course. Students may be expected to sell advertising and meet deadlines. This course may be repeated for credit. Online Publications counts as a general elective. It does not count toward required English credits.

Yearbook: Open to 10-11-12th grade. Two elective credits. Instructor approval; Journalism recommended. Students will develop a high school yearbook reflective of the year’s activities. Course topics covered include methods of layout and design, computer technology, copywriting, photo editing, advertising, caption writing, meeting deadlines, and selling ads. Students are expected to sell advertising. This course may be repeated for elective credit. Yearbook counts as a general elective. It does not count toward required English credits.

For more information about these courses, contact Ms. Goodman at [email protected].