Prof Haddad's 210 Class

Weekly Quiz on Thurs.

Must Dos:

Emailed as a PDF to haddad210@gmail.com or shared in google docs.
Double-spaced and in a large font of 14 pt or larger
Named (both the assignment itself and the email) with this protocol: Assignment name; draft number and your last name: Think1Haddad.
Original to the class - and not submitted or published elsewhere first.

Don'ts....

No Assignment accepted unless you're in class on the day it's due.
No late assignments are ever accepted w/o prior approval from professor
And you may never use friends and family as sources in a story w/o prior approval from the professor.
Nor may you quote from another newspaper or magazine.

Current Assignments:

Assignment17: Please slug Issue2, due by 6 p.m. 5/3

Email final draft of issue story, which should be no more than 1,000 words. It must include the following:

A strong, compelling and terse opening
A nut graph that sums up what the story is about
A so-what graph that explains why the story is important and important now
One big quote somewhere among the opening paragraphs above.
At least one set of numbers that measure and quantify the issue
At least three quoted sources you interviewed yourself, one of which must be an expert on the issue.

Assignment16, please slug Issue1Lastname, due in class 4/24

Come into class prepared to write the first five graphs of your story. These graphs should comprise the opening, nut and so-what graphs of the story. Be sure to include a big quote from someone within these first five graphs.

Assignment15, please slug Pitch3Lastname, due in class 4/17

Rewrite pitch to sharpen down to dramatic essence. beef up three key makes that show us the story is real, interesting and important. No more than five succinct sentences.

Assignment14, please slug Pitch2Lastname, due in class 4/12

Write a well researched pitch for an issue story. It must include at least three big facts that illustrate the issue and why readers should care about it. As always, the pitch should open with a compelling line selling the idea of the story. The rest of the pitch should tell readers why the issue is important and why they should care. The pitch should be no more than five sentences.

Assignment13, please slug LearningLastname, due in class 3/29

Read issue the stories posted under various readings titled "Learning in Dorm?" and "Teen Sexting" Answer these questions:

1. What is the issue in the story and how do you know?

2. Where does the writer sum up the issue and tell you why it is important?

3. Name three different kinds of sources in the story and explain how each one moved the story forward.

Print out & bring "Teen Sexting" story to class

Assignment12, please slug difficultiesLastname, duein class 3/27

Read in Pity "Difficulties be Damned," the chapter about reporting. Pick three techniques that you could incorporate into your own reporting. Write a graph about each one, explaining how it will improve your reporting ability. Be prepared to discuss in class how to up your game on the next assignment.

Assignment11, please slug profile2lastname, due in class 3/22

Rewrite of profile

Here's what the rewrite must include:

1. A strong lede of no more than 30 words

2. A nut graph (will explain in class)

3. A so-what graph

Assignment10, please read "Facts aren't Meaning in Pity." Due in class 3/20

Assignment9, please slug questionlastname, due in class 3/15

Read "Craft of Questioning. Find three suggestions in the reading that you find particularly useful or interesting and write no more than a paragraph on each one explaining why.

Assignment8, please slug profile1Lastname, due in class 3/13

Write 1st draft of a profile. It must include these elements:

1. A strong opening sentence as a standalone lede of no more than 30 words.

2. At least three quoted sources (the more interesting & credible the source, the better)

3. At least some context that puts the subject of the profile in perspective

4. The story must explain high up why the subject is important and why important now.

(The story should be no more than 800 words)

Assignment7, please slug Pitch1Lastname, due in class 5/6

Write a pitch for a profile: Find a stranger to profile and write a pitch to do a real story on this person. This will require doing research to ensure that this person is worthy of profile based on the elements discussed in class. Those elements include:

1. Accessibility

2. Quotability

3. An agent of change or someone representative of change

Again, the pitch must include the following information:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Assignment6, please slug Levchinlastname. Due in class 2/28

Read & critique profile of Max Levchin (you'll find it under "Various Readings" on this site) .

Bring in a copy of Levchin to class

Answer these questions in no more than a graf or two per question:

Identify three sources in the story other than the main character and say briefly what role they play in the story.
Are the main characters portrayed as perfect? If not, find two facts that illustrate their warts.
Identify three colorful facts that reveal personality.

Asignment5, please slug Idea1Lastname, due in class 2/21

Read "Power of a Good Idea" in Pity; Write a three-to-five sentence story pitch. Pick any idea for right now. Find something off the internet, if you like. Use the principles outlined in the chapter. Each pitch must have the following elements:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Assignment4, please slug Show2Lastname, due in class 2/14

Rewrite scene setter. In addition to the three people interviewed, this time the story must include these other elements:

1.Dramatic, one sentence (no more than 30 words) opening

2. Use real people (name, rank serial number) to illustrate story

3. Try to find a theme that gives the story meaning

Assignment3, please slug Show1Lastname, due in class 2/7

Write a three-page scene setter. This is a story that makes a place, event or scene come to life. It is driven by the power of observation and smart use of meaningful detail. Tease out the drama of something seemingly ordinary practicing the techniques of show not tell.

