Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Overview - Class descriptions

To help you select the best Workshop class/sequence for your upcoming publication staff position, we've compiled an updated set of descriptions for each class that we will offer in 2008.

In the section below, click on any sequence title and you will be brought to a page with a complete description of the class and a short bio of that class' instructor.

Please be aware that there is a registration limit of 25 participants per class.

TO SEE IF THERE ARE SPACES LEFT IN ANY OF THE CLASSES LISTED BELOW, PLEASE LOG-ON TO THE ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM.

Sequences for Newspaper students/advisers

Newspaper Reporting & Writing (section 1)

This sequence is designed to cover the basics of newspaper reporting and writing, fundamentals that should be employed in all types of stories – news, features, sports, commentaries, and so forth. Thorough developing proficiency in interviewing, questioning, and observing, students will learn the difference between reporting and writing and how the right combination of both of these skills yields colorful, insightful offerings for their readers.

Newspaper Reporting & Writing (section 2)

This course is designed to hone advanced reporting, writing and editing skills. Topics covered include interviewing; reporting, news writing, feature writing, opinion writing, proofing and editing. Considerable attention will be paid to use of literary devices such as anecdote, dialogue, simile, minor sentence and alliteration. Story packages will also be examined.

Newspaper Reporting & Writing (section 3)

This sequence is designed to have students leave the Columbia campus with their practical journalism skills enhanced and their journalistic judgment matured.

Newspaper Page Editing (section 1)

This sequence begins with a review of interviewing techniques. Students will then have the opportunity to actually interview someone and then write a feature story from that interview. We will look at different kinds of feature style leads and move into how to use quoted material and look at transition devices for journalistic writing.

Newspaper Page Editing (section 2)

The major goal of instruction in this sequence is to provide page editors strategic skills to lead staffers to work effectively and efficiently to produce quality writing, design and photography for publication.

Newspaper Editors in Chief (section 1)

This sequence prepares editors for the responsibilities of leading their publications and training their staffs. Editors-in-chief need to be passionate about journalism and we give them the tools to develop the expertise they need to have successful publications. This lab operates as a completely hands-on news room setting.

Newspaper Editors in Chief (section 2)

Editors in chief, advisers and students on the business side will learn to identify and meet management challenges as they establish, examine and improve upon their newspapers' policies and practices.

This program emphasizes practical ways to foster teamwork and to run newspapers systematically. Participants will learn to set clear expectations, give specific directions and support their staffs through the jobs ahead in the coming year.

Newspaper Editors in Chief (section 3)

Serving as editor-in-chief of a student newspaper can be an empowering experience. Not only will you have the opportunity to exercise your many journalistic passions, but if you maximize your tenure as editor, you will find many ways in which you can challenge yourself as a leader and find ways to grow as a person, as well.

Digital Design & Photography for Newspapers

This course is for newspaper students and designers who want to kick the paper’s total package up a notch. We’ll look at page design that brings stories and photos to life, new trends that professional papers are utilizing and how to give your paper it’s own identity. Page designers, photographers, advisors and even writers who want to learn how to take the paper to another level are welcome.

Required: Laptop with Photoshop and InDesign installed. Working knowledge of all equipment and software is a prerequisite to this sequence. Digital camera is recommended but not required.

Newspaper Design & Redesign

Using slides and instructor lecture format, this sequence begins with a review of basic design terminology and design techniques such as dominance, design hierarchy, modular design, grids, headline writing, font choice, marriage of elements and the importance of photography and cropping.

Required: Laptop with Photoshop and InDesign installed. Working knowledge of all equipment and software is a prerequisite to this sequence.

Also, for newspapers: On-site critiques

---

Sequences for Yearbook students/advisers

For yearbook class descriptions, click here.