Sports Journalism Custom Essay

J261 Sports Journalism
Spring 2014
Instructor: Betsy M. Ross
Mailbox: 200 Ernie Pyle Hall

J261: Sports Journalism
Text: Schultz, Brad, Sports Media: Reporting, Producing and Planning. Focal Press.
The early 20th century is often called the “Golden Age” of sports journalism, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been world-class reporting since. In this class we will look at sports journalism in all forms, from

print to broadcasting, to new media and blogging. We also will hear from today’s sports reporters on the challenges of keeping up with new ways of communication, and see examples of how journalism has

affected some of the biggest sports stories of our time.

Goals of this class:
• To better understand the various methods of sports journalism and communication
• To learn how sports journalism has evolved throughout the years
• To familiarize yourself with ‘new media’ sports journalism
• To understand the role of sports professionals and the media
• To separate traditional sports reporting from sports opinion

Grading:
Grades will be based on the following:
• Midterm exam covering class topics/reading (50%)
• Final exam (50%)

Writing assignments as assigned after each lecture after the first week. They also will be factored into a grade, if a final grade is borderline—completing assignments can raise a grade up a half level, not

completing assignments can lower a half level.

Course policies:
Attendance is mandatory. If you miss a class, see a classmate for notes/assignments. If you know you will be absent for a class (team road trip, etc) let me know in person before or after class as soon as

possible so we can make arrangements.

Behavior:
Cell phones must be off. Professional behavior is mandatory. Be on time–often guest lecturers or videos will start right at the beginning of class. Being late is disruptive and rude to the guest, and to your fellow

classmates.

Make-up exams: Finals and mid-terms can be scheduled separately, again, if there is a pre-approved absence (team travel, etc).

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE:
Our class is scheduled to hold its final exam on Friday, May 9 at 8 a.m. in this room. Check your finals schedule here: http://enrollmentbulletin.indiana.edu/pages/finexsche.php?Term=2#course. If there are

exceptions or conflicts, let us know as early as possible so arrangements can be made for a makeup.

About the instructor:
Betsy M. Ross is presently teaching in the graduate program at Xavier University and has also taught at the University of Indianapolis, University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University. A native of

Connersville, Indiana, she received her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Ball State University and master’s degree in communication arts at the University of Notre Dame.

Most recently she was a sports anchor for ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, primarily on ESPNews. She now is the owner/president of Game Day Communications, Cincinnati, a sports and events public

relations and new media company. She does the public address announcing for UC women’s basketball, Cincinnati Bengals’ stadium announcements, and play by play for women’s basketball. She also is a

freelance sports reporter/anchor for WXIX-TV, Fox19 in Cincinnati. Her new book, “Playing Ball With the Boys,” is a series of conversations with women who have been pioneers in varying fields within

sports, including Christine Brennan, Lesley Visser and Janet Guthrie.

Class Assignments
Monday, March 10
Introduction to class
Chapter 1, Sports Media, Foundations
Assignment:
Review Chapter 2, Reporting

Wednesday, March 12
Review Chapter 2, Reporting
Assignment:
Review Chapter 3, Print

SPRING BREAK MARCH 16-23

Monday, March 24
Review Chapter 3
Assignment:
In class: One page essay on print reporting
Review Chapter 4, Broadcast

Wednesday, March 26
Review Chapter 4, Broadcast (June 16, 1994)
Assignment:
In class: One page essay on “June 16, 1994” presentation
Review Chapter 5, Internet

Monday, March 31
Review Chapter 5, internet
Assignment: Chapter 6 video and visuals
In class: One page essay on internet in sports

Wednesday, April 2
Review Chapter 5
In class: Essay on internet use in sports
Assignment: Chapter 6, Video and Visuals

Monday, April 7
Review: Chapter 6, video and visuals in sports
In class: Essay on Video and Visuals in sports
Prepare for Midterm

Wednesday, April 9
Midterm

Monday, April 14
Chapter 8, Production-The Band that Wouldn’t Die
In class: Essay on presentation
Assignment: Chapter 9, Economics

Wednesday, April 16
Chapter 9, Economics
In class: Essay on sports economics
Assignment: Chapter 10, public and media relations

Monday, April 21
Chapter 10, Public and Media Relations
Assignment: In class essay on p.r. and media relations
Review Chapter 11, Ethics

Wednesday, April 23
Chapter 11, Ethics
In class: Essay on sports journalism ethics
Assignment: Review Chapter 12, Gender

Monday, April 28
Chapter 12, Gender
In class: Essay on gender equity in sports
Assignment: Review Chapter 13

Wednesday April 30
Chapter 13 review
Assignment: In class essay on Chapter 13
Review final

Friday, May 9
8 a.m. Final
Ernie Pyle 220