2016 - Fall

The Beat: Food Writing

Course Number: JOUR-UA 201, Section 002

Day & Time: Tues 11:00am-2:40pm

Location: 20 Cooper Square, room 654

Prerequisites: Foundations, Inquiry

This course is designed to hone the student journalist’s ability to research and report deeply and to be able to imagine and develop fresh ideas, test them with the strength of his or her reporting and resarch, and then to present them in story form. Students will be expected to keep weeky beat notes or blogs, exploring what is current in the topic and demonstrating week after week the shoeleather they have worn in pursuit of their subject matter. Out of this work will come four or five stories in narrative, explanatory or investigative style, depending on the instructor and the specific assignment. Syllabi differ by content of the course but all sections emphasize idea development, interview technique, reporting, background research and writing skills across genres. Broadcast sections vary only by medium.

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As food writers, we will harvest the exciting bounty of New York City, foodie capitol of the world. Our approach to this adventure is totally New York, which means savoring the Big Apple in all its glamorous and gritty glory. So expect to cover a wide range of food features — from restaurant reviews and dining trends, to the politics and economics of how and what we eat. Guest speakers and field trips are on the menu, along with assignments designed to build confidence in your reporting/writing. The course’s workshop setting also provides a supportive environment for exploring your personal writing style and developing your voice.