Photojournalism Project (Harte)

Goals:

From Christian Columbres Photography

• Discuss the difference between "feature article" and "hard news article"
• Investigate your topic through newspaper articles, books, & websites.
• Practice finding information from experts, instead of from anonymous people!
• Answer the questions you listed under "What I want to know."
• Learn something interesting about your topic!
• Write down at least 3 facts, statistics, or quotes (from experts) that you think would make your newspaper article better. The quotes should come from:
• newspaper or magazine articles
• respected organizations (E.g., Center for Disease Control, NAACP, American Heart Organization, Environmental Protection Agency, etc.)
• professional journal article
• NOT from a blog, Wikipedia, or other anonymous source!

Googling like a Rock Star:

• Google Advanced Search
• Try searching in certain domains, such as .edu & .gov.
• Try including words you DON'T want included in your search.
• Google News
• Search news sources (print and online)
• Google Scholar (& Google Advanced Scholar!)
• Look for the pdf or html link on the left for documents that are available for free on the web.

BCCHS Library:

• Click here to search for BOOKS in the BCCHS library.
• Free Database Trial: EBSCO: http://search.ebscohost.com/
• User ID: bcharter
• Password: trial

Los Angeles Public Library:

• Click here to search for BOOKS in the Los Angeles Public Library.
• If you have an LA Public Library card, you can click here, and then try these one of their databases, such as:
• Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Gale) - articles and essays about controversial issues
• ProQuest Newstand - Full text of over 300 U.S. and International news sources, including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, New York Times
• World Book Encyclopedia
• Go to a public library near you.  Make sure to ask a librarian for help!

Statistics Online:
Health & Science:

• County of LA Dept. of Public Health
• Center for Disease Control & Prevention: Fast Stats - The FastStats site provides quick access to statistics on topics of public health importance and is organized alphabetically. Links are provided to publications that include the statistics presented, to sources of more data, and to related web pages.
• Facts on American Teens' Sexual and Reproductive Health (Guttmacher Institute)
• Science.gov

Environment:

• US Environmental Protection Agency - You can find general info. about environmental issues, as well as specific information about your area.

Internet Usage:

• Pew Internet and American Life Project

Education:

• CA Dropout Research Project 
• CSUN - List of Resources (Educational Statistics)

Animal Rights/Abuse:

• SPCA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Misc:

• 2010 CSUN San Fernando Valley Economic Report
• CSUN - List of Resources (San Fernando Valley Statistics and Facts)
• US Census - Los Angeles
• CSUN - San Fernando Valley Economic Research Center
• USA.gov
• http://www.fedstats.gov/
• US Dept. Of Labor -- Consumer Expenditure Survey

Tips on Writing Feature Articles:
Bucks Community College - Hard News vs. Feature
US Air Force Public Affairs Center of Excellence Writing tips

Ways to start your feature article, from johnwatsonsite.com:

Narrative
The narrative lead tells a story.
Sometimes a short piece, often from the writer's own experience, will lead the reader into the article.
Though it is also descriptive, the narrative lead is more like a play with a scene, characters and dialogue.


Description
Descriptive leads often focus on what it feels like to be at an event by highlighting the sights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells that evoke clear images in the mind of the reader.

Direct Address
This is when the writer tries to engage the reader immediately. This can be done by asking questions or asking the reader to imagine something in particular. It is as though the writer is expecting some direct response from the reader.

Shocking Statement
This type of lead is also known as ' the teaser ' .
A shocking or striking statement is one that will produce a strong response in the reader. Often it will challenge some accepted belief, or simply be provocative. Statistics are often effective.
It involves the reader by building suspense before revealing the focus of the story.

Quotation
A relevant and effective quotation can introduce the reader to the theme of the article. The quote should compel the reader to go further into the story.

Question
Should be used only when the question relates directly to the Feature angle and compels the reader to seek the answers further in the story. Unfortunately, most question leads can be answered with another question.