Class Syllabus Fall 2009

Journalism 419
Investigative Reporting
Fall 2009 Room 1213 Communications
2 to 3:15 PM Tuesday and Thursday
Room 1213 Communications Building
Instructor: William Recktenwald Office: Room 1224 Comm.
Office Hours Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(If you can’t find me during office hours call my cellphone 618-559-0058)

Office telephone 453-3289 Home 1-618-264-5136
E-mail teacherofnews@aol.com (put 419 in subject line)


You can find the syllabus online at http://reporting419.blogspot.com

Objectives: During this semester we will examine Investigative Reporting from several perspectives, as well as:
• Read and discuss stories that have been published looking at both pitfalls and pinnacles of the craft.
• Examine the ways you select an investigative project and follow the process through gathering needed information to outlining and writing the story.
• Practice interview techniques.
• Become proficient in Internet searching.
• Develop a personal web page (blog) to be used with your reporting.
• Understand the Federal and State Freedom of Information laws and how to use them in reporting.
• Examine ethical considerations of investigative reporting.

Attendance: Mandatory, on time, attendance is required for every class. Any absence or tardiness may have a negative impact on your grade. Three unexcused absences will result in a failing grade, if you are late to class four times you will lose a grade point. To have an absence excused the student must contact the instructor by telephone 453-3289 or e-mail by the end of the class period. Excused absences will always be at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading: There will be a series of written quizzes, and written assignments, during the semester to assure that you read assigned material, and that you pay attention in class, your personal notes can be used during quizzes. These will count for thirty percent of your semester grade. Your personal participation in class discussion counts for twenty percent. The mid-term project (your personal web page) counts for ten percent, and the final project for forty percent.

August 25- Class overview—Discussion of the investigative mindset
August 27- Weblogs-- what are they, why use them and getting started on building your own
August 29- Internet searching and the cyber trail
Sept 1- Names phone numbers, addresses and maps
Sept 8- Experts, how to find them and how to be sure they are experts
Sept 10- Discussion on the New York Times series that won the
2004 Public Service Pulitzer Prize.
www.pulitzer.org select 2004 from the dates across the top,
select Public Service then click on the works tab.
It is a long but well written series start early to read it. Quiz on series.
Sept 15- The paper trail
Sept 17- LISTSERV’s what are they? Why use them?
Sept 22- Finding stories, from conception to publication and follow-up
Sept 24- Secondary and primary sources
Sept 29- Computer assisted reporting
Oct 1- Best of the net- Quiz
Oct 6- Reading assignment TBA
Oct 8- Blog tricks
Oct 13- Legal and ethical considerations
Oct 15- Mid-term projects due.
Printed copies of your personal blog along with a 300 word
overview. Presentations by each student
Oct 20- Discussion of final project, team assignments and first team meetings.
Oct 22- Investigating schools- Freedom of Information
Oct 27- Investigating police- Open Meetings
Oct 29- Investigating courts- Quiz
Nov 3- Looking at transportation
Nov 5- Special Guest in Class
Nov 10- Interviewing
Nov 12- Story structure
Nov 17- Story support. Photo’s graphics
Nov 19- Not-for-profits Preparing a story pitch
Dec 1- Looking at politicians
Dec 3 Political contributions
Dec 8- Final Project presentations
Dec 10- Final Project presentations


Students are responsible for noting changes to the syllabus and reading assignments announced in class.
There will be numerous changes to allow the class to
Study current Investigative Projects
All such announcements will be posted at
http:// reporting419.blogspot.com











To go to, or return to William Recktenwald's personal Blog Click Here

DETAILS FOR FINAL PROJECT

THESE ARE THE OUTLINES FROM PRIOR SEMESTERS - STARTING IN THE FALL 2006 STUDENTS WILL MAKE INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS -- DETAILS WILL BE POSTED BY MID-TERM
(I am leaving these for your information only)
Journalism 419
Final Project

The following outlines my expectations for your final project in Journalism 419.

I have divided the class into five groups and designated a team leader for each group.
While I would expect most decisions to be made by consensus, the team leader will be the ultimate arbitrator. If there are problems please consult with me as soon as you can.

Every member of the team is expected to carry out his or her assigned tasks. It will be possible for three teams members to receive As, while the other two get lower, or failing grades. I would be disappointed is this scenario comes to pass. But it is possible.

Each team will meet and come up with a project that could be completed by SIU journalism students in a period of three months; and without major expense or travel.

Locate similar projects that have been completed elsewhere, consider how they were completed.

Outline who you intend to interview. What records do you plan to examine, where are those records.

What photographic support will be needed?

What graphics might be used?

How would the story be presented?
One story? A series? In connection with a local TV station?

During the last two class sessions Dec. 6 and Dec. 8 each time will make a 20-minute presentation to the class, and answer questions from several invited guests and me. Every team member will take part in the presentation. You may use PowerPoint and Internet with your presentation of you wish.

Grading consideration will be given on the societal importance of the project, legal and ethical considerations and organization, professionalism and realism in the presentation.

You do not need to write the story or to finish the investigation but after the presentation your plan should be so clearly defined that your team members could reasonably complete it in 10 weeks, working fulltime.

Subject matter is wide open with one exception:
no stories on the former railroad tie factory in Carbondale.

Bill Recktenwald