Week 1
Read Chapters 1 and 2; Begin to think about story ideas using the 6 W's.
Week 2
1. Chapter 2 Exercise 1.2 & 1.3 from online student edition eWorkbook (I suggest you briefly write down your answers in your notebook....do not email me or submit your answers!) https://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073378917/student_view0/chapter2/exercise_2-1_2.html
2. Reading Chapter 3
3. Preview Test Yourself, pages 64-66 (Preview means read through the instructions and the exercise itself for any difficult or unfamiliar language and look up said words, phrases, or sentences.)
4. For kicks and giggles, you can check out the "Be a Reporter" interactive game
Week 3 will include a five minute warm-up exercise using Chapter 2's 1.2 and 1.3, in-depth discussion of Chapter 3 with relevant exercises from pages 64-66 to break up the monotony of discussion and lecture; in addition to a news quiz in pairs, written in the format of a lead.
If we are able to move the classroom to a facility that is better suited for the "Be a Reporter" game, then we will play said game after our warm-up exercise.
2. Reading Chapter 3
3. Preview Test Yourself, pages 64-66 (Preview means read through the instructions and the exercise itself for any difficult or unfamiliar language and look up said words, phrases, or sentences.)
4. For kicks and giggles, you can check out the "Be a Reporter" interactive game
Week 3 will include a five minute warm-up exercise using Chapter 2's 1.2 and 1.3, in-depth discussion of Chapter 3 with relevant exercises from pages 64-66 to break up the monotony of discussion and lecture; in addition to a news quiz in pairs, written in the format of a lead.
If we are able to move the classroom to a facility that is better suited for the "Be a Reporter" game, then we will play said game after our warm-up exercise.
Week 3
1. Finish reading Chapter 3
2. Read "News writing 2014 weeks 3 and 4 articles.doc" under Lecture Notes. It's also attached below.
3. Preview Test Yourself, pages 65-66 (Exercises 4-8). Preview means read through the instructions and the exercise itself for any difficult or unfamiliar language and look up said words, phrases, or sentences.
We will briefly go over week 3's news quizzes, plow through Chapter 3 with more exercises in between sections, analyze and discuss NY Times and AP articles as well as a news quiz. A news quiz will be given after we have finished discussing all leads (in the first hour of class). I will allow you to executively decide whether you'd like to work in pairs again or as individuals (I'm leaning towards pairs).
Please make sure you log onto the website as soon as you sit down at a computer in SB303 to check that the internet works and to download any and all materials we will use for class that day. I will always post updated versions of PPTs and other materials in advance. I will keep you updated as to whether or not I am able to digitize the textbooks, for now, continue to bring your textbooks (including the supplementary materials) with you to class.
2. Read "News writing 2014 weeks 3 and 4 articles.doc" under Lecture Notes. It's also attached below.
3. Preview Test Yourself, pages 65-66 (Exercises 4-8). Preview means read through the instructions and the exercise itself for any difficult or unfamiliar language and look up said words, phrases, or sentences.
We will briefly go over week 3's news quizzes, plow through Chapter 3 with more exercises in between sections, analyze and discuss NY Times and AP articles as well as a news quiz. A news quiz will be given after we have finished discussing all leads (in the first hour of class). I will allow you to executively decide whether you'd like to work in pairs again or as individuals (I'm leaning towards pairs).
Please make sure you log onto the website as soon as you sit down at a computer in SB303 to check that the internet works and to download any and all materials we will use for class that day. I will always post updated versions of PPTs and other materials in advance. I will keep you updated as to whether or not I am able to digitize the textbooks, for now, continue to bring your textbooks (including the supplementary materials) with you to class.
News writing weeks 3 and 4 articles.doc | |
File Size: | 56 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Week 4
- p. 66, Exercise 8 (choose 1 of the 4 brites to write a lead for...make sure it’s written down or you have a viewable electronic copy)
- Review Chapter 3; make sure you’ve previewed p. 65, Exercise 7
- Preview eWorkbook Ch.3 exercises: 3- 1, 2.3, 2.7, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5
I will briefly mention any overarching news quiz concerns, discuss the news in an impromptu news quiz, discuss and analyze p.66 Exercise 8, finish up Chapter 3 including one textbook exercise, analyze and discuss the NY Times and AP articles as well as briefly introduce AP style. If time allows, we will work on the eWorkbook exercises I have asked you to preview.
