berryhillmk@tsu.edu

713-313-7528

Office Hours: T-Th: 10:00-11:30 and MWF: 1:30-3 :00

 To a certain extent, every syllabus is a work in progress.  This syllabus is even more so.  Here’s why:  This class requires almost constant changes and additions.  This is journalism.  We are concerned about developing events. We’re not sure exactly what’s going to transpire.  But, we’ll need to be ready.

Advanced Reporting is taught by Michael Berryhill.  I have been the chair of journalism at TSU since fall 2010. Before that I taught for four years at the University of Houston. Before that I spent 25 years as a writer and editor for Texas newspapers and magazines, including the Houston Press, the Houston Chronicle, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, D Magazine, Houston City Magazine and Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. I am also the author of a book  that came out in October from the University of Texas Press: The Trials of Eroy Brown: The Murder Case that Shook the Texas Prison System. My blog about the book is: http://www.trialsoferoybrown.com/

As of now, here are some of the things you can expect during the semester:

Class Blogs

 No textbook is required for the course. Instead I have created a blog with instructional pages on the right-hand side of the home page. The blog is located at http://advanced.tsureporting.com/

I will be posting assignments, story links and so forth on his page. Please read the blog and keep up with it.

You must create a class blog for this class on which you will post your stories. This blog can then be used as a professional portfolio. Make the blog in WordPress because it links more readily to the class blog.

Master the Basic Story Form

One of the primary goals for this class is that you master the basic story form. I will be emphasizing this again and again.  The basic story form is posted in the right-hand column under “Pages.” Read the Basic Story Opening as well.

You must write stories that demonstrate mastery of the basic story form, including the correct punctuation of quotations.

Writing Requirements

You must post at least six acceptably written TSU-related stories to pass the course with a C. More will result in a better grade. I hope that some of these stories will be good enough to run in the Herald.

As you know, this class has a lab requirement. However, other than the class itself, we won’t be meeting formally in a lab setting.  All the things we will be doing will be in keeping with fulfilling that requirement.

I will be bringing guests to class for you to interview and write about.  You must be present for these interviews. You must also learn to take notes and turn the story around. You may use a recorder, but you must also take notes.

I will be emphasizing classroom writing. Reporters seldom conduct an interview and turn the story in three weeks later.

The class is set up in such a way as to allow you to get a feel for what it means to be a reporter.  In that sense, this isn’t a traditional lecture class or a class that relies on class discussion.  On the other hand, I will expect a certain level of performance from you that we think compares to what you might expect in a work situation.  During the semester we’ll work on attributes that will give you an advantage once you do go to work professionally.

If you feel you are weak on matters of grammar, punctuation and style, consult the pages, and Notes on Editing. In addition, I plan on setting up a writing lab in which you can get extra help.

What I Expect From You

A class like this works only as well as the members of the class make it work. In that regard, here are some expectations

1) Come to class and be here on time.  This isn’t the kind of class that you should miss.  Arrange your schedule in such a way that you will be able to be here.  When something comes up, talk to me about it or send me an email.  And be on time.

No matter what the circumstances, you are always responsible for what goes on in class – including assignments.  You should find a buddy to help you in times of need.  Not knowing what we are doing is not an acceptable excuse.

2) Do well on all the assignments, and follow up on things I ask you to do. And do it with a good attitude.  Attitude is very important in reporting, and you need to have a positive, outgoing attitude toward me, toward the class, toward everyone with whom you deal.

What will set you apart will be coming up with other stories you can do in addition to those, you may have been assigned.

Get Organized

Get the right supplies.

You’ll need notebooks.  Have a notebook for class and get in the habit of taking notes in it.  That can be your record of what you have done for the class.  You’ll need a reporter’s notebook or any other notebook for taking notes when you are working on stories.  And, I’d suggest a small notebook that you can use to remind yourself of when things are due.

If you don’t have a recorder and aren’t familiar with using one, this is the time to get one and start using it. But don’t let the recorder substitute for taking notes. You must take notes as well.

Keeping Up With The News

There will be weekly quizzes on current events on Tuesdays.  You will want to do well on these. We will keep up with international, national, regional and local stories. We will keep up with what’s happening at TSU.

