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Syllabus Exercises Projects Course Information Weblog

Each week there are approximately two assignments, if not more, due.

Most exercises are due via e-mail at 3 p.m. before class starts -- but this is not always the case. Always check the requirements & due section below for every assignment. Work handed in late is not accepted.

 

Week 6 > Sept 30
Exercise
 International Student Interview Notes
Description
 Submit a printed, typed version of your interview notes from international student interviews.
Requirements
 Submit a hard copy printed version of your interview notes in class according to the following requirements:
  • notes must be typed, printed & free of errors
  • international student name, e-mail address & demographic information* is to be posted at the beginning of the interview notes
  • different interviews go on different pages (do not run all notes together on one page)
  • ensure your name is on every page of your notes in case they are separated
  • do not provide a verbatim transcript of your interview (from a tape), rather type what you wrote down in the interview
* Demographic information includes interviewee sex, country of origin, continent of origin & major.

The instructor reserves the right to contact the international student interviewed to verify any information collected in the interview. If an e-mail address is not available for the student (as requested in the requirements above), then you may provide a phone number instead. However, an e-mail address is preferred.

The typed, printed notes will be turned in at the beginning of class. Only hard copy, typed notes are accepted. Do not try to submit this exercise any other way.
Purpose
 Interviews are difficult. It's hard on many levels: getting the source to open up, record everything that is being said & be attentive enough to see the emerging story. Then, you must repackage the interview into a logical, concise article. Chances are if you don’t have a good interview then you won’t have a good article. This exercise will ensure that your notes are in good order & help you identify missing pieces before you sit down to write your chunks for Project 1.

It's best if a journalist types his notes as soon as possible after an interview so that he can read his handwriting & remember the key elements of the story. Few journalists wait several days (& rarely wait a week) to transcribe notes into a cleaner, working tool from which the article can be written.
Context
 The success of a story relies on the interview. When you have a solid interview filled with great information & quotes, you will find the story can almost "write itself."
Examples
 None
Due
  Sept 30 at 3 p.m.
Points
 60 (20 / interview)

The assignment description and requirements on the Web site supercede the written syllabus passed on the first day of class.
Instructors
Students
This site is maintained for students of JOU 4341 at the University of Florida. The course was created for online journalism track students by Professor Mindy McAdams and is currently taught by Kaye Trammell (Fall 2003). Contact Kaye Trammell at ktrammell@jou.ufl.edu with any questions.