Introduction to Journalism:
TEKS 110:62
(1) Students will demonstrate an understanding of media development, press law and responsibility;
(A) identify the history and development of American journalism through people and events;
(B) identify the foundations of journalistic ethics;
Monday:
Students will identify the major parts of the front page of a daily newspaper and explain terms.
Lecture & Discussion: America’s historical background including:
1690 Publick Occurrences;
Freedom of the Press: John Peter Zenger Trial and precedent for protecting freedom of the press 1735;
Tuesday:
Lecture & discussion: The birth of the nation and the role that newspapers played in the American Revolution & the founding of America; importance of the First Amendment
quiz: parts of the newspaper
Wednesday:
Introduction of library books, students will explain why they choice the book they did, will read the first page aloud in class and discuss writing styles, interest levels, Voice of writer.
Thursday:
Lecture & Discussion: The Penny Press and impact on the acculturation of immigrants to America; impact of the telegraph on journalism and how it changed newswriting;
Friday:
Lecture & discussion of Yellow Journalism in America; the roles that Hearst & Pulitzer played in impacting not only journalism, but American history; their role in the Spanish-American War;
film: Joseph Pulitzer

Psychology:
After lecture, discussion, exposure to film and reference resources, students will be able to:
TEKS 113.36
(7) understand the history of the field of psychology. The student is expected to:
(A) identify defining characteristics that differentiate the field of psychology from other related social sciences;
(B) trace the impact of associationism, psychodynamic (Freudian) thinking, behaviorism, and humanism on current thinking in psychology;
(8) The student compares the processes of theory development and validation. The student is expected to:
(A) define and differentiate the concepts of theory and principle;
(B) describe the relationship between earlier and later theories related to a give psychological construct; and
(C) identify and describe the basic methods of social scientific reasoning
Monday: read Chpt. 1 Sec. 1 & discuss Why Study Psychology
Overview of field
Identify Goals of Psychology
Explain orally the scientific basis of field
Tuesday: Read & discuss A Brief History of Psychology
Identify & explain historical approaches in field:
~Structuralsim, Functionalism, Inheritable Traits, Gestalt Psychology
Identify & explain contemporary approaches in field:
~Psychoanalytic psychology
~Behavioral Psychology
~Humanistic Psychology
~Cognitive Psychology
~Biological Psychology
~Sociocultural Psychology
Wednesday: Complete coverage of material from Tuesday
Begin Introduction to Psychology film narrated by Dr. Phillip Zimbardo
Thursday: Complete film & discuss
Friday: Chapter Test

The senior psychology classes had the opportunity to reflect on their ‘last first day of school’ with a walk around the high school on day one with discussion of their experiences of the last three years and the importance of planning for their senior year. They had the opportunity to develop their goals for their senior year and seal them in an envelope which they will pick up with their diploma packet at graduation.

The classes continued to work on goal setting throughout the week after watching Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture. They continued to develop life goals at the same time as learning about Erik Erikson’s Theory of PsychoSocial Development and Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

The Introduction to Journalism class has learned some basic terms and examined the importance of rhythm in writing. After exposure to writers such as Rick Bragg, Tim O’Brien, Stephen King, Jeanette Walls, James Frey and more, they culminated their week of study with a trip to the library on Friday where each student journalist selected a library book of their choice to read. ‘THE MORE YOU READ THE BETTER YOU WRITE!’ Also, readers tend to score much higher on standardized tests and college entrance exams.

The yearbook and newspaper staff is busily considering theme ideas for yearbook and story ideas for the Gauger. They have also received contracts concerning care of equipment and behavior which is required for both student and parent to sign. It is a HUGE commitment to be a member of the publication staff. The 2010 yearbook should be ready for delivery by the third week of September.

CSU will hold an organizational meeting on Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in journalism. All students are invited to attend the Christian Student Union and are warmly welcomed.

Introduction to Journalism 2nd Period:
TEKS 110.62
(a) Introduction
(1) Students enrolled 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 compositions on a regular basis, carefully examining their papers for clarity, engaging language and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English.
In Journalism, students are expected to write in a variety of forms and for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students will become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communications skills.
Writing, technology, visual and electronic media are used as tools for learning as students create, clarify, critique, write and produce effective communications.
Students enrolled in Journalism will learn journalistic traditions, research self-selected topics, write journalistic texts and learn the principles of publishing.

