J320D Intermediate News Gathering and Reporting

Syllabus – Fall 2009

Lecture: CMA 3.116

TTh 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Labs are held in CMA 4.310

MW 2-5p.m.

TTH 6-8 p.m.

Instructor: Wanda Garner Cash

E-mail: wgcash@mail.utexas.edu

CMA 7.240 471-1965 Cell: 585.1518

Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., and by appointment

Teaching Assistants:

Bryan Brah, e-mail: bryan.brah@gmail.com

Kiera McCaffrey, e-mail: kiera.mccaffrey@gmail.com

Course descriptions and objectives:

The course develops newsgathering skills and journalistic values across all media: print, broadcast and on-line. At the end of the course, students will be able demonstrate their ability to:

o Comprehend reporters’ social roles and responsibilities by verbal and written discussion of same as outlined in the leading text on the subject.

o Behave like a professional reporter (as identified via review by random sources) and develop additional listening/attendance skills (as measured by class/lab attendance and class discussion).

o Obtain pertinent information by providing at least three sources such sources/information as identified by the teaching assistant, in each completed story, as well as successful completion of record-searching assignments.

o Assess source value via appropriate placement in each story.

o Integrate multi-media story telling elements into each assignment.

o Integrate the above goals via well-written, stylistically acceptable, well-reported news stories and progress reports that indicate appropriate development and interest.

Required Texts:

The Elements of Style, Strunk and White, so you will be a better writer.

AP Stylebook, so you will learn the rules.

Resource texts:

The Elements of Journalism, Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel.

Daily newspapers (including Sunday) the Daily Texan and Austin American-Statesman

Additional, optional readings may be online at our course Blackboard site.

General grading:

The traditional A, B, C, system will be used for this class:

A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = 59 and below (find another major)

In grading, we follow professional standards, including research and reporting, quotes, focus, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Grading sheet for stories and photos are attached to syllabus.

Your stories will count for 70 percent of your grade, while the remainder comes from the following:

o Weekly lab progress reports – 7 percent

o Story post mortem reports, a one-page summary of how you might improve each story, what you learned from the assignment and what you would like to do differently next time around - 7 percent cumulatively.

o Lab assignments and exercises (and quizzes on the Texan and Statesman content – news, sports, life/arts, business, local/metro sections; usually weekly on Fridays) – collectively worth 11 percent

o Final exam, 5 percent

Progress reports

Beginning the first full week of the semester (for a total of 7 reports) lab progress reports are due every other week when you have your regular meeting with your TA (no e-mailed reports, please). These notes summarize, generally in outline form, the activity occurring on your reporting work. The report should be typed and double-spaced. It should state what you’ve learned about your work in the previous week. Include the following items:

o Contacts - names, titles, phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses of contacts you’ve met and/or interviewed, as well as a one-sentence summary of what you discussed with each source and when; the more specific, the better

o In the works/plans - a summary of each story you’re currently working on and what it needs to be completed; include a projected completion date and the potential reader impact of the story (who will it affect?).

o Efficiency - how well did your last story compare to what you planned in your progress report? Were your plans accomplished? Were they satisfactory or insufficient? Address any disparity between your “plans” and your story.

Post mortem reports

Reporters are paid to learn something and translate it for readers. Each story presents a learning opportunity, about the topic and about your reporting techniques. “Post mortems” are commonly required of reporters, to prepare for follow-up stories and to improve the reporters professionally. After each story is submitted, students will e-mail me a response answering three questions. The questions might differ, but generally will ask how well your last story accomplished its goals and what might have improved it. Post mortem questions will be emailed and also posted on Blackboard.

Late papers

In the real world, there are few valid excuses for late assignments and missed deadlines. J320 is a training course and we expect you to be organized. Part of what you’ll learn in here is time management. You have to give yourself a margin, a cushion, of time during which you’ll read over and edit your own story before getting it to your lab instructor– rather than just writing up until the last minute and thrusting your unedited copy into her waiting hands. Always have a "Plan B" in case your primary story idea falls through. Begin planning stories in advance, at least a week beforehand. Missing sources are no excuse - have backup source(s) planned. Always be working on at least two stories simultaneously. Deadlines are hard and fast – just like in the real world. And they will change from week to week, depending on the assignment.

