My
goal as a journalism teacher is to guide my students to professional-quality
work, both in my skills courses
and my conceptual courses.
With
their permission, I periodically post exemplary projects. I do this to bring
attention to their writing and research as well as to inspire their peers.
2004 Journalism graduate Lauren Purpura used her Independent Study to investigate
making the transition from journalism to writing fiction,
and produced a guide for students.
Journalism minor/English major Diana Thovmasian combined her interests to
produce an annotated bibliography on New Journalism
for students interested in pursuing that topic.
2004 Journalism/Political Science graduate Kathryn Ives used her Independent
Study to investigate the field of sports and entertainment
law and how a journalism major is good preparation for that profession.
For her final project in JOR 415 in Fall '03, Sharon
M. Rowley wrote about Anne Garrels, National Public Radio journalist and author
of Naked in Baghdad. Sharon,
who snagged an interview with Garrels, said her goal in "Annie,
Take Care," was to use the book "as a point of reference, one
that ties what Garrels' has accomplished as a foreign journalist with the
works of the courageous women before her."
A number of stories written by my Feature Writing students are available from
The Source.
A journalism minor or double-major is popular with Textiles, Merchandising
and Design students. Often they want to do research on fashion journalism,
but over the years they have found resources wanting. Jamie Ellen Kurtz, '03,
has compiled an annotated bibliography of "Resources
and References for Fashion Journalism."
Amanda Selvidio,
'03, uncovered the wonderful story of reporter Emma Shaw Colcleugh. As a result
of Amanda's work, Colcleugh was inducted into the Rhode Island Press Association
Hall of Fame in November 2002. Her paper is titled
"Emma Shaw Colcleugh -- The Born Nomad."
Students in my Fall 2001 "Perspectives on Reporting" class wrote
biographical sketches of Rhode Island Women Reporters.
