Course Overview

This is your detailed pathway to learning.

Week 1: Mastering AP Style Basics

• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the fundamentals of AP Style.
  • Learn the importance of writing for impact.
• Readings/Video:
  • Introduction to AP Style and its importance in professional writing.
  • Crafting impactful communications.
• Quiz:
  • 10 questions on basic AP Style rules (dates, numbers, titles, etc.).
• Assignment:
  • Writing sample assigned by your supervisor. Focus on clarity and the basics of AP Style. Due next Wednesday.

  ---

Week 2: Crafting Strong, Engaging Ledes

• Learning Objectives:
  • Learn how to create strong lede sentences to grab attention.
  • Focus on writing succinctly and effectively.
• Readings/Video:
  • Techniques for writing strong, engaging ledes.
• Quiz:
  • 10 questions on crafting effective lede sentences in AP Style.
• Assignment:
  • Writing sample assigned by your supervisor, focusing on a compelling lede. Due next Wednesday.

  ---

Week 3: Crafting Strong Ledes and Nut Graphs

• Learning Objectives:
  • Learn to write clear, concise nut graphs that summarize the key information.
  • Develop skills to structure content for easy understanding and engagement.
• Readings/Video:
  • Best practices for writing nut graphs and structuring content for clarity.
  • Correct punctuation usage for AP Style.
• Quiz:
  • 10 questions on using correct punctuation for AP Style writing.
• Assignment:
  • Writing sample assigned by your supervisor, focusing on a strong lede, clear, concise nut graph and using correct punctuation for AP Style. Due next Wednesday.

  ---

Week 4:  Effective Sourcing and Attributing Information

• Learning Objectives:
  • Identify credible sources for healthcare communications.
  • Properly attribute information using AP Style guidelines.
  • Understand the ethical importance of accurate sourcing in communication.
  • Apply correct sourcing techniques to writing about health-care related topics and events.
• Readings/Video:
  • Quotations and attributions.
• Quiz:
  • 10 questions on correctly using quotations and attributions in writing featuring AP Style.
• Assignment:
  • Writing sample assigned by your supervisor, focusing on correctly using attributions and quotations. Due next Wednesday.

  ---

Week 5: Writing for Media Relations

• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand what content attracts media interest.
  • Learn how to write stories that drive media coverage.
• Readings/Video:
  • What makes content newsworthy? Writing for media appeal.
• Quiz:
  • TBD
• Assignment:
  • Writing sample assigned by your supervisor, focusing on highlighting a newsworthy event or announcement using AP Style. The purpose of this writing is gaining media coverage. Due next Wednesday.

  ---

Week 6: Crafting Social Media Posts That Engage Stakeholders

• Learning Objectives:
• • Learn how to craft social media posts that engage stakeholders and adhere to AP Style.
  • Tailor messaging for various platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
• Readings/Video:
  • Writing engaging social media posts that drive interaction.
• Quiz:
  • 10 questions on AP Style for social media.
• Assignment:
  • Write both your assigned writing task and a series of social media posts for all platforms your organization uses. Focus on concise, engaging content. Due by next Wednesday.

  ---

Week 7: Crafting Messages During Moments of Crisis

• Learning Objectives:
  
• • Learn how to craft effective messages during a crisis.
  • Focus on clarity, compassion and professionalism.
• Readings/Video:
  • Crisis communication and writing for moments of urgency.
• Quiz:
  • 10 questions on writing crisis communication messages using AP Style.
• Assignment:
  • Write a crisis communication statement for a hypothetical or real scenario provided by your supervisor. Due next Wednesday.

Week 8: Final Project and Course Reflection

• Learning Objectives:
  • Apply everything learned throughout the course.
  • Review your writing journey and assess your progress.
• Readings/Video:
  • Review AP Style guidelines and reflect on writing for impact.
• Quiz:
  • 10 questions summarizing key concepts learned throughout the course.
• Assignment:
  • Final Project: Write a full-length press release or feature article based on a significant event or initiative in your organization. Focus on crafting a strong lede, clear nut graph and engaging content. Due next Wednesday.

Course Expectations:

• Submission: All writing assignments are due by next Wednesday.
• Review: Assignments will be reviewed and feedback provided by the course instructor.
• Engagement: Participants are expected to actively engage with course materials, apply new skills, and incorporate instructor feedback into their writing.