Writing for Media (201-A-12)
Instructors
David L Nelson
David Nelson is a journalist, an academic and a consultant to the media industry. At Northwestern, Prof. Nelson served as associate dean of the Medill School of Journalism and chair of the Editorial Department. He taught classes in news writing and reporting, media management and marketing both at Medill and the Kellogg School of Management. An inaugural member of the New York Times College Advisory Board, Nelson also chaired the Inland Press Association’s marketing communications committee. He is a former senior editor of The Miami Herald, former editor at the Pioneer Press, and former writer for Time and Money magazines. Northwestern University named him “Professor of the Year” in 2007. Prior to that, undergraduate students elected him to their first ever NU Faculty Honor Roll and he repeatedly made the list until retiring from Medill in 2012 as professor emeritus. In 2023, Prof. Nelson was inducted into the Medill Hall of Achievement.
Meeting Info
Wieboldt Hall 504: Mon 6:15PM - 9:15PM
Overview of class
This course focuses on fundamental journalistic writing techniques -- skills that work well in any academic or vocational setting and result in clear, crisp, concise writing. The format is straightforward: lectures and exercises followed by rewrites and editing. And then more rewriting. Through remote class meetings and interactive instruction, students develop capability to compose quickly and meet real-world deadlines.
Learning Objectives
The ability to communicate clearly in writing - whether it be for business, academics or personal prose.
Teaching Method
Lectures
Discussion
writing exercises
Online work
Evaluation Method
Class participation
Homework
Lab writing exercises
Onlline work
Readings
Class Materials (Required)
Confirm course texts and materials by contacting instructor or viewing course Canvas site or University bookstore website.
When Words Collide (McDonald, Kessler), 2nd edition if possible (used books can be found online).
Class Notes
We work together. Leave ego at the door. Have fun.