Monday & Tuesday:
With this over-arching goal in mind the first week of school we will explore the importance of the written word in a variety of forms. I will expose them to different styles of dynamic writing, challenge them to articulate their response to the selections both orally and in writing.
Wednesday: Students will bring in one book or article that has impacted them in some way and share why and how the selection was significant for them.
Thursday: Students will respond in writing to question: Why is the Pen Mightier Than the Sword and substantiate answer with facts and examples (both personal & historical).
Friday: Library to check out a book that the student will read and after reading write a review as if for publication.

Psychology 1st & 2nd Periods:
TEKS 113:36 Knowledge & Skills Objectives:
(1) The individual in Society: The goal is for the student to understand the dynamics of the relationship between self and others to be a contributing member of the community. The student is expected to:
(A) participate in class as a leader & a follower
(B) adjust behavior appropriately to fit various situations
(C) contribute to the development of a supportive climate in groups, and
(D) accept and fulfill social responsibilities associated with citizenship in a group setting.
(16) Social Studies Skills: The student will develop long-term and short-term goal-setting skills for individual & community problem solving. The student will be able to:
(A) illustrate the relationship & sequence between intermediate goals & terminal goals
(B) monitor and evaluate self-directed inquiry or projects for timelines, accuracy and goal attainment

Monday: Last First Day of School activities & reflection
Individual Goal Setting for student’s senior year (the written goals will be placed in a envelope, sealed eventually placed in the diploma packet the student will receive at graduation.
Tuesday: Lecture, discussion & viewing of Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture
Wednesday: Journal assignment: Lifetime goals (50 Things I want to do before I die)
Thursday: Discussion of goals; Overview of Course Topics, Intro to Origins of Psychology, Myth of Psyche (handouts)
Friday: Senior Friday: College Goals, Timeline, Deadlines, Financial Aid & Scholarship Info.

I would like to welcome all of my new and returning students. I am very excited about all of my classes. You are entering a classroom that I hope you find welcoming, exciting and comfortable. With that said, expect to be challenged to think critically and to participate actively.

I would especially like to welcome my senior psychology kids. About half of you are either in 1st or 3rd period…so be prepared to get close…literally. Small room, lots of kids. Despite the size of the classes we will be doing many group activities. Be prepared for a walk down memory lane on the first class day. During the first six weeks we will be learning about the general background (history) of the discipline and its unique ties to American culture and academia. We will look at research methods and the structure of the brain. We will also sample the latest research on brain structure and development, and how it affects individuals. We will also pursue the development of individual leadership skills, goal setting and planning for life after high school. This is a course that is jam packed with academic info, personal development and group dynamics. I look forward to growing with you. In the spring the course offered is sociology.

Future reporters in 2nd period J1, welcome. This is an intro class that is structured as a mass media course. We will discuss what journalism is and why it is important to maintain our freedom and the integrity of our government. At this time we have about 23 kids enrolled in this class. This is an ACADEMIC elective that focuses on writing and critical thinking. It is primarily a lecture and multi-media class experience. Be prepared to enhance the skills you are learning in English and social studies classes. Also be prepared to express yourself orally and in writing at higher and higher levels as the year progresses. You may even have the opportunity to be published in the yearbook or newspaper. One of the most exciting elements of your choice of electives is that research shows that students who have been involved in journalism in high school have a much greater success rate in college.

Roughneck & Gauger Journalists: Welcome family! Do NOT forget that YOU are a member of the working press. You are viewed in the professional world as a scholastic journalist. We are charged with creating publications that tell the story of this place at this time. For the veterans, you know the level of work required and the hours necessary to create the excellence our program is known for locally and nationally. Get ready…pen and cameras in hand to hit the ground running. For those of you new to staff…what is required is first of all a tremendous work ethic, secondly reporting and writing ability, and always the ability to deal with people, deadlines, stress and multiple responsibilities. I can’t wait to see your creativity develop as the year progresses.

My classroom and publication rooms are filled with resources. I am one of them. I will be happy to help you academically now and to help you prepare for your future. However, on Mondays & Wednesdays I will be teaching Dual Credit United States History 1301 in the fall and 1302 in the spring for Kilgore College during lunch and 5th period. During that time NO meetings or phone calls will be accepted.

Start your engines because the year will fly by!