Please make sure you bring your AP stylebook, Inside Reporting text, and the supplemental materials with you next week (1 copy per 2 students of any of the above works just fine). The most up-to-date version of the PPT is attached below.
News writing 2014 weeks 3 and 4 updated.ppt | |
File Size: | 878 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Week 5
NO Class next week - We will meet again on April 10
1. Read Chapter 4
2. Brainstorm Beat Story #1 ideas - XISU and Xi'an-related ideas ONLY (Note: think outside the box beyond stories of events; consider stories with impact, conflict, interest for students, both undergrads and grads, XISU or otherwise)
3. Complete eWorkbook Ch.3 exercises:
3- 1 (Complete 5 of the 10)
3-2.3, 2.7
3-3.2
3-4.1, 4.2, 4.3 (Complete 5 of the 10 or 11)
3-4.4, 4.5 (Complete 4 of the 8)
We will complete AP stylebook exercises including Exercise 7 on p.65 of Inside Reporting and an exercise similar to today's, discuss Ch. 3 exercises, summarize Chapter 4, and complete a news quiz. The news quiz will only cover XISU and Xi'an-related events. I will ask you to write four pieces of news; two from XISU and two from Xi'an. In addition, for each category you should have one hard news story (i.e. breaking news) and one soft news stories (i.e. trends, events). I will allow you to work in groups as you have done in the previous weeks.
Please make sure you bring your AP stylebook, Inside Reporting text, and the supplemental materials with you next week (1 copy per 2 students of any of the above works just fine).
1. Read Chapter 4
2. Brainstorm Beat Story #1 ideas - XISU and Xi'an-related ideas ONLY (Note: think outside the box beyond stories of events; consider stories with impact, conflict, interest for students, both undergrads and grads, XISU or otherwise)
3. Complete eWorkbook Ch.3 exercises:
3- 1 (Complete 5 of the 10)
3-2.3, 2.7
3-3.2
3-4.1, 4.2, 4.3 (Complete 5 of the 10 or 11)
3-4.4, 4.5 (Complete 4 of the 8)
We will complete AP stylebook exercises including Exercise 7 on p.65 of Inside Reporting and an exercise similar to today's, discuss Ch. 3 exercises, summarize Chapter 4, and complete a news quiz. The news quiz will only cover XISU and Xi'an-related events. I will ask you to write four pieces of news; two from XISU and two from Xi'an. In addition, for each category you should have one hard news story (i.e. breaking news) and one soft news stories (i.e. trends, events). I will allow you to work in groups as you have done in the previous weeks.
Please make sure you bring your AP stylebook, Inside Reporting text, and the supplemental materials with you next week (1 copy per 2 students of any of the above works just fine).
News writing 2014 week 5.ppt | |
File Size: | 875 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Week 6
1. Post Beat Story #1 idea to the class blog. Deadline: Tuesday, April 15 by 8 a.m. This is an individual assignment. Each student must post their own idea. You only need to provide the what and why of the story or the story in a nutshell, and what or who might be your source(s). Keep in mind writing in the form of a lead, but without all the W's (i.e. I don't need to know the date, as it should already be something timely).
2. Complete and prepare to discuss the Chapter 3 eWorkbook exercise I assigned your group. Check the spreadsheet below for your name and assigned exercise.
3. Prepare for a news quiz that includes two XISU-related and two Xi'an-related stories. Each category should have a hard news story (i.e. breaking news) and one soft news story (i.e. trends, events).
Reminders:
- Bring all materials to class including Inside Reporting, AP Stylebook, and supplementary materials (a copy per two students will suffice).
- Check your class email on Wednesdays because I will send a PDF and PPT version of the next day's material.
- If we have our make up class on Wednesday, April 16, then I will send the material to you on Monday, April 14 for Wednesday and Thursday's class. April 16 would count as week 7 and April 17 as week 8.
OUR MAKE UP CLASS IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 23 FROM 8-9:50 A.M. IN SC306.
2. Complete and prepare to discuss the Chapter 3 eWorkbook exercise I assigned your group. Check the spreadsheet below for your name and assigned exercise.
3. Prepare for a news quiz that includes two XISU-related and two Xi'an-related stories. Each category should have a hard news story (i.e. breaking news) and one soft news story (i.e. trends, events).
