Longform Journalism
Fall 2023
Course Information
Instructor: BrandiAddison
• Email: brandi@brandidaddison.com or braaddis@ttu.edu
I will respond to all email inquiries by the end of the following day.
• Scheduling/Office Hours: I don’t keep fixed office hours, but I am always available by appointment! Simply email me, and we’ll schedule a time to meet. Most days, I will also be available 15 minutes before/after classes.
Flexibility Statement
We are living in strange times! If you need extra time for an assignment or anything else this semester, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am very flexible, as long as you communicate with me about what you need.
Course Description
In this course, we will discuss how to produce longform articles across various subjects, audiences and media platforms. We will learn how to obtain anecdotes and vivid details through interviewing, use literary journalism techniques to keep audiences engaged and identify the best possible structure for different kinds of longform stories.
Course Objectives
+ Learn to identify, report and write accurate longform stories
+ Learn to practice diversity in subjects and courses
+ Develop essential skills for our craft, including the ability to interview and report facts, edit journalistic writing, provide relevant multimedia items and data
+ Understand the connection between strong information and strong writing
+ Learn to constructively critique and receive criticism
Required Readings and Recommended Materials
All required readings and resources will be linked from each week’s respective lecture.You are not required to purchase any books this semester. If you want to read ahead, most of our readings are published online and will be linked directly in the syllabus (this presentation). Other materials:
+ MicrosoftTeams (teams.microsoft.com)
+ Reporter’s Notebook + Recording Device (phone device is acceptable) + Pen or pencil
Class Structure
We’re only going to have 16 weeks to learn a complex craft, so our workload may seem a bit intense at times. We’ll meet for, approximately, 70 minutes every Tuesday andThursday, but please plan to spend several hours more each week on assignments. By far, the most important of those will be your final assignment. It should be strong enough to be pitched to a high-quality publication.
Class Structure:Tuesday Classes
We will spend the majority of ourTuesday classes focusing on how we can develop the essential skills of our craft through lecture/presentation. Occasionally, we will bring in guest speakers from around the industry to present on various topics.The final 10 minutes will be space for an open Q&Awith the instructor.
Class Structure:Thursday Classes
We will begin everyThursday with a 15-minute discussion of world, national and local news and how it relates to our work. We call this News of the Week. We will spend the following 15 minutes talking about our required readings and Slack discussions. Prior to coming to class, you will have already offered at least one comment in Slack in response to a prompt that I’ve written.The remainder of these class periods, between 40 to 50 minutes, will serve as workshops for upcoming assignments.Together, we will review assignment requirements; discuss topic selection for the instructor’s approval; brainstorm potential headlines; and determine key audience and publication.
Deadline Policies
The ability to work on deadline is an essential skill. Meet your deadlines and you qualify your assignments for full credit; miss them and your highest potential grade will drop 10% at each of the following benchmarks: one hour, 12 hours, 24 hours late.
Extension Policy
When it comes to papers, I’m guessing some of you will be asking me for an extension.You will be happy to learn that I have no problem with extensions. Here’s what you do:You look at the due date, and then you mark it on your calendar two weeks prior to that date.And there you have it. I’ve just granted you a two-week extension.
JK. That’s a Gilmore girls quote. In all seriousness, if you have an issue that impedes you from completing your assignment on time, please let me know before the deadline — even if it’s just a few hours ahead of when it’s due. With notice, I’m willing to work with you. If you face such a situation that you cannot reach out ahead of time, please still contact me, and we can discuss our options.
Retakes
Don’t like a grade? I’ll allow one* rewrite for up to half the missing points returned. Example:Astudent who received an 80 on an assignment could receive a 90 for a perfect rewrite; a student who received a 70 on an assignment could receive an 85 for a perfect rewrite.
*Late assignments will only receive 37.5% (equal to three-fourths of one-half) credit returned. Example:Astudent who received a 50, because it was three days late can receive a 69 with a perfect rewrite.
Extra Credit
There are a few ways to earn extra credit in this classroom. Both of the following is up to five points (not percentage):
+ Write a detailed pitch to your publication of choice.You don’t have to submit it if you don’t want, though I’m happy to provide feedback if you do.
+ Create a resume.You all should have at this point in your education, anyway, so all students should basically submit it for free extra credit.
Additionally, a one-on-one feedback session is worth 10 points (not percentage).
