J298 Narrative Capstone (Narrative 2nd-years)
This is a course designed expressly for second-year students on the narrative track. The aims of the course are to help narrative students troubleshoot reporting and writing challenges; develop winning pitches for their stories; compile portfolios; and prepare for the job market. We will workshop stories and pitches, meet with editors, and cover strategies for…
Read MoreJ219 Narrative Longform Master’s Project Seminar
This class is for second years only and is a continuation of those who were already enrolled in the fall semester. This course meets every other week. News is news: “US, Canada Go To War; Naval Battles in Great Lakes” or “J-School Lecturer Nabbed in Bank Heist.” A reader will read to the end of…
Read MoreJ298 Features
“She wakes to the sound of breathing. The smaller children lie tangled beside her, their chests rising and falling under winter coats and wool blankets. A few feet away, their mother and father sleep near the mop bucket they use as a toilet. Two other children share a mattress by the rotting wall where the…
Read MoreJ298 Advanced Narrative (Every Other Week)
Note: This class meets every other week for the fall semester. The instructor will coordinate with the class on the exact timing. News is news: “US, Canada Go To War; Naval Battles in Great Lakes” or “J-School Lecturer Nabbed in Bank Heist.” A reader will read to the end of such a story no matter…
Read MoreJ226 Science Denial: Role of the Media
Science Denial: Role of the Media Who denies science? Why? And how does news coverage of science perpetuate the trend? This course offers a critical look at the top instances of “science denial” to make news in the last two decades, with an emphasis on four case studies: climate change, vaccines, GMOs, and evolution. Students…
Read MoreJ262 Narrative Fundamentals
This course is for students pursuing the writing track and planning to completing short-form or long-form master’s projects, which includes those who hope to specialize in short-form, feature, and/or enterprise writing in their careers after graduation. The class is open to students in other tracks as space allows. The tools taught in this class will…
Read MoreJ242 Renegades, Underdogs, Madmen: The magazine profile
Profiles are a remarkably versatile form: an open door for exploring a vast range of subjects, from the secret guilt of Donald Trump’s ghostwriter, to the bizarre afterlife of Carrot Top, to the unique super-taster abilities of a chef with Asperger’s. They can act as a gateway into an epic drama (a poison expert who…
Read MoreViolence and ‘crisis’: How hundreds of L.A. County’s abused children ended up in hotels
Pictured above: The Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. In December 2021, the then-director of the city’s child welfare agency quietly struck a deal with the hotel’s operators to house foster youths and their social workers at the cost of $89 a night. (Los Angeles Times) BY KATHRYN HURD, REBECCA ELLIS This story was originally published by…
Read MoreJ298 Arts & Culture Reporting
Description forthcoming. Students will select beats like travel, food, music, or other entertainment, and then will write 2–3 stories over the semester. Stories may include a profile, criticism, or other arts types of stories.
Read MoreJ298 How to be an editor
Enrollment dependent upon faculty approval; details to follow. This course is designed to be a tasting platter for the aspiring print or online editor, or anyone curious about the job. It’s also a great course for writers who want to learn how editors think, and use those skills to make their own work better. Almost…
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