You must check out this front page NYTimes story from today. I know you get the M-F paper, so this might not be on your radar.
It shows the power of an image and narrative in a straight news story to communicate trauma and magnitude.
"The Iraq war delivered few singular images for the popular imagination, partly because the country was too dangerous for photographers to move around freely, but also because in an age of saturated media coverage and short attention spans, it may be more difficult for news images to take root in the collective memory."
Don't miss it.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Nearly 100 Fantastic Pieces of Journalism
Take a look at this list recently published by The Atlantic. It could be a good place to find pieces to post for those of you who have yet to choose your own assignment.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Assignment for next week
In class we'll be updating each other on our reportage progress for our profiles. You must set up and conduct at least two interviews and spend time observing your chosen person or place in action. Plan to spend five to 10 minutes presenting on what your experience has been, any roadblocks you've faced, and ways you've problem solved.
Read profiles posted by Lauren and Ellen. They will link to them and add their thoughts in a post about their chosen pieces no later than Monday at 5 p.m.
Spend some time with Nick Kristof and read at least his first five columns linked on the lower left hand side of the page. We'll be reading and discussing him in preparation for his visit Tuesday, May 3.
At the beginning of class, we'll be visited by current K student Nathan Gilmour, who has worked in Seattle and Philadelphia as a photojournalist. He'll give us some insight into the nuts and bolts of shooting photos for your audio slideshow.
Speaking of that final project, take a look at this amazing, Emmy-winning audio slideshow package. It is the inspiration for your final assignment. Spend some time with the various pieces and come to class prepared to discuss your reactions and how they worked in terms of narrative.
As always, make sure to write a blog post by Wednesday at noon. This week it should be in response to Kristof's columns, One in 8 Million, and the profiles posted by Lauren and Ellen.
We'll meet at 6 p.m. in UL 305 for Nathan's presentation. When we're done there, we'll mosey on back to Humphrey House for the rest of class and to eat whatever delectable thing Jordan will have prepared for us.
Until then, enjoy your profile reportage and be in touch! I loved seeing so many of you in my office this week. Remember you can always find me there Wednesdays from 10 to noon and Thursdays from 12:30-2. If those times don't work, let me know and we'll schedule something else. My door is open!
Read profiles posted by Lauren and Ellen. They will link to them and add their thoughts in a post about their chosen pieces no later than Monday at 5 p.m.
Spend some time with Nick Kristof and read at least his first five columns linked on the lower left hand side of the page. We'll be reading and discussing him in preparation for his visit Tuesday, May 3.
At the beginning of class, we'll be visited by current K student Nathan Gilmour, who has worked in Seattle and Philadelphia as a photojournalist. He'll give us some insight into the nuts and bolts of shooting photos for your audio slideshow.
Speaking of that final project, take a look at this amazing, Emmy-winning audio slideshow package. It is the inspiration for your final assignment. Spend some time with the various pieces and come to class prepared to discuss your reactions and how they worked in terms of narrative.
As always, make sure to write a blog post by Wednesday at noon. This week it should be in response to Kristof's columns, One in 8 Million, and the profiles posted by Lauren and Ellen.
We'll meet at 6 p.m. in UL 305 for Nathan's presentation. When we're done there, we'll mosey on back to Humphrey House for the rest of class and to eat whatever delectable thing Jordan will have prepared for us.
Until then, enjoy your profile reportage and be in touch! I loved seeing so many of you in my office this week. Remember you can always find me there Wednesdays from 10 to noon and Thursdays from 12:30-2. If those times don't work, let me know and we'll schedule something else. My door is open!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Hitting the ground running
By the time you read this, you should be a little more acquainted with this strange and wonderful thing called narrative journalism and eager to start practicing.
First, I want you to spend some time thinking about story. What are the elements of a good story? What are the stories that make up your family history? Why? What are the stories you tell about yourself, either to yourself or to others? What are the experiences in your life that have changed you? What are you thinking about these days?
I start the term with a personal essay assignment, because I think it's useful for you to understand the elegance and necessity of story by culling and crafting one from your own life. Feel free to blog about the ideas you're thinking about approaching with this personal essay.
Another way to prepare yourself to write your personal essay is to read and study recently published examples of the form. In The New York Times, check out Modern Love from the Sunday Styles section and Lives from the Magazine for examples and potential intended publications.
Here's some information on how to submit to Modern Love.
And here are guidelines to the Modern Love college essay competition, but since the deadline is tonight, you might want to keep it in mind for next year!
Newsweek used to have a column, My Turn, but it seems that since Tina Brown took over that sinking ship, essays in the magazine are written by more famous folks. Check out this recent one about Tokyo by Junot Diaz.
Take a cue from any of these you like, or come up with something completely your own. The key is to rely on story and a point of insight, or a turn that shows a change in thinking, understanding, or character.
I'm so eager to read what you come up with! Heed Anne Lamott's advice and don't be afraid to write shitty first drafts. Get something out, get feedback, and then shape it. You must turn in a first draft, but you'll get a grade on your revision. All writing is rewriting. You'll hear me say this more than you'd like, so get used to it!
First, I want you to spend some time thinking about story. What are the elements of a good story? What are the stories that make up your family history? Why? What are the stories you tell about yourself, either to yourself or to others? What are the experiences in your life that have changed you? What are you thinking about these days?
I start the term with a personal essay assignment, because I think it's useful for you to understand the elegance and necessity of story by culling and crafting one from your own life. Feel free to blog about the ideas you're thinking about approaching with this personal essay.
Another way to prepare yourself to write your personal essay is to read and study recently published examples of the form. In The New York Times, check out Modern Love from the Sunday Styles section and Lives from the Magazine for examples and potential intended publications.
Here's some information on how to submit to Modern Love.
And here are guidelines to the Modern Love college essay competition, but since the deadline is tonight, you might want to keep it in mind for next year!
Newsweek used to have a column, My Turn, but it seems that since Tina Brown took over that sinking ship, essays in the magazine are written by more famous folks. Check out this recent one about Tokyo by Junot Diaz.
Take a cue from any of these you like, or come up with something completely your own. The key is to rely on story and a point of insight, or a turn that shows a change in thinking, understanding, or character.
I'm so eager to read what you come up with! Heed Anne Lamott's advice and don't be afraid to write shitty first drafts. Get something out, get feedback, and then shape it. You must turn in a first draft, but you'll get a grade on your revision. All writing is rewriting. You'll hear me say this more than you'd like, so get used to it!
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