One essential requirement is that you get an e-mail subscription to the Houston Chronicle and read it every day. Subscribe to the free New York Times and Washington Post email feeds. Read the local papers that cover the African American community. Subscribe to university e-mail newsletters when possible. Especially follow local events.  Become familiar with who’s who in the Houston area.

Occasionally buy other newspapers, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.  The Sunday Times can be a good investment.

Listen to and watch all the news you can.  When possible, listen to NPR on KUHF (88.7) in the morning and afternoon.  If you can, listen to Democracy Now at 9 a.m. on KPFT (90.1)   Catch “Tell Me More” with Michelle Martin 8-9 on KTSU (90.9). Watch the news on television when you can.  If possible, listen to the network news at 5:30 and to the local news at 6 and 10.  Also, watch CNN in the student lounge areas.

Read news on the Internet.  Learn how to set up an RSS feed.

One of the reasons for doing all this is so that you can recognize what constitutes news, where it comes from and how it is handled.  This takes time and you need to get started on that now.

Also, we are constantly looking for stories that might be of interest to students or have a Texas Southern connection.

The best way to reach me is by email at berryhillmk@tsu.edu. My office number is 713-313-7528. But I prefer email.

I think you will enjoy the class and everything we will be doing.  I think you will learn a great deal and look back on the experience fondly. I’m looking forward to working with you, and wish you the best of luck.

Michael Berryhill

Write a story about hazing at TSU. Is it a problem? Could such a thing happen here? What is the reaction of TSU students to this story?

Using the  A&M story as a springboard, interview three or four students in a position to know something about hazing, either in Greek organizations, or other student organizations such as the Ocean of Soul. Identify the students by major and age

If Jermimi is in class, we will interview him.

1) You should have six stories that exhibit the three-paragraph opening. Make them reported stories. That is, you interview someone. You write a factual story, not an essay. Today in class I’ll give you one more shot at a reported story. (see above)

2) Clean up the grammar, punctuation and spelling of your posts. Be especially careful with the punctuation and attribution of quotations. If you are still doubtful about how to punctuate a quotation, use a newspaper or a professional journalism blog (CNN for example) for a model.

3) Post a resume on your blog. Do not post your phone number or street address in the resume.

4) Your success at current events will be part of your grade. Doing well will boost your grade. Doing poorly will hurt it. Missing a lot of quizzes will hurt your grade. The scores for the 12 quizzes range  from a high of 677 points to a low of 242 points. Many students got noticeably better as the semester went on. The scores on the last quiz were the best in the semester. This tells me you were catching on.

Advanced Reporting is taught by Michael Berryhill.  I have been the chair of journalism at TSU since fall 2010. Before that I taught for four years at the University of Houston. Before that I  spent 25 years as a writer and editor for Texas newspapers and magazines, including the Houston Press, the Houston Chronicle, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, D Magazine, Houston City Magazine and Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. I am also the author of book that is coming out this fall from the University of Texas Press: The Trials of Eroy Brown: The Murder Case that Shook the Texas Prison System. His blog about the book is: http://www.trialsoferoybrown.com/

As of now, here are some of the things you can expect during the semester:

Class Blogs

 No textbook is required for the course. Instead I have created a blog with instructional pages on the right-hand side of the home page. The blog is located at http://advanced.tsureporting.com/

I will be posting assignments, story links and so forth on his page. Please read the blog and keep up with it.

You must create a class blog for this class on which you will post your stories. This blog can then be used as a professional portfolio. Make the blog in WordPress because it links more readily to the class blog.

Master the Basic Story Form

One of the primary goals for this class is that you master the basic story form. I will be emphasizing this again and again.  The basic story form is posted in the right-hand column under “Pages.” Read the Basic Story Opening as well.

You must write stories that demonstrate mastery of the basic story form, including the correct punctuation of quotations.

Writing Requirements

You must post at least six acceptably written TSU-related stories to pass the course with a C. More will result in a better grade. I hope that some of these stories will be good enough to run in the Herald.

As you know, this class has a lab requirement. However, other than the class itself, we won’t be meeting formally in a lab setting.  All the things we will be doing will be in keeping with fulfilling that requirement.

