EL4074: Journalistic Writing
Professor Amie Parry
Spring 2011
Time: Mondays 9:00-11:50
Place: A105
Office A218; phone: x33215
amie.parry@gmail.com
Course Description:
A profile is a type of reportage that presents a vivid, insightful portrait of a person, place or event. It is a form of feature writing. We will begin by reading sample profiles and practicing the types of writing techniques involved, such as describing people and places, narrating events, and presenting a theme. Early in the semester, students will submit a list of possible topics to be approved by the instructor. After the topics are chosen, students will learn how to conduct library and internet research, do fieldwork (observing, interviewing, sometimes participating), and organize and analyze data. The final weeks will consist of self and peer evaluation activities in writing workshops on the first and second drafts. The final profile will be turned in with all drafts and relevant materials, including brainstorming activities, preliminary writing assignments, observation and interview notes, outlines, written peer evaluations, etc. So remember: You must save all your prewriting material!
Policy:
Every week there will be a homework assignment, involving research, reading, and/or writing, on which the following week's class discussions will be based. These assignments are listed below ("HW" is for homework). They will not be graded, but they must be completed each week in order to earn participation credit. Students will be graded on:
Weekly participation (including attendance and weekly assignments) 30%
Profile drafts 30%
The final profile 40%
Note:
this is a workshop course, so attendance is required. Two unexcused absences are permitted; a third will result in a failing grade.
Textbook:
Course reader. Available at Gaoguan.
Schedule of classes:
| W1 |
2-21 |
Introduction; written exercise: interviewing and describing.
HW: Reading 67-69, 100-103; Read for perspective, detail, terms, names, comparisons: Sample profiles: Cable, Edge, Orlean, Coyne.
Writing read only the sections indicated below (these follow each profile except for Cable's) and then write 1-2 paragraphs on each one: Edge, Detailed Information about the Subject,78; Orlean, A Perspective on the Subject, 89; Coyne, A Perspective on the Subject, 96; Cable, what is his theme and what detailed descriptions and comparisons does he use to present it?
Writing (part 2) prepare a list of possible topics for your profile. |
|
| W2 |
2-28 |
No class. |
| W3 |
3-7 |
Discuss readings. Decide on topic (final).
HW:Reading 104-105.
Write initial schedule and list of preliminary questions. |
|
| W4 |
3-14 |
Discuss profile plans and questions; library and internet research.
HW: Read "Observations" and "Interviews" 716-722; Interview of Margaret Drabble (Appendix 1).
Writing how has the interviewer prepared for this session: what knowledge does she show about Drabble's past, interviewing experience, and novels (and about literature in general)? How does she use questions that are both informed and open? What insights are brought out? |
|
| W5 |
3-21 |
Discuss Drabble interview. Discuss journalism ethics and observation/ interview questions.
HW: Read Chocano, "Daniel Clowes" (Appendix 1).
Writing How does Chocano integrate quoted material and description from her interviews into this profile? How does it help develop the theme? Writing (part 2): Fully plan your observations and interviews. Schedule with relevant venues and interviewees. |
|
| W6 |
3-28 |
Discuss profile of Clowes. Check interview and observation plans.
HW: Read Benfer "Nazi Family Values" (Appendix 1);
Writing How does Benfer explain her own curiosity about white supremacist groups? What personal information does she have about the groups and what information has she acquired through media research? How does she integrate this information into her narrative, and how does she use it to develop her theme? |
|
| W7 |
4-4 |
No class. |
| W8 |
4-11 |
Discuss Benfer.
HW: Field research Finish observations and notes.
Reading 107, Making Observations;
Writing do the write-up exercise on page 107 for your observations. |
|
| W9 |
4-18 |
Workshop on observation notes and write-up. Discuss interviews.
HW: Field research: Complete preliminary interviews and notes.
Reading 107, Conducting Interviews;
Writing do the write-up exercises on page 107 for your interviews. |
|
| W10 |
4-25 |
Workshop on interview notes and write-up. Discuss thesis (108).
| HW: Reference Chapter 23: Library and Internet Research, esp. Evaluating Sources 752-754. |
|
| W11 |
5-2 |
What further information do you need? Internet and library research.
HW: Reading 109-111; 564-567; (reference: the rest of Chapter 11: A Catalog of Invention Strategies).
Research find at least one source that contains information or ideas that you can use in your profile. Write a sentence outline (567) for your profile (approximately 2 pages). (Include information from your research in the outline). |
|
| W12 |
5-9 |
Outline due (4 copies). Outline workshop.
HW: Reading: 111-113. Write the first draft (bring 3 copies). |
| W13 |
5-16 |
First draft workshop (Critical Reading Guide p. 114-115).
HW: Reading 115-119;
Writing revision plan. |
|
| W14 |
5-23 |
No class. Makeup: Conferences.
|
| W15 |
5-30 |
Second draft workshop.
|
| W16 |
6-6 |
No class. |
| W17 |
6-13 |
Review |
| W18 |
6-20 |
Workshop on titles. Final draft due 6-24. |
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