Bonus points

You can raise your quiz and story grades through various ways. In the past, students have garnered points for publishing photographs, audio or video in professional publications or broadcast media, attending professional panels, participating in some extracurricular journalistic activity, and the like. Additionally, the University offers a wealth of various activities, including speakers and events that will enhance your understanding of the world. You can attempt extra credit, with prior approval from me, for up to five bonus points applied to the assignment of your choice (usually a particularly low grade)

Story ideas

One of the marks of a great reporter is finding good story ideas, rather than relying on assignments from editors. In this class, we’ll help you develop this key aspect of reporting. With each story assignment, you will also be required to turn in three additional story ideas, which may or may not be related to that assignment. The important thing is for you to begin thinking at all times of good story ideas. Some of the best ideas will come to you when you’re not looking for them!

Multimedia elements

To enhance your storytelling ability, each story assignment must incorporate multimedia elements: a photograph, a graphic element, audio or video. Digital cameras, audio and video recorders have been reserved for J320 use at the Instructional Media Center, CMA 5.110. Check out the equipment before the third class day when you will need them for reference during a class workshop on how to use digital audio and video recorders.

Protocols

Consistent and prompt attendance and participation are critical in your preparation to become a professional. Therefore, class and lab attendance is required.

Classes will be devoted to discussing and critiquing reporting techniques and journalistic issues, as well as occasional enrichment lectures by visiting professionals. Lab sessions allow you to work on your stories with guidance from your TA and will cover your progress on a particular story or stories.

Some items to follow:

o If you miss class, arrange with a classmate to borrow notes, or check Blackboard.

o Legitimate excuses are medical emergencies and personal emergencies as defined by the instructor; typical or common illness doesn’t constitute a legitimate excuse. Be prepared to furnish a physician’s written explanation of your absence.

o It’s distracting if you’re late to class. Please be prompt. If you have to leave early, please clear it with me prior to the start of class.

o Be prepared for the discussion. Classes will not be lectures in the traditional sense. You are expected to think, argue, and explore the ideas presented, so discussion is vital to your learning. You are especially expected to engage guest speakers in lively questioning or give-and-take.

o TAs are vital to your success in this course. If you have a problem with a TA, you must speak with the TA first before you discuss it with me. See below about grade challenges.

o To be considered a serious journalist you must present yourself as such. All in-person interviews should be conducted in appropriate, professional attire.

o Exhibit professional demeanor while interacting with sources, either on the telephone, in person or by e-mail.

J320D Syllabus Part II – Lab manual

This manual (subject to change) is an extension of the course syllabus. You must adhere to each rule and regulation to successfully complete J320D. Your TAs will help you understand this manual and they will do their best to see to it that you follow it.

Your TAs are Bryan Brah and Keira McCaffrey, graduate students in journalism. They have considerable journalism experience between them. They will be grading and coordinating the bulk of your work for the course. How well you take to their instruction is a crucial element to your success.

Lab attendance

You must meet with the TA regarding your story at least once a week during your designated lab time. Come prepared with story ideas and a progress report. Lab attendance will count as 14 percent of your grade. Failure to attend will be considered a class absence.

Your meeting should discuss the progress you’re making on your story, in detail. Here’s why: Keeping the TA informed means fewer problems in the story; fewer problems usually mean a decent grade.

Lab attendance allows the TA to do his or her job and to help shape your work at an early stage in the reporting process. This doesn’t mean you have to stay in the lab to do your story (although using the telephone is a skill you need to develop), but simply helps the TAs know your whereabouts and guide you in story development. The result of your lab conferences should be evident in your stories and in your progress reports, so make the most of the opportunity.

Copy output

Seven stories are required during the term. These stories are considered a minimum requirement for passing the course. You may submit up to three additional stories for extra credit.

In past semesters, some students have attempted to “dump” stories during the last two weeks; i.e., these students have tried to submit an extraordinary number of - sometimes upward of 2 to 4 - stories for grading in an effort to make up for missed deadlines and less-than-adequate copy flow. This created an unusually large backlog of stories for TAs to grade, which in turn meant that these stories didn’t get the grading focus/attention they might have deserved. “Dumping” will not be tolerated.

Each story should be at least 500 words long, (typed, double-spaced, 1.25-inch margins, 12-point font size). If your story is shorter, it’s usually because either you didn’t ask enough questions, didn’t have enough sources, have a subject of limited news value or significance or any combination thereof. Any story less than 500 words gets 10 points deducted, no exceptions. Limit word count to 800 unless otherwise instructed.

Finally, each story must be accompanied with a cover sheet detailing the following:

o A list of source names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses

o Three multimedia suggestions: for art, graphics, break-out box, audio or video

o The “budget line” or topical description of the story, i.e., regents, flu shots, wreck

o A brief (less than 25 words) description of why this story is news.

o A list of Web sites (or other “invisible” sources) used and where in the story (page and paragraph) they are used.

o A brief (less than 25 words) description of why you chose the sources you have and why you don’t have other, more pertinent sources.

o A good explanation as to how your sources are diverse within the context of your story’s topic.

o Three ideas for future stories that may or may not relate to the assignment.