Bonus: Part of my expectations as an instructor is to provide constructive feedback within a reasonable time so students can incorporate it into their next assignments. Barring any personal, family or work emergencies, I will return grades within three class periods of the assignment due date. Since assignments always fall onThursday, this will always be theTuesday after next. If I don’t, you’ll receive five extra points on that assignment.
Non-Negotiable #1: Participation
While participation plays a small role in each student’s final grade, it is vital to understand the importance of attendance and communication in this industry.As it’s expected in any newsroom, students should be active participants in this course to prepare themselves for a successful career.
Frankly, I don’t want to lecture to an empty classroom. So, students can miss up to two class periods, no questions asked, and I will offer a bonus of one free Zoom sign-up. Exceeding absences will result in a deduction of five percentage points each from your final grade. Example: Five total absences will result in a 10 point deduction from the student’s final grade. University-sponsored events, holy days, and personal emergency absences will be excused.
Non-Negotiable #1: Participation (Online Discussions)
For extra flexibility, students may opt out of any two weekly online discussions with the proper payment we call PetTax. Here’s how it works:
+ If you mention your pet(s) in a discussion post, you’ll need to I will gently encourage you to “pay the pet tax” and post a picture of said pet. Cute rule, but you’ll probably find the second part more relevant to your interests:
+ You’re allowed to opt out of any two weekly discussion requirements this semester, with the exception of Week 1, Week 5 and Week 15. Simply drop a picture of your pet (or, if you don’t have a pet, a meme), and I’ll share it with the class.
(If I’m being honest, you’ll receive two free skips whether you pay the pet tax or not.)
Note:Additional missing posts will result in a deduction from your participation grade
Non-Negotiable #2:Tardiness
Unfortunately for you all, my biggest pet peeve is tardiness. Because of that, I spare a free 10 minutes and will not begin class until 11:10 a.m. with the exception of Day 1, where I expect you to arrive on time.
If you arrive after that, without any warning, you will be marked for half an absence. If it’s any later than 11:30 a.m., please do not bother showing up. I will count it against you regardless.
*Remember, if you know you’re going to be late, you can take the option of joining in via Zoom (once!!!) to avoid receiving point deductions.
Non-Negotiable #3: Inattentiveness
Please be actively engaged inside my classroom. Unless you are taking notes or working on assignments for my course, please do not use your laptop and cellphone. I will ask that they are stored away completely if I have to ask multiple times.
Additionally, please do not discuss among classmates while I am lecturing. If you have a question, raise your hand, and I will answer.There’s always plenty of room for students to chat in my class.
(Note: Please do not use my lab time for coursework assigned in other classes. It’s intended only for coursework I’ve assigned.)
Assignments
These four assignments are graded only on GSP(guidelines provided):
+ GeneralAssignment, Part One (1,500 words): Write a story on any topic you’d like. Use at least three interview sources and one citation of a supporting document, link or data. Due Sunday, Sept. 10; 150 points
+ EditingAssignment: Trade with a partner. Provide thorough edits – not just proofreading but offer insights on organization and structure. Due Sunday, Sept. 24; 50 points
+ GeneralAssignment, PartTwo (1,200 words): Rewrite your entire first assignment and cut it down using the instructor’s and peer’s feedback. Learn what’s important context and what can be removed. Use at least three interview sources and one citation of a support document, link or data. Due Sunday, Oct. 8; 150 points
+ Luck of the Draw (800 words):You’ll either receive the option of writing an op-ed or review. Use at least two sources and one supporting document, link or data. Due Sunday, Oct. 22; 150 points
Assignments
These three assignments also take into consideration structure, organization, storytelling and creativity.
+ ImmersiveAssignment (1,200 words):
Essentially, you’re going to shadow a person, or a group, or whomever for a day and tell their story from someone on the outside looking in. It’s as if you’re in their shoes doing what they do. Due Friday, Nov. 10; 150 points
+ InvestigativeAssignment (1,700 words):
This story should be the strongest of all coursework you’ve completed in the College of Media and Communication. It’s accompanied by a 200-word pitch (submit both at the same time). Use at least four interview sources and two supporting documents, link and data. Due Friday, Dec. 1; 200 points
+ Newsletter:
Upload all your assignments from this semester onto a portfolio. Curate an engaging newsletter and embed these links! Due Tuesday, Dec. 12; 100 points (Participation accounts for the remaining 50 points.)
ALLassignments should include a headline, deck, byline, photo and captions
Week 1:August 24
Lecture: Introductions + Syllabus Review + GeneralAssignment Overview + Q&A
Due (in class): + Brief introduction on Slack
Week 2:August 28/31
Tuesday,Aug. 28
Lecture: What is longform journalism? Who were the pioneers? What’s the purpose of this course?
