Maria Burns Ortiz

Oct. 30: Beats

Reading: Complete the “News U — Introduction to Reporting: Beat Basics” online course. (NewU course link available on class Web page.) Unless otherwise noted here, make sure you read everything under menus/that can be expanded (i.e. The Beat Description; Finding Source)/tabs (i.e. Going off the record). Complete all Activities (exception, you can skip “Activity: List Top Five Tips from Other Journalists). Under “Starter Kit: 10 Typical Beats,” select the three most interesting to you. Read all of the expanded information on those topics.

Email “Activity: Create Your Beat Description” and your “Course Report” (after completing the course) to me: maria_burnsortiz@emerson.edu

In-Class: Assign Beat

Assignment: Compile beat source and resource list. Propose five story ideas (1 profile, 1 trend story, 1 hard news story, 2 wildcard.)

Powerpoint: Beats

Nov. 1: Features
Reading: Writing and Reporting the News: Chapter 22
Assignment: Write a profile or a trend story. Must be 500-750 words. Profile = three sources. Trend story = three sources + authority/expert. Must be approved in advance. (Does NOT have to be profile or trend story suggested for 10/30.)

Powerpoint: Features