Budget lines are crucial to a smooth newsroom operation. The slug, or story name, should be descriptive enough that it can be identify your story. That slug is what you “save as” your story. For our purposes, slug your stories with your last name and story number, e.g. “SMITH Story 2”. The budget line should include a description of your story, your name, and the length.

Lab deadlines

All stories are due in lab and in class on the days and times stated on this syllabus. Hard copy stories must be handed in personally to a TA, who will make note of the story’s submission. Additionally, please provide an electronic copy to the shared Classes/J320D folder. Slug it with your capitalized last name and story number: SMITH story 3.

Plagiarism

"Plagiarism," according to University policy, includes, but is not limited to, the appropriation, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another's work and the submission of it as one's own academic work offered for credit.

Copying or using the material of another author or student, published report or on-line source without clearly referencing that work is considered plagiarism and in violation of UT student rules of student conduct.

Be extremely cautious. Changing word order and sentence structure does not change the definition of plagiarism. If you cite someone else’s work, say so. Give them credit. Otherwise, it’s stealing.

Plagiarism will result in an automatic failing grade for this course and possible dismissal from the University of Texas at Austin.

Students with disabilities

Any student with a documented disability (physical or cognitive) who requires academic accommodations should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities area of the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259 (voice) or 471-4641 (TTY for users who are deaf or hard of hearing) as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations. If you have a disability that you believe qualifies for consideration, please see me before February 1st

Story assignments

Story 1 – Attend a news conference, meeting or lecture on campus or in the community and report on it. Story should include contact with source(s) prior to the event, context, and reactions from those in attendance. DUE: Sept. 11

Story 2 – Crime/public safety - must feature some angle about a crime or public safety issue; this story can be spot news. The angle must be local (which can run the gamut from EMS, firefighters, UTPD to any law enforcement agency housed in the Central Texas area). In this story, we want you to get at least one primary document from a law enforcement agency. DUE: Sept. 25

Story 3 – Courts; cover an angle of a civil or criminal case in Travis or Williamson County or an issue related to the criminal justice system (excluding law enforcement). You must quote at least two relevant lawyers or judges. DUE: Oct. 9

Story 4 – Local government stories can cover government issues in this region or your home community, including: city council, county commissioners, or any taxing entity. Story can also focus on a sub-unit of government, such as the planning and zoning commission, parks and recreation department, etc. Students should attend a posted meeting to gain experience from reviewing an agenda, sitting through the meeting, talking to officials, speakers and sources affected by the agenda. Story should focus on one agenda item that would be considered ongoing “issue coverage" as discussed in class. DUE: Oct. 23

Story 5 – This assignment allows you to choose between two general topic areas: education or health/science/environment. For education, the story peg should focus a specific education issue, crisis or problem; the angle must be local (specifically, any area school district college or university). You must obtain at least three human, non-biased, expert sources for this story – parent, student, teacher/professor, administrator - and all sources must be relevant to the topic. For the health, science or environment topic, story can be soft news, yet feature some relevant local issue (specifically, the community or campus) and must clarify technical jargon. You must obtain at least two expert sources for this story. DUE: Nov. 6

Story 6 - Budget story, must cover some aspect of the finances of a public agency, comparing it to previous years and giving the monetary issue a human face. This story must reflect the impact of funding (and any factor therein) on a governmental agency. It also must show competence with percentages and income/expense elements, as well as display at least two human, vivid examples of a budgetary problem’s impact. The budget story also has an FOI component. Start early! This is the toughest assignment in J320D. DUE: Nov. 20

Story 7 – Issues coverage on a topic of interest that surfaced during earlier reporting in the semester. Start thinking about this assignment early! DUE: Dec. 4

PODCAST OPTION - For this option you can write and record a podcast story and substitute it for one of the eight story assignments.

Please note: We will accept Daily Texan stories for an assignment on the condition the Texan pieces fall within the criteria and are submitted before Texan publication.