The assignment must include interviews with at least three real people in real time. You must include at the end of the story the telephone numbers of each person used in the story. I will not accept a story without the telephone numbers included.

No first person account: No use of "I, we," or "us."

Assignment2, please slug RoosterLastname, Due in class 2/2

Read Chap. 7 in Pity, "Show, not tell"; also read "A hand-to-hand struggle" and "Rampaging Rooster." (stories are posted here under Various Readings)

Answer these questions about "A hand-to-hand struggle & Ramaging Rooster":

1. Drawing on both articles, find a total of three examples in which the writer is using one of his senses - smell, sight, etc. -in garnering meaningful detail.

2. Drawing on both articles, find three examples in which the writer is painting a picture of what's happening with concrete facts and description.

3. Drawing on both articles, find at two examples in which the writer uses some form of metaphor, analogy or simile to enhance meaning.

Write no more than a page total.

Essay MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

Be prepared to explain and defend your point of view in class.

Due in class Thur 1/26

Title assignment and email as ThinkYourlastname

(This first time also bring a hard copy to class for reference)

Why think like a writer?
Read "Pity" Chaps 1-3, write a short essay on why - or why not - it's important to think like a writer. It should be no longer than three double-spaced pages, but must make a solid argument showing a solid grasp of the material. What I'm looking for is fact-driven interpretation, not regurgitation.

Be prepared to explain and defend your point of view in class.

Essay MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

_________________________________________________________________________

Assignments of Past Classes

Assign11: Due in class Tues., 10/25

Write 1st draft of a profile. It must include these elements:

1. A strong opening sentence as a standalone lede of no more than 30 words.

2. At least three quoted sources (the interesting & credible the source, the better)

3. At least some context that puts the subject of the profile in perspective

4. The story must explain high up why the subject is important and why important now.

(The story should be no more than 800 words)

Assign11: Due in class 10/21 (M/F only)

2nd draft of profile. It must include the following elements:

Assign10: Due in class 10/17 (M/F only)

Read & critique profile of Max Levchin (you'll find it under "Various Readings" on this site) .

Bring in a copy of Levchin to class

Answer these questions in no more than a graf or two per question:

Identify three sources in the story other than the main character and say briefly what role they play in the story.
Are the main characters portrayed as perfect? If not, find two facts that illustrate their warts.
Identify three colorful facts that reveal personality.

Assign11: Due in class 10/18 (T/TH only)

1. Accessibility

2. Quotability

3. An agent of change or someone representative of change

Again, the pitch must include the following information:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Assign10: Due in class 10/13 (T/TH only)

Read & critique profile of Max Levchin (you'll find it under "Various Readings" on this site) .

Bring in a copy of Levchin to class

Answer these questions in no more than a graf or two per question:

Identify three sources in the story other than the main character and say briefly what role they play in the story.
Are the main characters portrayed as perfect? If not, find two facts that illustrate their warts.
Identify three colorful facts that reveal personality.

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Assign9: Due in class 10/14 (M/F only)

Critique and fact check colleague's profile:

1. Check to see if subject is indeed a stranger.

2. Call all sources and check to see if real and correctly identified.

3. Verify all facts, including the correct spelling of names, ages, addresses.

4. Highlight any error and explain why it's wrong.

5. Write a brief summation indicating what the writer needs to work on in the next draft.

List of Swapping buddies:

Johnson & Neuberger

Moore & Wehner

Merkle & O'Connor

Afrina & Davenport

Simeone & Carroll

Novotny & Lin

Blasl & Mollick

Christian & Livingston

Assign9: Due in class 10/11 (T/TH only)

Fact check your profile. Catch and highlight any and all errors in fact and quotation first and foremost.

Also, pick up your grammar and stylebooks and critique your profile. Find sentences that don't make sense - or aren't sentences. Bring in your critiqued, marked up version to class and be ready to discuss.

