English 307:Feature Writing

This course will allow you to become proficient in writing short features for newspapers and magazines. We begin with a foundation in hard news reporting: the classic inverted pyramid. Then, we examine the kinds of stories below the fold on page one, and throughout the rest of the paper: the news analysis pieces, opeds, profiles,lifestyle stories and investigative stories. These are all common types of feature stories. Every writer who hopes to make a living in print or electronic media needs to know how to create these kinds of stories.
Grading Policies

Grades will be based on combination of grades on first drafts of stories, final portfolios, participation in writing and editing teams, homework assignments and class participation.

Class Requirements

An e-mail address: 5 percent

One panel presentation of readings, posting of e-mail discussion questions to the class list: 10 percent

Thoughtful responses to any 5 e-mail questions during the course of the semester, posted to the class list -- 10 percent

Four 1,000-word stories, as specified above -- 50 points

Fullfillment of editorial responsibilities as assigned -- 10 percent


Grading Criteria

A Logic and facts are in order. Writing and reporting are clear, effective, and interesting. No substantial spelling, grammar or mechanical errors. Presentations are delivered in the appropriate style and format, within the established time frame.

B Logic and facts are in order. The writing are clear and competent. Errors are minimal.

C The writing is thoughtful and produced with care. Some errors.

D An effort has been made to meet the requirements of the assignment, but substantial work is needed.

F The requirements have not been addressed.

0 The work has not been handed in, and no extensions have been given.


Class Covenant

We will:


September, 1998 Schedule
Professor Kim Pearson
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
31
1
2
3
Introduction
What is feature writing?
Read Stovall
Chaps 1-5, 9
By 9/21
Story One proposal due
9/10 
4
5
6
7
Developing Story Ideas
8
9
10
Story One proposal due;
Story due 9/24
Research and Interviewing
11
12
13 14 

Writing and Revising

15 16 17 

No class 

Cultivating Voice: E-mail essay assignment 

Review:http://www.pulitzer.org/

18 19
20 21 

Workshop

22 23 24 

Story One due: In class 

critique

25 26
27 28 

HTML Workshop

29 30

Revisions and hyperlinks due

2 3
Schedule may change due to release of
| Prof. Pearson's Syllabi Archive | October, 1998 Class schedule