The aim of this course is to develop and enhance your journalistic talents through intensive use of the tools of the trade. We will specialize in science, health and environment writing and reporting, although the outlook and skills you will acquire will serve you on any of journalism's numerous news beats.

You will learn to write and report compelling news stories and news features, and greatly improve your already existing skills. These will include basic elements of journalism such as how to find story leads, track down information sources, get and conduct interviews, write with clarity, accuracy and style, and make the most of the editing process. You will learn to write for the print and electronic media, practice the art of blogging, and have a brief introduction to podcasting. You will also receive a basic introduction to shooting and editing video in a series of morning and evening workshops.

In class, there will be a strong focus on discussion, newsroom-style give-and-take, and story pitches, as well as in-class exercises, group edit sessions and some guest speakers. This is a workshop, so class attendance is MANDATORY. You will put your new skills into practice with regular assignments. And some of your best work, honed by group and one-on-one editing sessions, will be considered for the SHERP webzine, Scienceline.

Science is one of the most powerful forces of change in the world. This applied course covers the fundamental elements of producing news reports about science events and issues. We will examine the principles of journalism, the scientific process and the differences between science journalism and science communication. Guest speakers (prominent science journalists and scientists) will explore key issues involved in communicating with the public about science. Readings, case studies and discussions will examine issues of balance, scientific uncertainty, accuracy and ethical codes for science journalists.

You'll write professional-quality science articles for general interest and specialized news media. You'll learn how to gather, evaluate and organize information in ways that will produce accurate, comprehensive information for the public. Each student will write one short piece, and in pairs you'll research and produce an in-depth article.

Climate change, air and water pollution, the end of fossil fuels, population growth, and sprawling development: we hear about these environmental issues all the time, but do we understand them? Do we as citizens understand how the U.S. contributes to global problems? Do journalists explain the "bigger picture" and sharpen local policy choices?

This course relates global and national issues to environmental challenges in the Connecticut River Valley, and draws upon and strengthens a variety of reporting skills: interviewing, statistical analysis, feature writing, multimedia, and shoe-leather reporting. We start by surveying the big issues--and how they are covered in the media. Next, we interview and profile scientists at UMASS doing important research in environment-related areas. Finally, we examine specific problems in the Valley, including state parks, "smart growth," farming, historic preservation, forest management, and recycling. Along the way, we make field trips and read examples of excellent eco-journalism. Our final project will be a multimedia package of print stories, interactive graphics, and audio-slideshows. A lot of the time we will be in the field, so get your boots on!

...we'll analyze one of the most important and complicated beats in American journalism. Environmental reporters must consider science, politics, business interests and the passions of those who believe the earth is at risk. Since we live near the shore of Lake Michigan, we'll take a close look at coverage of the world's largest fresh water supply, the Great Lakes. We'll expand our look at environmental reporting to the campus environment, global warming, the food supply, environmental education, chemicals in everyday life, fossil fuel, and lifestyle choices that place stress on the environment.

The course will feature field trips and guest speakers including Milwaukee experts on sustainability, threats to the Great Lakes, and environmental issues that especially affect Wisconsin. We'll interview local reporters producing national award-winning work....