Citizen Journalism I

Name of facilitator: Lisa Peterson-de la Cueva

E-mail: lisa@tcdailyplanet.net Phone: 612-281-8094

Course description:
Journalism takes practice, and this introduction offers ways to get started writing. Each class combines theory with practice and a focus on craft. Students are expected to report and write an article about something in their community. But there is no need to be intimidated! We use a workshop model to create a supportive environment for turning your ideas into a publishable story. Participants will get instructor and peer feedback on their stories.

The four sessions will include:
1) a brief introduction to print and on-line journalism and identifying story ideas
2) Basic story structures; hard and soft ledes; review of first draft
3) Interviewing strategies; features, investigative and enterprise stories; review of second draft
4) Getting in print and on-line; op-ed, letter to the editor, blog post, community reporting; review final draft; plans for future.

We will use a class blog to publish and share stories generated during the class, and will explore other options for publishing participants' writing.

Class Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Class Dates: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 24

Place: Twin Cities Daily Planet Office
2600 E Franklin Ave., Minneapolis MN 55406

Class size: Minimum: 8 Maximum: 14

What experience do you bring to this class?
Lisa Peterson-de la Cueva is the Neighborhoods Editor/Community Outreach Specialist at the Twin Cities Daily Planet and a freelance writer. She has a master's degree in teaching and six years of teaching experience.