Assign8: Due in class 10/6 (T/TH class only)

Write a short, thumbnail sketch of the person who interviewed in class

Focus on a struggle in the person's life that makes them interesting

Use quotes, history and facts

No more than 600 words

Assign8: Due by class time Mon., 10/10 (Mon/Fri class only)

Write profile based on pitch. It must include:

1. A strong opening sentence as a standalone lede of no more than 30 words.

2. At least three quoted sources (the interesting & credible the source, the better)

3. At least some context that puts the subject of the profile in perspective

4. The story must explain high up why the subject is important and why important now.

(The story should be no more than 800 words)

_________

Assign7 (M/F class only) due in class 10/3:

(see below for T/TH class assignment)

Find a stranger to profile and write a pitch to do a real story on this person. This will require doing research to ensure that this person is worthy of profile based on the elements discussed in class. Those elements include:

1. Accessibility

2. Quotability

3. An agent of change or someone representative of change

Again, the pitch must include the following information:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Assign7 (T/TH class only):

Due in class 10/4

Read "Craft of Questioning. Find three suggestions in the reading that you find particularly useful or interesting and write no more than a paragraph on each one explaining why.

Assign6, due in class Mon., Tues 9/26-27

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Assign5, Due in class Thurs., Fri 9/22-23

assign4 Due in class Mon., Tues. 9/19-20

Rewrite scene setter. lastname. Must include:

quotes from three sources (all strangers to you);
some context
and an opening sentence that captures the drama of the scene and draws in the reader.

Due in class Mon, Tues 9/12-13

No first person account: No use of "I, we," or "us."

Due in class 9/8-9

Read Chap. 7 in Pity, "Show, not tell"; also read "A hand-to-hand struggle" and "Rampaging Rooster." (stories are posted here under Various Readings)

Answer these questions about "A hand-to-hand struggle & Ramaging Rooster":

1. Drawing on both articles, find a total of three examples in which the writer is using one of his senses - smell, sight, etc. -in garnering meaningful detail.

2. Drawing on both articles, find three examples in which the writer is painting a picture of what's happening with concrete facts and description.

3. Drawing on both articles, find at two examples in which the writer uses some form of metaphor, analogy or simile to enhance meaning.

Write no more than a page total.

Essay MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

Be prepared to explain and defend your point of view in class.

Essay MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

___________________________________________________________________________

Due by class time Wed./ Thurs. 5/11-12

Final Trend draft due.

No Class. Just email in by class time.

Here's the minimum requirements of final draft:

1. At least five quoted sources, two of which must be experts of some sort.

2. At least two numbers that measure and quantify the trend and its consequences.

3. At least two anecdotes that show us the trend.

4. Nut and so-what graf that highlight and summarize, focusing on why the trend is happening.

Due in class Mon/Tues May 5/2-3

Write trend pitch. It must include the following elements:

* At least three big facts that illustrate the trend, including at least one number that measures the trend.

* A compelling line selling the idea of the story.

* Explain why readers should care @the trend is important

* Should explain why readers should care now (news hook).

The pitch should be no more than five sentences.

Due in class, Wed., Thurs. April 27 & 28

Read "Non-profits Appeal" posted under various readings.

Answer these three questions in no more than a page:

1. Identify the nut & so-what grafs in the story and say briefly why you think they are so

2. Identify at least one place in the story where the trend is measured and quatified

3. Identify at least three key sources - including one expert - and explain briefly why they move the story forward.

Due via email by 6 p.m. Friday, April 15th for Monday/Wed class; Saturday, April 16th for Tues/Thurs.

**NO CLIP JOBS: Most of your stories must include interviews with people you interviewed yourself - including experts and advocates - and not just quotes lifted from the Internet. Those are only to enhance what you've already garnered yourself.

Rewrite Issue story. It must include:

1. A compelling opening that draws the reader in

2. A nut graf that sums up what the issue is in sweeping, dramatic language, including at least one big number.

3. A so-what graf that shows readers what's at stake in the debate about the issue

4. A big quote somewhere in the billboarding.

Due in class Mon., Tues. April 11 & 12

Absolutely no late assignments will be accepted

Stories must be submitted with this protocol in their titles: last name, assignment name and draft. So this assignment should be named: cassidyissue1

Write a first draft of an issue story. This draft MUST* include the following elements:

1. At least three sources quoted in the story, one of which must be an expert.

2. A nut graf that sums up in sweeping terms what the debate is about the issue

3. A so-what graf that explains in sweeping terms what's at stake with the issue.

4. At least some numbers that measure and quantify the issue.

5. Some context that put the issue in perspective.

Due in class Mon, Tues., April 4 & 5

Write a pitch for an issue story. The pitch must include:

* At least three big facts that illustrate the issue.

* A compelling line selling the idea of the story.

* Explain why readers should care @the issue

* Should explain why readers should care now (news hook).

The pitch should be no more than five sentences.

