Journalism in Practice (301-0-24)

Topic

Chicago Divided: North Side vs. South Side, Cubs v

Instructors

Jonathan Herbert Marshall

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 206: Tues 12:00PM - 3:50PM
Fisk Hall 206: Thurs 12:00PM - 1:20PM

Overview of class

The heated rivalry between the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs baseball teams reflects the longstanding tensions between the city's South and North Sides. This section of 301 Journalism in Practice will allow students to examine how this rivalry plays itself out along lines of race, ethnicity and class in the city's politics, economics, housing and culture. Students can also explore the intersection of sports and society in other communities. Potential reporting topics include gentrification around the ballparks that makes affordable housing less available, the efforts of local social service organizations, the struggles of neighborhood businesses and the cultural identification of residents with the teams' players. The course will emphasize the development of writing and reporting skills (diverse sourcing, interviewing, data analysis, background research and verification). Although it will focus on improving writing, students can tell their stories using text, video, audio and graphic formats. Students will produce one major reporting project and at least two smaller ones by the end of the quarter. Students will be asked to read articles and books and watch documentaries that will help them think critically about the issues facing Chicago's neighborhoods on the South and North Sides.

Registration Requirements

Pre-reqs: JOUR 201-1, 201-2, sophomore standing.

Class Materials (Required)

The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation by Natalie Moore - $17.81 paperback on Amazon
Associated Press Stylebook $29 for annual online subscription or $34.95 print edition

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description
No Freshmen

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-req: JOUR 201-1, 201-2, and Medill sophomore, junior, or senior standing