In this introductory class, taught by an experienced journalist, students will learn the fundamental skills of reporting, writing, and copy-editing. We¿ll start with the basics ¿ conducting research and interviews, the importance of accuracy, striving for objectivity, and judging newsworthiness. Because the key to learning to write effectively is to practice the necessary skills, class emphasis ¿ and much of your grade ¿ will be based on seven writing assignments involving current events and covering various types of news writing. Through readings, assignments and class discussion, we¿ll tackle questions like these: What makes a story newsworthy? How does a reporter decide which points to emphasize? What are effective techniques for a successful interview? How does a journalist turn pages of scribbled notes into a coherent news story? We¿ll do a lot of writing, but we¿ll also examine issues and trends affecting journalism today. We¿ll cover at least two live events and hear from local professionals about working in print, broadcast and public relations. We¿ll also look at how newer mediums ¿ such as blogs, the internet, and cable news ¿ shape and influence newspaper reporting. With an historic presidential election in November, the media¿s role in informing the public has never been more critical. How well, or poorly, they do their jobs will also be part of the ongoing class discussion.