Due in class Wed., Thurs 3/30-31

Print out & bring "Teen Sexting" story to class

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Mon, Tues., 3/28-29

1. At least three big quotes from the person being profiled

2. At least three quotes from other quoted sources about the person profiled

3. At least three telling anecdotes.

4. A strong opening that grabs the reader's attention.

5. A nut graf that sums up who this person is and what is his or her struggle.

6. A so-what graf about why the reader should care about this person and care now.

Due in class Wed., Thurs., 3/23

Read "Facts aren't Meaning" in Pity.

Based on the concepts of "billboarding" discussed in the chapter, rewrite the first five graphs of your story. Those graphs should include these three elements:

1. A strong compelling opening of no more than 2 graphs that represent the theme of the story.

2. A graph that sums up in a dramatic way who this person is, focusing on his or her struggle.

3. A graph that explains in a dramatic way why the reader should care about this person; why this person is either an agent of change or represents change in the world.

_________________________________________________________________________

Due by class time Mon., Tues. 3/21

Write profile based on pitch. It must include:

1. A strong opening sentence as a standalone lede of no more than 30 words.

2. At least three quoted sources (the interesting & credible the source, the better)

3. At least some context that puts the subject of the profile in perspective

4. The story must explain high up why the subject is important and why important now.

(The story should be no more than 800 words)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class, Wed., Thurs 3/16-17:

Read in "Pity" the craft of questioning. Find three suggestions in the reading that you find particularly useful or interesting and write no more than a paragraph on each one explaining why.

Due in class Mon., Tues 3/14-15

1. Accessibility

2. Quotability

3. An agent of change or someone representative of change

Again, the pitch must include the following information:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Email the pitch to the professor and be prepared to explain and defend it in class.

____________________________________________________________________________

Due by class time Wed., Thurs. 39 &10

Read & critique two profiles: Max Levchin & Les Paul (you'll find it under "Various Readings" on this site) One is from the Wall Street Journal; the other from the Economist.

Bring in a copy of Levchin to class

For each profile, answer these questions in no more than a graf or two per question:

Identify three sources in the story other than the main character and say briefly what role they play in the story.
Are the main characters portrayed as perfect? If not, find two facts that illustrate their warts.
Identify three colorful facts that reveal personality.

Due in class Mon,Tues 3/7-8

____________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Wed.& Thurs, March 2 & 3

Rewrite first pitches. Use all the elements discussed in the original pitch, which include:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Email the pitch to the professor and be prepared to explain and defend it in class.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class, Mon., Tues, 2/28-3/1

Read "Power of a Good Idea" in Pity; Write a three-to-five sentence story pitch. Use the principles outlined in the chapter. Each pitch must have the following elements:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Email the pitch to the professor and be prepared to explain and defend it in class.

______________________________________________________________

Due in class Mon., Tues. 2/21-22

Rewrite scene setter. Must include:

quotes from three sources (all strangers to you);
some context
and an opening of no more than three sentences that draws in the reader.

Remember,Do not write in the first person. Act as the third party observer.The entire piece should be no more than three double-spaced pages.You must include the phone number of anyone of everyone interviewed.

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Due in class Mon, Tues 9/12-13

No first person account: No use of "I, we," or "us."

________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Mon., Tues 2/7-8

Read Chap. 7 in Pity, "Show, not tell"; also read "A hand-to-hand struggle" and "Rampaging Rooster."

Answer these questions about "A hand-to-hand struggle & Ramaging Rooster":

1. Find three examples in which the writer is using one of his senses - smell, sight, etc. -in garnering meaningful detail.

2. Find three examples in which the writer is painting a picture of what's happening with concrete facts and description.

3. Find at two examples in which the writer uses some form of metaphor, analogy or simile to enhance meaning.

Write no more than a page on each of the two stories.

Essay MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

also bring a hard copy to class for discussion.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Wed. Thur 2/2-3

Be prepared to explain and defend your point of view in class.

Essay MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

_________________________________________________________________________

Fall '10 Assignments

Due via email by class time Dec. 8 &9

Final draft of trend story. It must include the following elements:

1. At least five quoted sources, two of which must be experts of some sort.

2. At least two numbers that measure and quantify the trend and its consequences.

3. At least two anecdotes that show us the trend.

4. Nut and so-what graf that highlight and summarize, focusing on why the trend is happening.

The first draft may run up to 1,000 words

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Dec. 1& 2

First draft of trend story. it must include the following elements to be accepted:

1. At least five quoted sources, two of which must be experts of some sort.

2. At least two numbers that measure and quantify the trend and its consequences.

3. At least two anecdotes that show us the trend.

4. Nut and so-what graf that highlight and summarize, focusing on why the trend is happening.

The first draft may run up to 1,000 words

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Nov. 22 & 23

Write trend pitch. It must include the following elements:

* At least three big facts that illustrate the trend, including at least one number that measures the trend.