Reminders:
- Bring all materials to class including Inside Reporting, AP Stylebook, and supplementary materials (a copy per two students will suffice).
- Check your class email on Wednesdays because I will send a PDF and PPT version of the next day's material.
- If we have our make up class on Wednesday, April 16, then I will send the material to you on Monday, April 14 for Wednesday and Thursday's class. April 16 would count as week 7 and April 17 as week 8.
OUR MAKE UP CLASS IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 23 FROM 8-9:50 A.M. IN SC306.
Week 7
Both classes will meet on April 23, 8-9:50 a.m. in SC306. Please prepare by bringing copies of the textbook, AP stylebook and the supplementary materials. I suggest you bring a USB stick with any materials I send you via email.
1. Make sure you have previewed all the remaining assigned eWorkbook exercises. We will complete the last four or five questions from the exercises we have already completed in addition to completing and discussing 2.7 and 3.2
3. Submit first draft of Beat story #1. Deadline: Wednesday, April 30 by 8 a.m. Check out the "style and story format" document on the Tips page for the guidelines I discussed today.
4. Submit Beat story #2 idea to the class blog. No exceptions this time. Deadline: Friday, May 2 by 10 p.m.
Wednesday's class will include completing, discussing, and reviewing Ch. 3 eWorkbook exercises; AP style practice, interviewing and observing activities, quote and attribution review as well as tips and advice for Beat story #1.
1. Make sure you have previewed all the remaining assigned eWorkbook exercises. We will complete the last four or five questions from the exercises we have already completed in addition to completing and discussing 2.7 and 3.2
- 3- 1 (Complete 5 of the 10)
- 3-2.3, 2.7
- 3-3.2
- 3-4.1, 4.2, 4.3 (Complete 5 of the 10 or 11)
- 3-4.4, 4.5 (Complete 4 of the 8)
3. Submit first draft of Beat story #1. Deadline: Wednesday, April 30 by 8 a.m. Check out the "style and story format" document on the Tips page for the guidelines I discussed today.
4. Submit Beat story #2 idea to the class blog. No exceptions this time. Deadline: Friday, May 2 by 10 p.m.
Wednesday's class will include completing, discussing, and reviewing Ch. 3 eWorkbook exercises; AP style practice, interviewing and observing activities, quote and attribution review as well as tips and advice for Beat story #1.
Week 8
Please prepare by bringing copies of the textbook, AP stylebook and the supplementary materials. I suggest you bring a USB stick with any materials I send you via email. I will let you know via email and the site by updating this entry if the classroom changes.
1. Read Chapter 5
2. Preview the following exercises from Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 from the eWorkbook.
4. Submit Beat story #2 idea to the class blog. No exceptions this time. Deadline: Friday, May 2 by 10 p.m.
Side Notes:
1. Read Chapter 5
2. Preview the following exercises from Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 from the eWorkbook.
- 4- 2.1, 2.2
- 5-12
4. Submit Beat story #2 idea to the class blog. No exceptions this time. Deadline: Friday, May 2 by 10 p.m.
Side Notes:
- You will receive feedback on your first draft of Beat story #1 before class on May 8.
- If rain postpones the sports meet, then we will finish up with Chapter 3-2.7 exercise, work on AP style, and cover the remaining slides from Week 8 tomorrow. I will also cover the "leads" and "writing news stories" documents.
- I will send Week 10's materials via email as well as update the Lecture Notes page after the sports meet.
- "No news is good news." I will only email you if I have problems opening Beat story #1 so please don't email me asking about it.
news_writing_2014_week_8.ppt | |
File Size: | 930 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Week 9
Sports Meet - NO CLASS
Week 10
May Day Holiday - NO CLASS
Week 11
Please prepare by bringing copies of the textbook, AP stylebook and the supplementary materials. I suggest you bring a USB stick with any materials I send you via email. I will let you know via email and the site by updating this entry if the classroom changes.
1. Read Chapter 6.
2. Submit second draft of Beat story #1. Deadline: Monday, May 12 at 8 a.m. Check out the "style and story format," "quotes," "leads," and "writing news stories" documents on the Tips page for guidelines and advice. Make sure you consult pp. 52-55, 57, 59-61, 82-85 for rewriting, editing, a newswriting checklist and tips as well as quotes and attribution.