Tentative schedule (lecture dates boldfaced)

Aug. 27 - Course orientation, class bios

Aug. 31-Sept. 3 – Lab and grading orientation; schedule 1-on-1 conferences

Sept. 1 - Thinking like a reporter, Reviewing leads and story structure

(also: Multimedia equipment workshop)

Sept. 3 - Speeches, news conferences and meetings; writing style

Sept. 8 – Story planning, research, timeliness/deadlines, sources/attribution

Sept. 10- Cops, crime, public safety

Sept. 11 – Story 1 due: meeting, lecture or news conference)

Sept. 15 – Story 1 Post mortem due

Sept. 15 - 17 – Open government, public access, FOI; the watchdog role

Sept. 19 - Ethics, suspects and victims

Sept. 22-24 – How government works; courts and the justice system

Oct. 1 –Issues coverage

Sept. 25 – Story 2 due, (Cops, crime, public safety)

Sept. 29 – Story 2 Post mortem due

Oct. 6-8 – Money matters: budgets, financial statements

Oct. 13-15 - Investigative reporting, database coverage, podcasting

Oct. 9 - Story 3 due (Courts, justice system)

Oct. 13 - Story 3 post mortem

Oct. 20 - Content, context

Oct. 22 – UT Career Day symposium

Oct. 23 - Story 4 due, (Local government)

Oct. 27 - Story 4 post mortem

Oct. 27- Education: public schools and higher Ed

Oct. 29- Covering science, health, the environment

Nov. 3-5 - Good writing, style and voice

Nov. 6 – Story 5 due (Science, health, environment)

Nov. 10 - Enterprise reporting

Nov. 10 – Story 5 post mortem

Nov. 12 - Alternative media, on-line reporting, blogging (Guest speaker)

Nov. 17-19– Covering controversy

Nov. 20 - Story 6 (Budgets, taxes, public finances)

Nov. 24 – Photo cutlines

Nov. 24 – Story 6 Post mortem

Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving – no class

Dec.1 – The real world: internships, job seeking

Dec. 3– Last class day; what I hope you learned; final exam; course evaluation

Dec. 4 – Story 7 (Issues coverage)

Dec. 8 – Story 7 post mortem

J320D Grading Sheet

Student Name: ____________________________________________________

Story/Assignment Name: ________________________TA Initials:___________

Slug Is the story correctly “slugged” in the digital version? (2 points) ________

Budget line

Does the budget line really tell what the story is about? (2points) ________

Is the budget line included at the top of the page? (1 point) ________

Multi-media element suggestions (1 point) ________

Follow-up story ideas (1 point) ________

Multi media elements: photos, graphics, audio, video etc (3 points) ________

Nut Graph (5 points) ________

Is there a paragraph/s explaining why you are writing this story at this time,

that is, why it is important?

Lead (10 points) ________

Does the lead capture the essence of the story?

Does it grab the reader’s attention?

Does it set the tone and mood for the story?

Accuracy & Context (25 points) ________

Is there adequate context, supporting information?

Is it complete (no holes)?

Are facts accurate? Are all the names spelled correctly?

Is the story fair? Is the story misleading in any way? ________

(Any major factual errors, including names, will result in a loss of 25 points)

Organization (10 points) ________

Is there a clear focus throughout the story?

Are transitions adequate? Does story flow logically, leading the reader?

Are attribution and quote style followed? Are quotes useful for explaining information?

Sources (15 points) ________

Are sources adequate and diverse to reflect the critical viewpoints?

Are the sources appropriate?

Are they properly identified and attributed?

Are all persons interviewed, either for quotes or on background, noted separately,

with phone numbers and e-mails or mailing address included?

Writing (15 points) ________

Word choice, clarity, conciseness

Sentence construction

Active voice

Clear storytelling technique

Mechanics (10 points) ________

Grammar/spelling, AP style

Subtotal ________

Deduction for lateness (10 points after date; 5 points for each day thereafter) ________

Final total/letter grade _______

J320D

Photo Grading Sheet

Student name:_________________________________________________________________

Story/assignment name:_________________________________________________________

TA Initials:___________

NARRATIVE QUALITIES - (20 points) _____

Each photo advances the story significantly, no redundancy

Reflects the significance of the story, news value

Includes 3 of the 4 types of photos (overall, story telling lede, detail, ender)

Captures subtleties, expressions, body language, mood, emotion

Goes beyond the obvious, gives reasons why, consequences, motivations

COMPOSITION – 20 points _____

Creativity, interesting visual (not a grip & grin etc.)

Something different

Camera angle

CONTENT – 20 points _____

People

Action

Faces, hands

No more than 4 per shot

2 different shots

TECHNICAL QUALITY – 20 points _____

Focus, sharp

Focal point

Cropping

Backgrounds

No cut-off joints, body parts

Horizon line level

Asymmetrical, rule of thirds

Backlighting

Shadows

Reflections

MISCELLANEOUS – 20 points _____

Use of Sound Slides

Written paper

Photo credit and cutline info (who, what, when, where), left to right, names for all in pic

Final total/letter grade: _____