* A compelling line selling the idea of the story.

* Explain why readers should care @the trend is important

* Should explain why readers should care now (news hook).

The pitch should be no more than five sentences.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Nov. 17 &18

Read the NY Times trend story: "Learning in the Dorm," posted in Various Readings. Then answer the following questions in a page or less:

1. Where does the nut and so-what graphs begin?

2. What types of sources - people, data and fact - are in the story?

3.Does the story effectively document and portray the trend? If so, why so; if not why not?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Wed., Thurs. Nov.10 & 11

Swap stories & critique

Read in Pity "Tao of Writing Poorly" & "The Un-Commandments"
Finding examples of reading in colleague's work
write a short graf summarizing your colleagues most pressing weakness & email, ccing the professor
then mark up hard copy of the story and bring in to class.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Mon., Tues Nov.15 & 16th

Rewrite Issue story. It must include:

1. A compelling opening that draws the reader in

2. A nut graf that sums up what the issue is in sweeping, dramatic language, including at least one big number.

3. A so-what graf that shows readers what's at stake in the debate about the issue

4. A big quote somewhere in the billboarding.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Wed., Thurs. Nov. 3 &4

Read in Pity "Difficulties be Damned," the chapter about reporting. Pick three techniques that will incorporate into your own reporting method. Write a graph about each one, explaining how it will improve your reporting ability.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Mon., Tues. Nov. 8 & 9

Write a first draft of an issue story. This draft MUST* include the following elements:

1. At least three sources quoted in the story, one of which must be an expert.

2. A nut graf that sums up in sweeping terms what the debate is about the issue

3. A so-what graf that explains in sweeping terms what's at stake with the issue.

4. At least some numbers that measure and quantify the issue.

5. Some context that put the issue in perspective.

*No rewrites will be allowed in first drafts that don't include these elements.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Mon., Tues Nov.1-2

Write a pitch for an issue story. The pitch must include:

* At least three big facts that illustrate the issue.

* A compelling line selling the idea of the story.

* Explain why readers should care @the issue is important

* Should explain why readers should care now (news hook).

The pitch should be no more than five sentences.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Wed., Thurs. Oct. 27-28

Read the story slugged "Ratko" under various readings. then answer these questions in no more than a page:

1. What is the issue featured in the story and how do you know?

2. Where is the issue summed up in the story; is it portrayed as having an easy right or wrong answer?

3. Find examples of evidence that support each side of the issue?

4. Identify three sources in the story and explain briefly how this source enhances the story.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Wed. & Thurs Oct. 20 & 21

Read "Swim with Porpoise" & "Facts aren't Meaning."

Use this reading to guide you in the rewriting of your profiles

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Mon. & Tues. Oct. 25 &26

Final draft of profile

It must include:

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Due by class time Mon., Tues. 10/18-19

Write profile based on pitch. It must include:

1. A strong opening sentence as a standalone lede of no more than 30 words.

2. At least three quoted sources (the interesting & credible the source, the better)

3. At least some context that puts the subject of the profile in perspective

4. The story must explain high up why the subject is important and why important now.

(The story should be no more than 600 words)

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Due by class time Wed., Thurs. 10/13-14

Read & critique profile of Max Levchin (you'll find it under "Various Readings" on this site)

Bring in a copy of Levchin to class

Answer these questions in no more than a graf or two per question:

Identify three sources in the story other than Levchin and say briefly what role they play in the story.
Is Levchin portrayed as perfect? If not, find two facts that illustrate his warts.
Identify three colorful facts that reveal Levchin's personality.

Due in class Mon., Tues 10/11/-12

Again, the pitch must include the following information:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Email the pitch to the professor and be prepared to explain and defend it in class.

Due in class, Mon., Tues, 10/4-5

Read "Power of a Good Idea" in Pity; Write a three sentence pitch based on the profile you wrote of your classmate. Use the principles outlined in the chapter. Each pitch must have the following elements:

1. A compelling opening sentence that encapsulates the idea of the story

2. Explains why anyone who want to read the story

3. Explains why someone would want to read the story now

4. Include at least two concrete facts

Email the pitch to the professor and be prepared to explain and defend it in class.

Due in class, Wed., Thurs. 9/29-30

Exchange profile with colleague

Critique it for the following:

1. Are there any factual errors? If so, what are they?

2. How could your colleague have avoided those errors?

3. Are you or others in the story misquoted?

4. Are there any passages in which the writing is unclear?

5. Are there any grammatical or stylebook errors?

6. Anything important that was left out?

Write up your report and email it to professor. Also be prepared to discuss your critique in class.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class, Mon., Tues. 9/27-28

Profile a fellow classmate. The profile must include the following:

1. Be no longer than 600 words.

2. Quotes from at least three other people

3. An opening graf that is no more than 30 (that's right, count'em) words

You must make yourself available to be interviewed

Due in class, Wed., Thurs 9/22-23:

Read in "Pity" the craft of questioning. Find three suggestions in the reading that you find particularly useful or interesting and write no more than a paragraph on each one explaining why.