I will be bringing guests to class for you to interview and write about.  You must be present for these interviews. You must also learn to take notes and turn the story around. You may use a recorder, but you must also take notes.

I will be emphasizing classroom writing. Reporters seldom conduct an interview and turn the story in three weeks later.

The class is set up in such a way as to allow you to get a feel for what it means to be a reporter.  In that sense, this isn’t a traditional lecture class or a class that relies on class discussion.  On the other hand, I will expect a certain level of performance from you that we think compares to what you might expect in a work situation.  During the semester we’ll work on attributes that will give you an advantage once you do go to work professionally.

If you feel you are weak on matters of grammar, punctuation and style, consult the pages, and Notes on Editing. In addition, I plan on setting up a writing lab in which youy can get extra help.

What I Expect From You

A class like this works only as well as the members of the class make it work. In that regard, here are some expectations:

1) Come to class and be here on time.  This isn’t the kind of class that you should miss. I expect you to miss class.  Arrange your schedule in such a way that you will be able to be here.  When something comes up, talk to me about it or send me an email.  And be on time.

No matter what the circumstances, you are always responsible for what goes on in class – including assignments.  You should find a buddy to help you in times of need.  Not knowing what we are doing is not an acceptable excuse.

2) Do well on all the assignments, and follow up on things I ask you to do. And do it with a good attitude.  Attitude is very important in reporting, and you need to have a positive, outgoing attitude toward me, toward the class, toward everyone with whom you deal.

What will set you apart will be coming up with other stories you can doin addition to those, you may have been assigned.

Get Organized

Get the right supplies.

You’ll need notebooks.  Have a notebook for class and get in the habit of taking notes in it.  That can be your record of what you have done for the class.  You’ll need a reporter’s notebook or any other notebook for taking notes when you are working on stories.  And, I’d suggest a small notebook that you can use to remind yourself of when things are due.

If you don’t have a recorder and aren’t familiar with using one, this is the time to get one and start using it. But don’t let the recorder substitute for taking notes. You must take notes as well.

Keeping Up With The News

There will be weekly quizzes on current events on Tuesdays.  You will want to do well on these. We will keep up with international, national, regional and local stories. We will keep up with what’s happening at TSU.

One essential requirement is that you get an e-mail subscription to the Houston Chronicle and read it every day. Subscribe to the free New York Times and Washington Post email feeds. Read the local papers that cover the African American community. Subscribe to university e-mail newsletters when possible. Especially follow local events.  Become familiar with who’s who in the Houston area.

Occasionally buy other newspapers, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.  The Sunday Times can be a good investment.

Listen and watch all the news you can.  When possible, listen to NPR on KUHF in the morning and afternoon.  If you can, listen to Democracy Now at 9 a.m. on KPFT.  Watch the news on television when you can.  If possible, listen to the network news at 5:30 and to the local news at 6 and 10.  Also, watch CNN in the student lounge areas.

Read news on the Internet.  Learn how to set up an RSS feed.

One of the reasons for doing all this is so that you can recognize what constitutes news, where it comes from and how it is handled.  This takes time and you need to get started on that now.

Also, we are constantly looking for stories that might be of interest to students or have a Texas Southern connection.

The best way to reach me is by email at berryhillmk@tsu.edu. My office number is 713-313-7528. But I prefer email.

I think you will enjoy the class and everything we will be doing.  I think you will learn a great deal and look back on the experience fondly. I’m looking forward to working with you, and wish you the best of luck.

Michael Berryhill

My goal is that you learn to revise and edit your work. You must learn how to do this. This is the only way you will become better writers. It is painful, but you’ve got to learn to stand it. Every writer, not matter how experienced, makes mistake after mistake in writing a draft. The good writers correct their mistakes, and are constantly combing through their stories to improve them. You’ve got to learn to do this.

We’ll sit together in my office and go over your blogs, and make some corrections on the spot. Bring you notebooks, and if you have them, bring your laptops. We’ll do some real work, and not just talk about it.

I sent a current events email to remind you of what’s going on. Keep up with the news. We’ll have a quiz on Tuesday after spring break.

