Do you love reading the paper? Have you ever dreamed of being a reporter like Clark Kent or Nellie Bly? To write like a journalist requires a special skill set. It also requires persistence and a lively curiosity.

In this hands-on course, we’ll focus on the how and why of journalism and give it a try in our writing. You’ll write a news story, a feature story, an opinion piece, and an arts review. You’ll learn what makes a good headline and how editors choose photos for publication. By writing a few articles and learning some tools of the trade, you’ll become a more astute reader of today’s news, whether in print or online. We’ll discuss the ethical and practical issues of covering the news today and gain a deeper understanding of what is meant by freedom of the press. Today’s journalists must be vigilant to preserve quality despite the demand for instantaneous coverage 24/7, the distractions of fake news, and the censorship they might face in their work.

Reading selections will come from current national and local papers, online news sources, and some historic pieces from journalism’s rich past.

Class members must purchase a subscription to the New York Times online edition for the five weeks of the course. Introductory offers for new subscribers are advertised for $1 a week for up to six months, with cancellation at any time (www.newyorktimes.com). Other specials may be available. Help with setting up this subscription and how to cancel can be provided.

Students are also expected to have access to a computer and email. Some writing will be required in this course.