University of florida > college of journalism & communications
HOME
:: reporting & writing for online media
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 5 > Sept 23
Exercise
 In-Class Interview Questions
Description
 Create a list of 10 interview questions for an in-class interview with an international graduate student. Monica's bio is available in today's topic section of the syllabus.
Requirements
 Create a list of 10 interview questions for Monica, an international graduate student the class will interview on Sept 23. The questions focus on the experiences of studying or living in the United States. Do not prepare basic demographic questions (such as hometown, how long in the US, etc.). Use this opportunity to delve deeper into the prospective story that Monica has to tell about her experiences as an international student.

All questions should be:

  • open-ended, meaning not answered with a “yes” or “no”
  • thought-provoking, meaning Monica will reflect on her experiences to answer
  • related to Monica’s experiences as an international student
Turn in your list of 10 substantive, unique questions by sending an e-mail to Professor Trammell [ ktrammell@jou.ufl.edu ]. Make the e-mail subject line “In-Class Interview Questions” & paste the questions in the body of the e-mail. Make sure that the questions are numbered (1 – 10). Be sure to sign the e-mail using your first & last name. Then, bring a hardcopy of your interview questions to class so that you can ask them as appropriate during the interview.

IMPORTANT: You are turning in your questions via e-mail & then expected to bring a printed version to class for the actual interview. Failure to do both of these may result in a reduction in points.
Purpose
 This in-class interview will help you practice your interviewing skills & may give you an idea of other questions to ask.
Context
 You typically only get once chance to interview someone for a story, so it is important to have a list of questions prepared for the interview. While you are always encouraged to go deeper into concepts that develop through the course of the interview, you should always be prepared to ask at least 10 questions.
Examples
 None
Due
  Sept 23 at 3 p.m.
Points
 10

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.