English 307-01: Feature Writing

Fall, 1999
Instructor: Kim Pearson
217 Bliss
x 2692
fax: (609)637-5112
e-mail: kpearson@tcnj.edu

Overview

1. You will write four articles targeted to specific publications, based on beat reporting in Mercer County. Specifically, you will work on a joint internet-based reporting project with students in London.
2. These articles will be critiqued by your peers, and by me, in workshop sessions,
3. You will revise those articles for submission to the specified publications, as well as for a grade. At least two articles will be for UNBOUND, our online newsmagazine. At least one will be for The Signal.

1. Each of you will have some responsibility to assist in the editing and production of Issues 7 and 8 of UNBOUND. Some of you will have formal editorial and production positions, with some concommitant adjustments in your beat reporting and article-generating requirements. Every one will at some time be asked to fact-check articles. Through this effort, you will gain an appreciation for the connections between news and feature reporting, differences between print and online features, and cultural differences in news judgment and writing style.

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   Grading

   Grades will be based upon a combination of factors. Students will produce four 800 - 1000 - word features. All assignments must be submitted by e-mail.

   Each article will be the result of either an assignment or a successful query. The final articles submitted to UNBOUND must be appropriately structured for reading on the Web, with the requisite HTML tags. You must also supply copies of your notes, tapes and other supporting materials for fact-checking purposes. YOU MUST SUMBIT FACT-CHECKING MATERIAL IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A GRADE!!!!!

   This will constitute 50 percent of your grade. Twenty percent of the grade will be for teamwork and professionalism. Teamwork refers to your willingness to assist the class in creating the magazine, and to offer constructive feedback to me and your classmates. Professionalism refers to the extent to which you come to class prepared, do your homework, meet deadlines, communicate with me and your classmates and present your work in a professional manner. Note: some of the input for this portion of the grade will come from confidential peer evaluation forms which will be circulated mid-semester. Ten percent will be based on scores on homework and quizzes. The final ten percent will be based upon your contributions to the class message board.

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   Grading criteria for written work

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

   B Logic and facts are in order. The writing is 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 extension has been granted.

   A word to the wise -- The following practices are sure to sabotage your grade: skipping class or skipping assignments, failing to communicate with me early and often about problems that you have with any aspect of the class, and failing to take heed of written or oral feedback that I give you. I am willing to look at drafts of assignments before they are due.

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   Article deadlines and exemptions

   first article -- no exemptions

   -- second story -- editor in chief, production manager, layout editor and section editors exempt

   -- third story -- copy editors, editor-in-chief, senior editor, photo editor, layout manager and production manager exempt

   -- fourth story -- managing editor, photo editor, production and layout manager exempt

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   Texts

   UNBOUND Operations Manual, spring 1999 edition. Only those of you who don't already have it need to buy it. On sale, in class, for $5.00. Purchase first week of class.

   Online Journalism Review

   The AP Stylebook and Libel Manual

   The Trenton Times, New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer. Bring in on class days.

   All other texts will be on the web, on reserve, or handed out in class.

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   Class schedule and assigned readings. (All assignments are due for the next class, unless indicated. Also, the UNBOUND production schedule may require some schedule adjusments.

   Week One -- The internet project. Beat reporting. Possible beats are : here Form UNBOUND personnel committee. Background on Diane Abbott, M.P.,a summary of her life and career and some data on Hackney and Stoke Newington. There's information, as well. Read this material, do some research on your own, and post some thoughts to the message board about possible ways to approach this reporting project. First story -- a color story, due September 30. E-mail story ideas to me for next class.

   Week Two --UNBOUND assignments, approaching the color story. Form reporting teams. Elements of a feature story. Description exercise. Research.

   Week Three -- Interviewing. Role playing exercise. Quotes, verbs and transitions.

   Week Four -- Final preparations for Abbott visit. Begin discussion of story two -- inaugural feature.

   Week Five: Story one due. Final preparation for inauguration visit.

   Week Six: No class. Cover an inaugural event. Story due 10/8 or 10/12, depending on event. If you can, attend Abbott lecture. Extra credit for a reaction essay posted to the message board.

   Week Seven: Discussion of event coverage. Possible chat with students in London. Begin discussion of historical story, due Nov.8

   Week Eight: Conferences -- no classes held

   Week Nine: UNBOUND production check

   Week Eleven: Special beats -- columns, arts. Begin discussion of story four: profile of a prominent person

   Week Twelve - End. Workshop.

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