Introduction to Media Writing

This course aims to instruct the basic skills necessary to write for print, broadcast (radio and television), and electronic media (Internet/news websites), as well as to introduce them to the writing styles used in advertising and public relations. This course is intended as an introduction to media writing and will teach students the fundamentals in producing clear, concise news articles. These will include breaking news articles, features articles and other forms of writing. Students will also learn the difference among different media forms, mainly through practice. Readings will illustrate the lecture material but the course will place a premium on producing written work both during the lectures and at home. Readings will be assigned weekly and form the basis for class discussions. The instructor will assign additional reading and homework to reinforce weekly topics as appropriate. There will also be field trips and guest lectures from experts in the field.