3. Submit first draft of Beat story #2. Beat story #2 guidelines: 300 words, minimum one human source; minimum one direct quote. Deadline: Wednesday, May 14 at 8 a.m. Check out the "style and story format," "quotes," "leads," and "writing news stories" documents on the Tips page for guidelines and advice.
Side Notes:
1. Read Chapter 6.
2. Submit second draft of Beat story #1. Deadline: Monday, May 12 at 8 a.m. Check out the "style and story format," "quotes," "leads," and "writing news stories" documents on the Tips page for guidelines and advice. Make sure you consult pp. 52-55, 57, 59-61, 82-85 for rewriting, editing, a newswriting checklist and tips as well as quotes and attribution.
3. Submit first draft of Beat story #2. Beat story #2 guidelines: 300 words, minimum one human source; minimum one direct quote. Deadline: Wednesday, May 14 at 8 a.m. Check out the "style and story format," "quotes," "leads," and "writing news stories" documents on the Tips page for guidelines and advice.
Side Notes:
- Send all stories to [email protected]. The website's submission form now sends stories to my QQ email. Send it either as an attachment, in the body of the email, or through the Submit Assignments form.
- You will receive feedback on your drafts before class on May 15.
- "No news is good news." I will only email you if I have problems opening your attachment(s) so please don't email me asking about it.
Week 12
Please prepare by bringing copies of the textbook, AP stylebook and the supplementary materials. I suggest you bring a USB stick with any materials I send you via email. Class will now meet in SC303.
1. Beat story #2 second draft. Deadline: Monday, May 19 at 8 a.m. Check out the "style and story format," "quotes," "leads," and "writing news stories" documents on the Tips page for guidelines and advice. Make sure you consult pp. 52-55, 57, 59-61, 82-85 for rewriting, editing, a newswriting checklist and tips as well as quotes and attribution.
2. Group work (see attachments). Class 2 should have five groups of three and two groups of two. Class 3 should have three groups of three and four groups of two.
Side Notes:
1. Beat story #2 second draft. Deadline: Monday, May 19 at 8 a.m. Check out the "style and story format," "quotes," "leads," and "writing news stories" documents on the Tips page for guidelines and advice. Make sure you consult pp. 52-55, 57, 59-61, 82-85 for rewriting, editing, a newswriting checklist and tips as well as quotes and attribution.
2. Group work (see attachments). Class 2 should have five groups of three and two groups of two. Class 3 should have three groups of three and four groups of two.
Side Notes:
- Send all stories to [email protected]. The website's submission form now sends stories to my QQ email. Send it either as an attachment, in the body of the email, or through the Submit Assignments form.
- You will receive feedback on your drafts before class on May 22.
- "No news is good news." I will only email you if I have problems opening your attachment(s) so please don't email me asking about it.
News writing 2014 week 12.ppt | |
File Size: | 1423 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
News writing 2014 group work_.doc | |
File Size: | 90 kb |
File Type: | doc |
assigned groups.xls | |
File Size: | 8 kb |
File Type: | xls |
Week 13
1. Continue Group work assignment using the updated group work file attached below.
- Please keep in mind that it's not meant as a presentation, but as a discussion of your findings, analysis, or commentary.
- Class 2 may not select any exercises that say "CLASS 3 ONLY" before the exercise, and Class 3 may not select any stating "CLASS 2 ONLY."
- You can, but are not obligated to, prepare a digital file, unless you select a writing assignment where it is required.
- You may send the work in advance to the class email, to me, or just store it on a USB and bring to class.
- One exercise (i.e. Letter A, B, OR C, not all three) per group.
- Every group member contributes to presenting your findings, analysis, or commentary.
- You will find stories from "The Morgue" from pp. 201-299
news_writing_2014_week_13.ppt | |
File Size: | 3590 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
May 22 updated news writing 2014 group work.doc | |
File Size: | 77 kb |
File Type: | doc |
assigned groups.xls | |
File Size: | 8 kb |
File Type: | xls |
Week 14
- Read Chapter 8
- Post Beat story #3 idea. Deadline: Tuesday, June 3 by noon
- Continue group work: Chapter 6 or 7 exercises ONLY
- Looking ahead: First draft of Beat story #3. Deadline: Monday, June 16 by noon. Minimum 350 words; minimum two human sources; minimum two direct quotes.
- Please keep in mind that it's not meant as a presentation, but as a discussion of your findings, analysis, or commentary.
