JRN 3510, Section KMWA
Room VC 7-160
MW 2:55-4:35p.m.
Professor Vera Haller
Tel.: 646-312-4338
Office: VC 7-265
Office Hours: MW 11am-noon, TH 11am-12:30pm and by appointment
The purpose of this course is to teach you about the concepts of multimedia reporting, to introduce you to equipment and editing programs and ultimately, to have you produce your own pieces of multimedia journalism.
What you should expect:
1. Lectures about different aspects of multimedia reporting and how it is being integrated into the newsroom.
2. Assignments to watch and comment on multimedia journalism that is being produced by news organizations.
3. Lessons in using digital cameras, audio recorders and video cameras – as well as training in basic editing programs.
4. Lessons in several basic types of multimedia production, including how to create photo galleries, audio podcasts, interactive timelines and maps, audio slideshows and video reports for the Web.
5. Completion of a class project in which students write stories and produce multimedia features on a single subject or theme. We will decide on the subject during class time.
What you will need:
Notebook (I recommend you take notes because you may need to refer back to material we covered early in the semester)
AP Stylebook (Every journalism student should have one!)
Any digital equipment you might already own, such as a digital camera or voice recorder
Homework and Grades:
Early in the semester, you will be asked to watch and comment on multimedia reporting that can be found on news websites. Your written assignments and participation in a group-reporting project will be averaged together into one grade.
During the course of the semester, each student also will receive grades for a photo gallery and audio podcast reported outside of class and produced in class. Five additional grades will be given for the class project:
1. Story memo laying out the plan for your individual project.
2. Written feature story of a length of about 800 words.
3. Edited video feature
4. Second multimedia feature
5. Final presentation on class blog.
All of these grades will be averaged together for a final class grade. Extra weight will be placed on the class project.
Attendance:
Regular attendance is essential. This is a hands-on course. Much of the work you will do in this class is dependent on the iMacs in this lab. We will be using class time to learn the software and produce multimedia features. You also will receive assignments to report stories outside of class. All reporting must be done on your own time as homework. Please make sure that you arrange your schedules to allow time outside of class for reporting assignments. As per Baruch policy, I will drop students who miss more than four classes without medical reason.
NOTE: You are not permitted to submit work for this class that has been or is being submitting in another course.
Plagiarism or fabrication on an assignment will result in a failing grade on that paper and may lead to failure in the course. All such incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students.
Equipment:
We have equipment in the department for you to sign out and use for your assignments. We have video cameras, digital audio recorders, digital still cameras and various accessories such as extra battery packs and microphones. A sign-out procedure will be instituted. I will do a survey of the class to see what type of equipment you may have access to that could help us get assignments done.
Weekly topics and assignments: (I reserve the right to change and adjust this schedule)
WEEK 1
Mon., Jan. 30
What is multimedia and how is it used by news organizations. Begin discussions on topics to cover during semester. ASSIGNMENT: Short paper that critiques examples of multimedia reporting.
Wed., Feb. 1
Discuss homework assignments; screen examples of effective multimedia reporting. Cover trends in journalism, with an emphasis on how the web and new technology are changing the way news is delivered. Open discussion on first group multimedia project. ASSIGNMENT: Read, watch and analyze The New York Times’ Pulitzer Prize-winning “Snowfall” story. And prepare a pitch for group multimedia project.
WEEK 2
Mon., Feb. 6
Brief discussion about “Snowfall.” Students present ideas for group multimedia project; Discuss and make assignments for project.
Wed., Feb. 8
Photo editing for the web, including captioning and crediting. Students are introduced to PhotoShop, start in-class exercise. ASSIGNMENT: For Wed., Feb. 15-write up description of story idea for slideshow (Hand in hard copy to me at event). For Wed., Feb. 22-Complete reporting for group project.
WEEK 3
Mon., Feb. 13 –Lincoln’s Birthday-College is closed.
Wed., Feb. 15–Classes follow Monday schedule
Class attends journalistic ethics event (DETAILS TO FOLLOW). Students hand in slideshow idea.
WEEK 4
Mon., Feb. 20—President’s Day-College is closed.
Wed., Feb. 22
Discuss story ideas for slideshows and provide guidance for shooting and reporting photo story. Pull together photos/text for group project. ASSIGNMENT: Shoot photos for slideshow and do reporting needed for complete captions. Due Wed., March 1.
WEEK 5
Mon., Feb. 27
Final production of group project. Begin talking about topics students might like to cover for final project.
Wed., March 1
In-class production of slideshows. ASSIGNMENT: Write up story pitch for podcast assignment. Due Wed., March 8
WEEK 6
Mon., March 6
Cover terminology and theories behind the use of audio on the web. Students learn to record and produce a podcast during class.
Wed., March 8
Discuss ideas for podcasting assignment. In-class exercise about interviewing techniques. ASSIGNMENT: Reporting for podcast. Audio files and interview transcript due March 15.
WEEK 7
Mon., March 13-TBA
Wed., March 15
In-class production of podcasts with workshop on writing scripts, framing stories. ASSIGNMENT: Complete production of podcasts and post to class blog by class on March 20.
WEEK 8
Mon., March 20
Screen finished podcasts and hold brainstorming session on final project topics. (ASSIGNMENT: Write up two ideas for final project. Hand in hard copies on Wed., March 22)
Wed., March 22
Guest speaker-TBA
WEEK 9
Mon., March 27
Finalize topics for final projects and discuss reporting plans. Go over Story Memo assignment. ASSIGNMENT: Story memo due Wed., April 5
Wed., March 29
Video shooting techniques.
WEEK 10
Mon., April 3
Intro to video editing.
Wed., April 5—Conferences to go over story memos. Will advise on schedule.
WEEK 11
Mon., April 10—Spring recess
Wed., April 12—Spring recess
WEEK 12
Mon., April 17—Spring recess
Wed., April 19
In-class video assignment.
Thurs., April 20 – Classes follow Monday schedule
Additional video training.
WEEK 13
Mon., April 24
Data and infographics
Wed., April 26
TBD/FIRST DRAFT OF STORY DUE
WEEK 14
Mon., May 1
In class production
Wed., May 3
In class production
WEEK 15
Mon., May 8
In class production
Wed., May 10
In class production
WEEK 16
Mon., May 15
In class production
Wed., May 17 –Screenings