Due in class Mon., Tues. 9/20-21

Rewrite scene setter. Must include:

quotes from three sources (all strangers to you);
some context
and an opening of no more than three sentences that draws in the reader.

Due in class Mon, Tues 9/13-14

Write a three-page scene setter. This is a story that makes a person, place or thing come to life. It is driven by the power of observation and smart use of meaningful detail. Tease out the drama of something seemingly ordinary practicing the techniques of show not tell.

No first person account

__________________________________________________________________________________

Due in class Tues/Wed, 9/7-8

Read Chap. 7 in Pity, "Show, not tell"; also read "A hand-to-hand struggle" and "Rampaging Rooster."

Answer these questions about "A hand-to-hand struggle & Ramaging Rooster":

1. Find three examples in which the writer is using one of his senses - smell, sight, etc. -in garnering meaningful detail.

2. Find three examples in which the writer is painting a picture of what's happening with concrete facts and description.

3. Find at two examples in which the writer uses some form of metaphor, analogy or simile to enhance meaning.

Write no more than a page on each story.

Essay MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

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Due in class Wed. Thur 9/1-2

Why think like a writer?
Read "Pity" Chaps 1-3, write a short essay on why - or why not - it's important to think like a writer. It should be no longer than a page, but must make a solid argument showing a solid grasp of the material. What I'm looking for is fact-driven interpretation, not regurgitation.

Essay MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

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Last Semester Assignments

Due in class Dec. 10th

Write final draft of the issue story and email it to the professor by the time class starts. It must include the following elements:

At least three quoted sources
At least one source of data measuring the issue
A nut graph summing up the debate
A so-what graph explaining why the issue is important and important now
Context putting the issue in perspective

Due in class Nov. 24th

Write 1st draft of the issue story and email it to the professor by the time class starts. It must include the following elements:

At least three quoted sources
At least one source of data measuring the issue
A nut graph summing up the debate
A so-what graph explaining why the issue is important and important now
Context putting the issue in perspective

Due in class Nov. 17th

Write a well researched pitch for an issue story. It must include at least three big facts that illustrate the issue and why readers should care about it. As always, the pitch should open with a compelling line selling the idea of the story. The rest of the pitch should tell readers why the issue is important and why they should care. The pitch should be no more than five sentences.

Due in class Nov. 12th

Read issue story posted under various readings titled "If you build a coverage mandate, will they come?" and answer these questions:

1. What is the issue in the story and how do you know?

2. Where does the writer sum up the issue and tell you why it is important?

3. Name three different kinds of sources in the story and explain how each one moved the story forward.

Due in class Nov. 10th

Final draft of a trend story. It must include the following minimum:

A set up, nut and so-what graf as discussed in class and in reading.
At least three quoted sources
At least one source of data quantifying the trend
At least one expert

Due in class Nov. 3rd

Swap trend first drafts w/a classmate and critique based on the Un-Commandments in "Pity." Find at least five different problems as described in the Un-Commandments. Also, evaluate the stories billboarding: does it sum up the story and signal the reader why the story is important?

Here are the pairings:

2:20 p.m. class

Erika & Katie
Allison & Nick
Jen & Bernie
Maureen & Zoe
Laura & Andy
Trisha & Najee
Katherine & Andrew

5:20 class

Frank & Vincent
Natalie & Natalia
Josh & Vasili
Jon & Patrick
Kirsten & Robert
Eric & Sandi
Ana & Brandon

Due in class Oct. 29th

First draft of a trend story. It must include the following minimum:

A set up, nut and so-what graf as discussed in class and in reading.
At least three quoted sources
At least one source of data quantifying the trend
At least one expert

Due in class Oct. 27th

Read "Cut and Paste Personality" (the story is posted on this site under various readings) in the Wall Street Journal and answer the questions below. Do so in no more than two pages:

1. Where does the nut and so-what graphs begin?

2. What types of sources - people, data and fact - are in the story?

3.Does the story effectively document and portray the trend? If so, why so; if not why not?

Due in class Oct. 22

Write a well researched pitch for a trend story. It must include at least three big facts that illustrate the trend and why readers should care about it. As always, the pitch should open with a compelling line selling the idea of the story. The rest of the pitch should tell readers why the idea is important and why they should care. The pitch should be no more than five sentences.

