The major areas of writing include news stories, features, editorials and columns, interviews, reviews, sports as well as writing copy for advertising. Layout, design, photography and cartoons are also explored. In addition to the writing and planning skills covered, the ethics of the field are covered in theoretical as well as practical ways. Every attempt is made to have students go out into the community to practice the craft, i.e., students attempt to cover local, state and national figures. For those who wish to participate in the publication of the school paper, every opportunity is given to each student.
Students study a mutually acceptable topic related to the field of English.
This course is designed to prepare students for the type of writing they will be doing in college. Emphasis is placed on the planning and execution of long themes. Since this is a workshop, most of the activities will be done in class. The course covers various types of themes, including narrative, descriptive, process analysis, argument, and critical review. Focus will be on the emotions and experiences, both positive and negative, that such people have because of their identification with a specific minority group.