Thursday,Aug. 31
+ News of the Week
+ Reading Discussion
+ General feature workshop: Please come prepared with a pitch
Due (prior to class):
+ Reading: Shitty First Drafts
Week 3: September 5/7
Tuesday, Sept. 5
Lecture:The Great Grammar Showdown
Thursday, Sept. 7
+ News of the Week
+ Reading Discussion
+ GeneralAssignment, Part I workshop
Due (prior to class)
+ Reading: MomentThat Love, Life Was LostAfterTragic Crash; ‘She Did Not Make It, OK?’
+ Slack discussion:This story, from a college student, won an SPJ award. What features elevate it to an award-winning level?
Sunday, Sept. 10 + GeneralAssignment, Part 1 due at 11:59 p.m.
Week 4: September 12/14
Tuesday, Sept. 12 (online)
Lecture: Proofreading vs. editing, improving headlines, holes and inconsistencies; giving and receiving criticism
Thursday, Sept. 14
+ News of the Week
+ Slack Discussion
+ Editing workshop
Due (prior to class)
+ Reading: How to EditYour Own Writing
+ Slack discussion: What’s the biggest writing flaw that you hope to overcome by the end of this course?
Week 5: September 19/21
Tuesday, Sept. 19
Lecture: Editing for Sensitivity
Thursday, Sept. 21
+ Editing for Sensitivity (cont’d)
+ News of the Week
+ Slack discussion
+ Editing/General Feature, Part II workshop
Due (in class)
+ Slack discussion (no exemption): What was the most interesting thing you learned during this week’s lecture?
How do you plan to implement it into your own work? Is there any issue that we should add?
Sunday, Sept. 24
+ Editing assignment due at 11:59 p.m.
Week 6: September 26/28
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Lecture: Diversity in the Newsroom
Thursday, Sept. 28
+ News of the Week
+ Reading/Slack discussions
+ GeneralAssignment, Part II workshop
Week 7: Oct. 3/5
Tuesday, Oct. 3
Lecture: Sports
Thursday, Oct. 5
+ News of the Week
+ Reading/Slack discussions
+ GeneralAssignment, Part II workshop
Due
+ Readings: The World Cup that Changed Everything and Cheer, Chant, Clean: JapanTakes Out theTrash, and Others Get the Hint
Sunday, Oct. 8
+ GeneralAssignment, Part II due at 11:59 p.m.
Week 9: Oct. 10/12
Tuesday, Oct. 10 (online)
Lecture: Writing Opinions and Reviews
Thursday, Oct. 12 + News of the Week
+ Reading/Slack discussions
+ Luck of the Draw workshop: Please be prepared with pitches
Due: + Reading: AField Guide to Heart-Shaped Foods and ‘Russian Doll’Season 2: Natasha Lyonne Has theTimeTravel of Her Life + Slack discussion: Provide an example of an op-ed or review that you really liked. What stood out to you?
Week 9: Oct. 17/19
Tuesday, Oct. 17
Lecture: Digital tools to enhance your work; digital editing and its impact on SEO
Thursday, Oct. 19
+ News of the Week + Reading/Slack discussions
+ Luck of the Draw workshop
Due + Reading: Will Uvalde massacre finally forceTexas lawmakers to address mass shootings?
Sunday, Oct. 22 + Luck of the Draw due at 11:59 p.m.
Week 10: Oct. 24/26
Tuesday, Oct. 24
Lecture: Immersive storytelling; reporting in the field; first-person reporting
Thursday, Oct. 26
+ News of the Week + Reading/Slack discussions
+ Immersion workshop: Please be prepared with pitches
Due + Reading: Mrs. Kelly’s Monster
+ Slack discussion: What about Mrs Kelly’s Monster did you notice was different from the traditional story? Pay close attention to perspective and point of view.
Week 11: Oct. 31/Nov. 2
Tuesday, Oct. 31
Lecture: Disruptions in the industry
Thursday, Nov. 2 + News of the Week + Reading discussion + Immersion workshop
Due + Reading: Here ComesTrouble:ADay in the Life of aTexasTech EquestrianTeam Member
Week 12: Nov. 7/9
Tuesday, Nov. 7
Lecture:AI on the rise
Thursday, Nov. 9 (no class)
Work on immersion assignment
Friday, Nov. 10 + Immersion assignment due at 11:59 p.m.
