JOUR 485 course application

Researching, sourcing, investigating and studying amplify the the reliability and quality of any work, especially for journalists. Searching through piles of paperwork and pulling notes together to formulate valid information for the reader becomes second nature for a writer seeking to find the truth and inform their audience.

These necessary skills, which will be studied and practiced throughout this course, are essential for anyone who hopes to be an effective writer and story teller. One does not even need to pursue a career in strictly investigative journalism to understand the importance of knowing how to vet and research information. As seen through the course syllabus, the practices of in-depth studying, story development and interview techniques will serve anyone looking to “inform, illuminate or inspire” their audiences.

I believe this course will serve as another vital stepping stone in sharpening my writing skills and overall information gathering techniques, shaping me into a more thorough and articulate writer. It is important for any prospective journalist or communicator to have experience in finding documents and knowing how to read through the various jargon that may seem foreign to us.

Writing for impact by thoroughly exhausting the truth and packing in all necessary information is a special opportunity for journalists, giving us chance to live up to the freedoms bestowed on us through the US Constitution. In this course, we will be given an opportunity to practice all of these information finding skills to leave this university feeling equipped to tackle any assignment big or small.

As I look to my future in writing, specifically for organizations, I know that through this course I will learn important lessons in finding necessary information that will impact the community I will write for. One aspect I am looking forward to is how to read certain government documents and what discrepancies to look for, for becoming familiar with this will serve as a great tool for my future in PR and communications.

I know this class will sharpen my skills in not only writing but overall information gathering, looking close to details and making the bulk of writing assignments spent in the research process. This class will make me look deeper into topics and practice new interview techniques that will better serve an investigative story. I also hope to learn from previous stories written by journalist, trying out their techniques and learning from their dedication to investigation.