11/30/15 Bob Dotson Unit

http://www.today.com/news/40-years-american-storytelling-veteran-nbc-news-correspondent-looks-back-t51216

Mon, 11/30 (Dotson 9-19) - Topics/Angles - “Lives Lost”

Tues, 12/1 (Dotson 20-27) -Collect Information - “Cave Rescue”

Wed, 12/2 (Dotson 28-39) - Interviewing - “Ruby Bridges”

Thur, 12/3 (Dotson 43-52)- Segues - “Pearl Harbor”

Fri, 12/4 (Dotson 53-61) - Writing Tips -   “Atlanta Bombing”

Mon, 12/7 (Dotson 62-70) - Standups -  “Boys of Summer”

Tues, 12/8 (Dotson 75-87) - Beginnings and Endings - “San Francisco Earthquake” & “Susan Smith Trial”

Wed, 12/9 (Dotson 87-101) - B-Roll  - “Top Cop”

11/23/15 - Wag the Dog

Discussion

1. Why is this movie called Wag the Dog? What is the “dog” and what is the “tail”?

2. Satire is intended to make fun of institutions, ideas and persons in order to criticize them. How would you sum up the critique of the role of media in American politics given in this movie?

3. To achieve its effects, satire tends to exaggerate the qualities it wishes to make fun of. What kind of exaggerations do you find in this movie? Did you find them amusing?

4. Do you think there is an element of truth in the portrayal of the mass media and spin doctors given in this movie?

11/20/15 - Shattered Glass Reflection

For reading time today:  https://vimeo.com/30824692

1. What does this movie say about society’s expectations from journalists? 

2. If everything and everybody in Glass’ stories were made up, was what Glass did such a bad thing?  Who did it hurt?

3. Can you think of similar instances of either academic dishonesty or plagiarism in the past few years?  Do you know what Jayson Blair did?  What James Frey did?  Who Hwang Woo-suk is?  What Brian Williams did?

4. What penalties did Glass face? Do you think they were adequate?

5. Watch the “60 Minutes” interview with Stephen Glass. Do you believe Glass in the interview? Why or why not?

11-13-15 Law & Ethics

We will continue with law and ethics today.

Start by reading this article:

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/384176/justice-jesse-ventura-was-right-his-lawsuit-j-delgado

10/26-11/6 Shooting Your Stories

Shoot and Edit your first stories.