Statements about the concerns of journalists are not new.  Going back to the 19^thcentury, editors often stated their aims for their newspapers. Here’s James Gordon Bennett’s statement about the New York Herald:

What is to prevent a daily newspaper from being made the greatest organ of social life?  Books have had their day—the theatres have had their day – the temple of religion had had its day.  A newspaper can be made to take the lead of all these in the great movements of human thought and of human civilization.  A newspaper can send more souls to Heaven, and save more from Hell, than all the churches or chapels in New York—besides making money at the same time.  Let it be tried. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Gordon_Bennett,_Sr.

Here’s James Gordon Bennett’s statement about the New York Herald:

What is to prevent a daily newspaper from being made the greatest organ of social life?  Books have had their day—the theatres have had their day – the temple of religion had had its day.  A newspaper can be made to take the lead of all these in the great movements of human thought and of human civilization.  A newspaper can send more souls to Heaven, and save more from Hell, than all the churches or chapels in New York—besides making money at the same time.  Let it be tried.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Gordon_Bennett,_Sr.

When Joseph Pulitzer moved to New York to take over the World, he wrote this statement that appeared in the newspaper in 1883:

There is room in this great and growing city for a journal that is not only cheap but bright, not only bright but large, not only large but truly Democratic—dedicated to the cause of the people rather than that of the purse-potentates—devoted more to the news of the New than the Old World—that will expose all fraude and sham, fight all public evils and abuses—that will serve and battle for the people with earnest sincerity.

When Pulitzer retired from active management of his newspapers in 1907,he wrote about what he thought his retirement would mean.  Part of that statement appears daily on the masthead of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It is dated April 10, 1907:

I know that my retirement will make no difference in its cardinal principles.  That it will always fight for progress and reform, never tolerate injustice or corruption, always fight demagogues of all parties, never belong to any party, always oppose privileged classes and public plunderers, never lack sympathy with the poor, always remain devoted to the public welfare, never be satisfied with merely printing news, always be drastically independent, never be afraid to attack wrong, whether by predatory plutocracy or predatory poverty. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Pulitzer

 

The first code was called The Journalist’s Creed and was written by Walter Williams of the University of Missouri in 1914.  The statement begins:

I believe in the profession of journalism.

The Creed continues with a list of specific beliefs, beginning this way:

I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees of the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.http://journalism.missouri.edu/about/creed.html

 

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ also promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.

The Society of Professional Journalists, then called Sigma Delta Chi, first used the code the American Society of Newspaper Editors adopted in 1926.  In 1973, the organization wrote its own code.  That code was revised in 1984, in 1987 and again in 1996.

The code may be viewed on line at http://spj.org/ethics/

This is the preamble to the code:

Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundationnof democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues.  Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty.  Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility.

Pan tilt and zoom were some of the first words that our guide to the system said. His name was Michael Jones, and he has been a security officer here for six years. He showed how some cameras can be panned, tilted and zoomed by computer.

We have  561 cameras on campus and every building is covered. How many buildings? We can find out by counting on a campus map. Every building has 16 to 36 cameras.

“When you come in the building we can follow you everywhere  you go,” Jones said.

He didn’t mean into the bathrooms, but into the hallways on different floors.

Five years ago TSU had only a hundred cameras.

Usually two people are watching in the video patrol room. Motion detectors determine which cameras will show on the big screens, which are about six feet wide and three feet high. Motion detectors helped the police stop burglars in the Airway Science Building this fall.

The police watch high activity areas such as the student union and the Tiger Walk in front of it.

He saws how if you leave your bag and someone takes it, that could be picked up on camera.

He said they write a lot of reports. They spend time going over incidents that have been reported. The cameras help.

“People give a vague description or they don’t have the time right,” Jones said.

“A lot of stuff we do is guesswork,” he sid.

Jones said the increase in cameras has been a big improvement.

We’re going to write a delayed lead for the campus safety story. That is, we’ll open with a description of the video command post, and then work towards what journalists call a “nut graph,” a sentence or two that explains what the story is about. In English classes, we’d call it a thesis statement.

Here’s another way to think about this. If we had an important piece of news from the Clery Report, such as that the campus crime had dropped or increased dramatically, then we would lead with that. But since we don’t have any dramatic news from the report, let’s write about what the campus police are doing to improve our safety.