Review of Dr. Rasmussen’s Journalism class, fall 2023
by Ace R.
Dr. Rasmussen, or “Dr.R.,” has been teaching Journalism for a little over decade and here’s what can be said about Dr.R’s journalism class fall 2023.
In Journalism three movies and a documentary were viewed by students along with the reading of two serials. Students will learn about the politics and ethics of journalism and the many different types of journalism here is just a short list of all the things students will learn about; current events, hard news vs soft news, editorials, political cartoons, modern journalism, how journalistic writing is different from essay writing, and even a bit of history. Along with that you will be on the school newspaper staff and write seven articles that semester. That is only a glimpse of Dr.R’s journalism class.
I’d say even for people who don’t want to take on journalism as a profession it’s still a great class to take especially for the English and history lovers. Journalism is a course of wide variety learning about politics, social trust issues, history, and ethics, which are all things every citizen should know. I suggest taking this class if you are interested in any of the following: Journalism, history, politics, reporting, in depth class conversation, and truth seeking. I do NOT recommend taking this class if you…are addicted to your phone, fall asleep in class often, or if you hate reading. Overall the class is educational and fun on many levels.
The average day in Dr.R’s class looks something like this; Starting class here with a fact from that day in history and small class discussion and be sure to write it down as they’ll be a grade later. On Mondays, which are referred to as “serial Mondays,” the class will read together one of the two serials that are taught, Around the World in 72 Days and Angels and Demons. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays students will go straight from jumble to the lesson or working on their articles; on Fridays students do jumble, then as a class will take the New York Times weekly news quiz and either as a class or individually (depending on the rest of that days lesson) will read that weeks current event. Some interesting current events we read about during the 2023 fall semester were about George Santos getting voted out of office, a mass shooting in Maine, the trial outcome resulting from the attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, etc.
Journalism is a unique class that differs from others at Airport with its creative lessons and philosophical discussions and content. This class is not for those who isn’t for those who can’t accept differences of opinion as many heavy topics are discussed in the movies watched and serials & articles read; such as politics, death, mass murder, rape, and so on. If you have already taken Journalism you are eligible for Journalism 2 which is held during the same period as Journalism 1, you will sit in on the class while writing articles for the eyrie and for your final grade create a podcast.
Serena M., a sophomore taking Journalism, 1 wasn’t originally supposed to be in this class but she has said, “Writing the seven articles can be very taxing” but she later adds “Dr.R endeavors to bring an atmosphere of a lively classroom prove several positive outcomes, often inspiring students to engage in participation within class.”
Another sophomore in Journalism 1 is Anthony G. who said, “I find Dr.R’s class to be a great class and assignments to be fun and interesting though sometimes her assignments are a bit confusing.” Anthony also had thoughts on Dr.R as a teacher. “Outside of assignments I like Dr.Rassmussen as a teacher, I appreciate her for helping and hearing me out. 10/10 teacher.”
In the end Dr.R’s class is educational, fun, interesting, and challenging. She is an excellent teacher with a willingness to help and hear out student ideas and opinions while staying with her curriculum.
Recommendation: 9/10. Sometimes the class can feel long, or be taxing, but it’s worth it for the results.