- Class 2 may not select any exercises that say "CLASS 3 ONLY" before the exercise, and Class 3 may not select any stating "CLASS 2 ONLY."
- You can, but are not obligated to, prepare a digital file, unless you select a writing assignment where it is required.
- You may send the work in advance to the class email, to me, or just store it on a USB and bring to class. You may also, if so obliged, send it to me after class and I will upload the files to the Tips page.
- One exercise (i.e. Letter A, B, OR C, not all three) per group.
- Every group member contributes to presenting your findings, analysis, or commentary.
- You will find stories from "The Morgue" from pp. 201-299
may_29_updated_news_writing_2014_group_work.doc | |
File Size: | 40 kb |
File Type: | doc |
news_writing_2014_week_14.ppt | |
File Size: | 628 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Week 15
1. First draft of Beat story #3. Deadline: Monday, June 9 by noon. Minimum 350 words; minimum two human sources; minimum two direct quotes.
2. Submit Beat stories #4 and 5 ideas for the final portfolio. Deadline: Wednesday, June 11 by 8 a.m.
4. Final portfolio is due on Thursday, June 19, in class. I will collect the hard copy during the first 10 minutes of class.
2. Submit Beat stories #4 and 5 ideas for the final portfolio. Deadline: Wednesday, June 11 by 8 a.m.
- Must be two different beats
- Submit as one entry; make sure I can clearly differentiate one idea from the next (i.e. use numersals, bullet points etc.)
- If you email it to me, send it in the body of the email, rather than as an attachment, clearly labeling which story is which.
4. Final portfolio is due on Thursday, June 19, in class. I will collect the hard copy during the first 10 minutes of class.
- You must submit both an electronic and hard copy version of your stories.
- A hard copy version still means it's typed.
- An electronic version can be submitted via email as one attachment (that means put all three news stories in one document) OR via the assignment form on the class's respective website (still put all three news stories in one document).
- If you use the submission form, make sure your English name, email address, and the document itself are clearly labeled.
- Submit the electronic version by Friday, June 20 at noon.
- I will be marking your news stories based on the electronic version.
- Beat story #4: Minimum 400 words; minimum two human sources; minimum two quotes.
- Beat story #5: Minimum 450 words; minimum three human sources; minimum three quotes.
- 12 point black font, Times New Roman
- Header should have name in Chinese and English, student and class number; it's also only needed on one side if submitting hardcopy as one piece of paper.
- Feel free to print hardcopy on one piece of paper, front and back.
news_writing_2014_week_15.ppt | |
File Size: | 873 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Week 16
1. Second draft of Beat story #3. Deadline: Friday, June 13 by noon. Minimum 350 words; minimum two human sources; minimum two direct quotes.
2. Final portfolio is due on Thursday, June 19, in class. I will collect the hard copy during the first 10 minutes of class.
2. Final portfolio is due on Thursday, June 19, in class. I will collect the hard copy during the first 10 minutes of class.
- You must submit both an electronic and hard copy version of your stories.
- A hard copy version still means it's typed.
- An electronic version can be submitted via email as one attachment (that means put all three news stories in one document) OR via the assignment form on the class's respective website (still put all three news stories in one document).
- If you use the submission form, make sure your English name, email address, and the document itself are clearly labeled.
- Submit the electronic version by Friday, June 20 at noon.
- I will be marking your news stories based on the electronic version.
- Please submit as one attachment, not two separate ones, clearly labeling each story, but I'll assume they're in sequential order.
- Beat story #4: Minimum 400 words; minimum two human sources; minimum two quotes.
- Beat story #5: Minimum 450 words; minimum three human sources; minimum three quotes.
- 12 point black font, Times New Roman
- Header should have name in Chinese and English, student and class number; it's also only needed on one side if submitting hardcopy as one piece of paper.
- Feel free to print hardcopy on one piece of paper, front and back.
Weeks 17 and 18
COURSE WRAP-UP
Grading weights:
Stories 30 %
Homework assignments
(First submission of all stories, group work prep etc.) 10 %
Participation (group work, attendance etc.) 20 %
Quizzes 10 %
Final portfolio 30 %
Grading weights:
Stories 30 %
Homework assignments
(First submission of all stories, group work prep etc.) 10 %
Participation (group work, attendance etc.) 20 %
Quizzes 10 %
Final portfolio 30 %