Week 13: Nov. 14/16
Tuesday, Nov. 14 (online)
Lecture: How to write a compelling Q&A
Thursday, Nov. 16
+ News of the Week
+ Reading/Slack discussions
+ Investigation assignment workshop: Please be prepared to pitch.
Due + Reading:Authorities say a Hood County man was killed by a cougar.Texas wildlife experts say it’s impossible
+ Slack discussion:The author integrates human interest with research. What about this style makes it more interesting?
Week 14: Nov. 21/23
Thanksgiving Holiday
Week 15: Nov. 28/30
Tuesday, Nov. 28
Lecture: Individual Rights to Privacy andYour Rights as a Journalist
Thursday, Nov. 30
+ News of the Week
+ Reading/slack discussions
+ Investigation assignment workshop: Due
+ Reading: Keano Is N.Y.’s Most Famous and Mysterious Subway Psychic. I Found Her.
+ Slack discussion (no exemption): Write a three-paragraph introduction for a Q&Aon any person.
Friday, Dec. 1
+ Investigation assignment due at 11:59 p.m.
Week 16: Dec. 5
Tuesday, Dec. 5 (Location TBD)
+ UnofficialAwards Ceremony + Breakfast/Lunch
Tuesday, Dec. 12 + Newsletter due at 11:59 p.m.
Ethics
All work prepared in class or submitted for credit must be the original work of the student and submitted for this course only.TexasTech defines “academic dishonesty” as, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, misrepresenting facts, and any act designed to give unfair advantage to the student (such as submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses). I have no problem asking former and current instructors about your work if I suspect an assignment is not original.Assignments will be thoroughly fact-checked, so carefully consider the information you include and where it comes from.
AI UseAllowed Under Specific Guidelines
Generally speaking, you are not allowed to use artificial intelligence (AI) engines, software, or artwork generating programs (such as ChatGPTor DALL-E) to produce work for this class EXCEPTon assignments specified in class or elsewhere on the syllabus. I will provide more information when the time is appropriate in the course.You may not, however, construe this limited use as permission to use these technologies in any other facet of this course.
AI UseAllowed Under Specific Guidelines
You are permitted to use ChatGPTand other artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist you in gathering information and brainstorming ideas but you may not copy and paste information directly from theAI tool and present it as your own without citation.You are responsible for the information you submit based on anAI query and for assuring that it does not contain misinformation or unethical content and that it does not violate intellectual property laws.Your use ofAI tools must be properly documented and cited appropriately for academic integrity.You are expected to include a disclosure statement at the end of your assignment describing whichAI tool you used and how you used it. For example, "ChatGPT was used to draft about 50 percent of this paper and to provide revision assistance.AI-produced content was edited for accuracy and style.
AI UseAllowed Under Specific Guidelines
You are welcome to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT) in this class as doing so aligns with our course learning goals.You are responsible for the information you submit based on anAI query and for assuring that it does not contain misinformation or unethical content and that it does not violate intellectual property laws.Your use ofAI tools must be properly documented and cited appropriately for academic integrity.
AI Use Guidelines
+ Discovering story pitches
+ Finding sources
+ Writing headlines
+ Preparing an outline for a story
+ Determining what’sAPstyle or correct GSP
+ *Organizing assignment in the most efficient way
*Initial draft must be submitted, too
Remember, each of these must be disclosed upon submission.
Food Insecurity
Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so.
TheTTU Food Pantry is in Doak Hall 117. Please visit the website for hours of operation at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/foodpantry.php
Civility in the Classroom
All members of the class are expected to conduct themselves respectfully toward others.This includes interactions in class, online, and during any out-of-class group meetings, study sessions etc. organized in conjunction with the course. Students are expected to refrain from any behaviors that may inhibit others’ability to communicate or receive course-related information. Don’t be a jerk. Office of StudentAffairs Statement:To create and preserve a classroom atmosphere that optimizes teaching and learning, all participants share responsibility in creating a civil and non-disruptive forum. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in this classroom in a manner that does not disrupt teaching or learning.The instructor is authorized to take such steps as are necessary if the behavior of a student disrupts the normal classroom procedure. Instructors may remove a student for the single class session in which such disruptive behavior becomes continuous and/or serious and may begin disciplinary proceedings. Violations of the Code of Student Conduct may result in serious sanctions up to and including expulsion. In addition, instructors have the right to limit classroom discussion in order to meet the educational objectives of the class session.
