Journalist Assignments -- Journalism in New Media

Journalist Assignments – Journalism in New Media

Due dates: Two assignments due by April 24^th, 2014, at noon

All assignments completed by May 21^st, 2014, at 5 PM

Note: You must complete all four assignments to earn credit in this course.

In order to demonstrate your developing knowledge of journalistic writing style and techniques, you will complete a total of four assignments. You should imagine yourself as a reporter, utilizing the same practices and fulfilling the same purpose.

Since your writing will be published through Boulder Prep media, like a blog or community newspaper, you will need to complete at least one revision of each article.

Journalist Assignment #1

Your first assignment is to conduct an interview with and write a profile on a current student or graduate of Boulder Prep. Use interview techniques that you learn in class, and consider particularly the following questions:

- What brought you to Boulder Prep? Where were you before you arrived? What inspired you to come here?

            - How long have you been at our school?

- What are your passions and interests (both academic and personal)?

- What has been your best academic experience here? What has been your favorite non-academic experience?

            - What do you think is your biggest contribution to Boulder Prep?

            - What would you improve about our school?

Journalist Assignment #2

Your second assignment is to write a report on a field trip you will attend this block. This can be any field trip or after school activity, but it must during Block IV (not a prior experience). The purpose of this assignment is to explore how extracurricular activities enhance the Boulder Prep experience, so be certain to consider how this trip improved a) your academics, b) your relationship to the BP community, and/or c) your investment in school. You should ask Rachel, the lead staff on the field trip, and your peers for contributions, too. *Please take at least one photo on the field trip you write about.* Consider the following questions:

            - What field trip did you attend? Why did you choose to go for this particular event?

- What did you gain from attending this trip? (New knowledge, new understanding, new relationships, etc.)

            - How was this experience designed to enhance your BP experience? Did it work?

            - Is this a field trip that other schools might implement? How is it unique to our school?

Journalist Assignment #3

Your third assignment is to conduct an interview with and write a profile on a current member of the Boulder Prep faculty. Use interview techniques that you learn in class, and consider particularly the following questions:

            - How did you start teaching at Boulder Prep? What brought you here?

            - What are your personal and professional passions? How do you apply those at school?

            - What is your academic and professional background?

- What has been your best experience here?

            - What do you think is your biggest contribution to Boulder Prep?

            - What would you improve about our school?

Journalist Assignment #4

Your fourth assignment is to write a reflection/op-ed on a course or intensive you have taken (or are taking) at Boulder Prep. As you know, our school focuses on alternative curriculum that still prepares you for college and the ‘real world’; choose a course that you probably wouldn’t find in a traditional high school environment. Consider the following questions:

            - What makes this course unique? How is it relevant to your learning?

            - What was your favorite project, activity, topic, or focus?

            - How did the teacher help you connect with the material?

            - How have you/will you apply the knowledge and skills from this course in the future?

            - How might you improve this course for future blocks?

You will earn credit for each of these assignments by completing final drafts which demonstrate competence with journalistic style, including strong ledes, use of the inverted pyramid, and thorough reporting and analysis.

Tips for success:

·      Start considering your topics for each assignment as soon as possible, especially assignment #3. The sooner you know what you will write about, the longer you will have to investigate, analyze, write, and revise.

·      Ask for help, whether it comes from Shane, a peer, or a trusted adult. While these are your assignments to complete, no journalist should write in isolation.

·      Be as thorough as possible. Use additional questions (besides the ones I’ve provided you) to guide your research, especially when interviewing people.