Due in class Oct. 20th

Read in Pity "Difficulties be Damned," the chapter about reporting. Pick three techniques that will incorporate into your own reporting method. Write a graph about each one, explaining how it will improve your reporting ability.

Due in class Oct. 15

Final draft of profile

Read "The Craft of Questioning"

Due in class Oct. 8

Profile someone. It must also include:

1. At least three big quotes from the person being profiled

2. At least three quotes from other quoted sources about the person profiled

3. At least three telling anecdotes.

4. A strong opening that grabs the reader's attention.

5. A nut graf that sums up what the person is about.

6. A so-what graf about why the reader should care about this person and care now.

Due in class Oct. 6

Read "Swim with Porpoise" & "Facts aren't Meaning."

Read & critique profile of Max Levchin (you'll find it under "Course Materials" on this site)
Answer these questions in no more than a graf or two per question:

Identify three sources in the story other than Levchin and say briefly what role they play in the story.
Is Levchin portrayed as perfect? If not, find two facts that illustrate his warts.
Identify three colorful facts that reveal Levchin's personality.

Due in class Oct. 1
Rewrite of your scene setter. Email and turn in a hard copy in class.

Due in class 9/24

Rewrite of your pitch.

Due in class 9/22

Read "Power of a Good Idea" in Pity; Write a three-five-sentence pitch for a profile story idea based on the principles outlined in the chapter. Bring the pitch to class and email to the professor before class.

Due in class Tues, 9/3

Why think like a writer?
Read "Pity" Chaps 1-3, write a short essay on why - or why not - it's important to think like a writer. It should be no longer than a page, but must make a solid argument showing a solid grasp of the material.

Due in class Tues, 9/15

Read Chap. 7 in Pity, "Show, not tell"; also read "A hand-to-hand struggle" and "Rampaging Rooster."

Answer these questions about "A hand-to-hand struggle & Ramaging Rooster":

1. Is there a bigger theme to this simple story and if so, what is it?

2. Find three examples in which the writer is using all of his senses in garnering meaningful detail.

3. Find three examples in which the writer is painting a picture of what's happening with concrete facts and description.

4. Find at two examples in which the writer uses some form of metaphor, analogy or simile to enhance meaning.

Write no more than a page on each story.

Due in class Tues, 9/17

Write a three-page scene setter. This is a story that makes a person, place or thing come to life. It is driven by the power observation and smart use of meaningful detail. Tease out the drama of something seemingly ordinary practicing the techniques of show not tell.

Due in class, Wed., Thurs May 5&6 (No class; email story to professor by start of class time. NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED)

Final draft of trend story. Focus on the writing.

Final draft should be no more than five double-spaced pages. It must include:

• A compelling opening of no more than 35 words.

• Strong nut and so-what grafs that show why the story is important and important now. These grafs should lay out a theme for the story.

• At least two big piece of data that quantifies and measures the trend

• At least five quoted sources, one of which must be an expert

• At least two anecdotes that show us the trend.

You must satisfy the minimum requirements listed above to earn the minimum of a B

Due in class, Wed., Thurs April 21 &22

1st draft of trend story. Focus on the reporting, not the writing.

Draft should be no more than five double-spaced pages. It must include:

• At least one big piece of data that quantifies and measures the trend

• At least five quoted sources, one of which must be an expert

• At least two anecdotes that show us the trend.

You must satisfy the minimum requirements listed above to earn the right to a 2nd draft

Due in class, Wed., Thurs April 15 &16

Write Trend story pitch.

Pitch must include:

1. A clear and compelling opening line that sells the idea

2. At least three big facts that document the trend

3. A clear and compelling explanation of why the reader should care about this trend and care now

Due in class, Mon., Tues. April 12-13

Read "The Digital Fishbowl" posted under various readings.

Answer these three questions in no more than a page:

1. Identify the nut & so-what grafs in the story and say briefly why you think they are so

2. Identify at least one place in the story where the trend is measured and quatified

3. Identify at least three key sources - including one expert - and explain briefly why they move the story forward.

Due in class Wed., Thurs., March 24-25

Read "Facts aren't meaning" in Pity.

Use concepts in this chapter to rewrite profile. It explains billboarding, which will be critical to earning a high grade on the rewrite.

Due in class Wed., Thurs. (after break) April 7-8

Rewrite of profile (if granted permission to rewrite)

Here's what the rewrite must include:

1. A strong lede of no more than 30 words

2. A nut graph

3. A so-what graph

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Due in class Mon., Tues, 3/22-23

Write profile based on pitch. It must include:

1. A strong opening sentence as a standalone lede of no more than 30 words.

2. At least three quoted sources (the interesting & credible the source, the better)

3. At least some context that puts the subject of the profile in perspective

4. The story must explain high up why the subject is important and why important now.

Stories must be emailed to haddad210@gmail.com by class time or they will not be accepted.