TexasTech University Policies and Information
Disability Services
Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor's office hours. Please note: instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, please contact Student Disability Services in Weeks Hall or call 806-742-2405
TexasTech University Policies and Information
TTU Resources for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence
TexasTech University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from gender and/or sex discrimination of any kind. Sexual assault, discrimination, harassment, and otherTitle IX violations are not tolerated by the University. Report any incidents to the Office for Student Rights & Resolution, (806)-742-SAFE (7233) or file a report online at titleix.ttu.edu/students. Faculty and staff members atTTU are committed to connecting you to resources on campus. Some of these available resources are:
•TTU Student Counseling Center, 806-742-3674, https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scc/ (Provides confidential support on campus.) •TTU Student Counseling Center 24-hour Helpline, 806-742-5555, (Assists students who are experiencing a mental health or interpersonal violence crisis. If you call the helpline, you will speak with a mental health counselor.) • Voice of Hope Lubbock Rape Crisis Center, 806-763-7273, voiceofhopelubbock.org (24-hour hotline that provides support for survivors of sexual violence.)
•The Risk, Intervention, Safety and Education (RISE) Office, 806-742-2110, rise.ttu.edu (Provides a range of resources and support options focused on prevention education and student wellness.)
•TexasTech Police Department, 806- 742-3931, http://www.depts.
TexasTech University Policies and Information
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is taking responsibility for one's own class and/or course work, being individually accountable, and demonstrating intellectual honesty and ethical behavior.Academic integrity is a personal choice to abide by the standards of intellectual honesty and responsibility. Because education is a shared effort to achieve learning through the exchange of ideas, students, faculty, and staff have the collective responsibility to build mutual trust and respect. Ethical behavior and independent thought are essential for the highest level of academic achievement, which then must be measured.Academic achievement includes scholarship, teaching, and learning, all of which are shared endeavors. Grades are a device used to quantify the successful accumulation of knowledge through learning.Adhering to the standards of academic integrity ensures grades are earned honestly. Academic integrity is the foundation upon which students, faculty, and staff build their educational and professional careers. [TexasTech University (“University”) Quality Enhancement Plan,Academic IntegrityTask Force, 2010].
TexasTech University Policies and Information
TTU’s Statement about StudentAbsence for Observance of Religious Holy Day (TTU OP34.19)
"Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation underTexasTax Code §11.20.Astudent who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence.Astudent who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence.Astudent who is excused under section 2 may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may respond appropriately if the student fails to complete the assignment satisfactorily.
TexasTech University Policies and Information
TTU’s Statement on Fall 2023 Health-Related Guidance
The University will continue to monitor CDC, State, andTTU System guidelines concerning COVID-19.Any changes affecting class policies or temporary changes to delivery modality will be in accordance with those guidelines and announced as soon as possible. Students will not be required to purchase specialized technology to support a temporary modality change, though students are expected to have access to a computer to access course content and course-specific messaging.This is where students can find information about COVID testing, vaccinations, isolation, and quarantine.
If you test positive for COVID-19, report your positive test throughTTU's reporting system: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/communications/emergency/coronavirus/
Once you report a positive test, the portal will automatically generate a letter that you can distribute to your professors and instructors.
TexasTech University Policies and Information
TTU’s Statement on Fall 2023 Health-Related Guidance
The University will continue to monitor CDC, State, andTTU System guidelines concerning COVID-19.Any changes affecting class policies or temporary changes to delivery modality will be in accordance with those guidelines and announced as soon as possible. Students will not be required to purchase specialized technology to support a temporary modality change, though students are expected to have access to a computer to access course content and course-specific messaging.This is where students can find information about COVID testing, vaccinations, isolation, and quarantine.
If you test positive for COVID-19, report your positive test throughTTU's reporting system: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/communications/emergency/coronavirus/
Once you report a positive test, the portal will automatically generate a letter that you can distribute to your professors and instructors.
TexasTech University Policies and Information
Statement ofAccommodations for Pregnant Students
Any pregnant student will be provided reasonable accommodations as would be provided to a student with a temporary medical condition including:
1. ability to maintain a safe distance from hazardous substances, areas, or activities;
2. excused absences;
3. ability to make up missed assignments or assessments;
4. additional time for assignment completion; and access to instructional materials and recordings of classes for which the student has an excused absence.
Any student who is pregnant or parenting a child up to age 18 may contactTexasTech's designated Pregnancy and Parenting Liaison to discuss support available through the University.The Liaison can be reached by emailing titleix@ttu.edu or calling 742-7233.Additional information is available online.