Due in class Mon., Tues., 3/15-16

Write new, enhanced pitch for a profile of a stranger. It must open a strong, compelling sentence that captures the idea of the story. The pitch must also include at least three big facts that capture the person and why we should care about him or her. Pitches must be emailed to haddad210@gmail.com

Due in class Wed., Thurs., 3/10-11

Read the profile of yourself for errors in fact, context and quotes. Print out papers, circle errors and bring to class.

Read profile of Max Levchin, under various readings, and answer the question below in no more than a page:

Identify three sources in the story other than Levchin and say briefly what role they play in the story.

Is Levchin portrayed as perfect? If not, find two facts that illustrate his warts.

Identify three colorful facts that reveal Levchin's personality.

Due in class Mon., Tues. 3/8-9

Rewrite profiles to include interviews with at least three other quoted sources. Consider friends, mentors, parents, teachers, bosses - or anyone else who can provide insight - as potential sources. And it is okay - even recommended - to re-interview the subject of your profile.

In total, the rewritten story should be no more than three double-spaced pages. Again, focus on answering these questions: What is the the dramatic story line of the person's life; what is his or hers struggle and why should we care about it?

Also: The lede, or opening paragraph can be no longer than one sentence of 30 words. I want everyone to practice concision. How can you grab the reader with a compelling and dramatic opening line?

Due in class Wed., Thurs 3/3-4

Read in "Pity" the craft of questioning. Find three suggestions in the reading that you find particularly useful or interesting and write no more than a paragraph on each one explaining why.

Also, interview a stranger in class using the techniques described in the reading. Write not more than a page on the person, creating a thumbnail profile. Focus on finding the dramatic tension in the person's life to make the person interesting. And write an opening line - no more than a sentence - that draws the reader in.

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Due in class Mon/Tues. 3/1-2

Rewrite pitches, focusing on producing a compelling first line that sells the idea. Use 2-3 big facts that illustrate why readers should care about this person and care now. Find a news hook that makes the person relevant. Again, the pitch should be no more than five punchy sentences.

Pitches MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

Due in class Wed., Thurs., 2/24-25)

Read in Pity: Power of A Good Idea.

Using the principles of the reading, write a pitch for a profile story. It should open with a compelling line selling the idea of the story. The rest of the pitch should tell readers why this person is important and why we should care about him or her. The pitch should be no more than five sentences.

Pitches MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

Due in class Wed., Thur., 2/-17-18

In "Pity," read chapters "Art of Brevity" & "The Paintbox." Apply the principals of this reading to the rewrite of your scene setter.

Due in class Mon., Tue., 2/22-23

STORY MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

Rewrite scene setter. The rewrite must include quotes from three sources (all strangers to you); some context and an opening of no more than three sentences that draws in the reader. Do not write in the first person. Act as the third party observer.The entire piece should be no more than three double-spaced pages.You must include the phone number of anyone of everyone interviewed.

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STORY MUST BE EMAILED TO Haddad210@gmail.com

Write scene setter no longer than three pages. This is a story that makes a person, place or thing come to life. It is driven by the power observation and smart use of meaningful detail. Tease out the drama of something seemingly ordinary practicing the techniques of show not tell. Once interview at least one person (must be a stranger) to include in the piece. Do not write in the first person. Act as the third party observer.
You must include the phone number of anyone of everyone interviewed.

Due in class Wed, Thurs, 2/3-2/4

Read Chap. 7 in Pity, "Show, not tell"; also read "A hand-to-hand struggle" and "Rampaging Rooster."

Using the reading in Pity as your guide, answer these questions about "A hand-to-hand struggle & Ramaging Rooster":

* Find three examples in which the writer is using one of his senses (eyes, ears, nose, etc.) in garnering meaningful detail.

* Find three examples in which the writer is painting a picture of what's happening with concrete facts and description.

* Find at two examples in which the writer uses some form of metaphor, analogy or simile to enhance meaning.

Write no more than a page in total.

Due in class Mon, Tues, 2/1-2/2
Critique of news story"
Find a meaty news story and explain how it embodies one of the principles you read about in the first three chapters of "Pity." Again, the emphasis is on brevity. The assignment should be no more than a page. You may choose from these newspapers or magazines: The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and The Economist.

Due in class Wed., Thur, 1/27 & 1/28

1st News Quiz on Wed, Thurs, 2/3 & 2/4

Prof Haddad's 210 Class

Prof Haddad's 210 Class

Current Assignments:

Fall '10 Assignments

Last Semester Assignments

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