Category Archives: Part-time Students

Covering Religion 2020

INFORMATION SHEET AND APPLICATION FOR “COVERING RELIGION”

SPRING 2020

PROFESSORS ARI L. GOLDMAN, GREG KHALIL AND DUY LINH TU

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

  • Info Session: Tuesday, November 5, 12;30 p.m., Room 601B
  • Application Deadline: Monday, November 18, 9 a.m.

“Covering Religion” aims at preparing students to write about religion with intelligence and sophistication for secular media outlets in the U.S. and around the world. In the Spring 2020 semester, the class will focus on the role of religion in the American South with special (but not exclusive) attention to the 2020 Presidential election. Thanks to a generous grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation, the course will include a 10-day study-tour of two Southern states, Louisiana and Mississippi, at virtually no cost to students. (The minimal expenses that students will incur are described below.)

The study-tour will take place over Spring Break, with the weekends before and after the break used for travel. The tentative dates are March 13 to March 23, 2020. The first seven weeks of the course will be spent reporting on religious diversity in the greater New York area. At the beginning of the term, each student is assigned a faith, or a sect of a faith, in which to specialize. While a primary focus of the semester will be on the region’s diverse Protestant and Catholic communities, the class will also look at minority faiths like Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and others. In addition to their reporting and writing projects, each student will make an oral presentation in class about his or her assigned faith. While still in New York, students will identify and begin to report on the stories that they want to cover while traveling in the South. (The stories they report on the trip will not necessarily be on their faith beat.)

We believe that this spring is a particularly good time to look at the role of religion in the Southern states, especially as we approach the 2020 presidential election. It is clear that the Evangelical support for Donald Trump was one of the stories overlooked during 2016 election. This factor was one of the reasons that Trump’s victory caught much of the news media by surprise.

The 16 members of Covering Religion class will travel as a group for parts of the trip, visiting houses of worship and speaking with religious leaders. But there will also be several “reporting days” for students, working alone or with a partner, to pursue their reporting projects. Students in the class will have the opportunity to work in print, audio or video.

During the 2020 trip, the class will maintain a website that will include daily updates from our travels. Each day on the trip, one student will be responsible for reporting on that day’s activities and posting the story on the Web. In addition, two students serve as Webmasters and others coordinate photographs, video and social media. Upon returning from the study-tour, students will complete and post their major reporting projects from the trip. (The Websites from previous years can be found at www.coveringreligion.org.)

Here are a few additional points —

  • Class size: The class is limited to 16 students drawn from the M.S. Program.
  • Dates for the trip: The trip roughly takes place over spring break, making use of the weekends before and after for travel time.
  • Full-time and part-time students in the M.S. Program & M.S. Data Journalism programs are invited to apply.
  • The class meets for 15 Tuesdays, from roughly 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., beginning on Jan. 28.
  • Academic Requirements: All students must be up-to-date on assignments for all other classes. No student on academic probation or academic warning will be allowed to go on the trip.
  • Composition of the class: We are looking for a group of students that will reflect the diversity of the school in terms of gender, language skills, travel experience, region of the United States and country of origin. No prior travel experience is necessary.
  • Cost to students: The Scripps Howard Foundation grant pays for airfare, hotels, transfers and two meals a day. Students can apply for extra money for other reporting excursions during the class trip. Students will have to arrange their own travel to and from the airport in New York.
  • Application process: Please fill out the on-line application at http://bit.ly/CUJ_religion. 
It asks for a 500-word essay on why you would like to be considered for the class. It should include personal information as well as a statement about what contemporary religion story you would cover in the South if you had the opportunity.

Good luck. We look forward to reading your application.

DEADLINE: November 18, 2019, 9 a.m.

Summer 2017 – Master’s Project Submission Instructions

TO: M.S. Students completing the Master’s Project this summer
FROM: Sheila Coronel, Dean of Academic Affairs
RE: Instructions on Submitting Your M.S. Master’s Projects

The deadline for submitting your finished Master’s Project is Friday, September 1, at 10 a.m.

We will begin accepting completed projects as of Monday, August 21.

All projects must be submitted to Chanel Roche and Evelyn Corchado in 207A.

You will be required to sign your name on the Master’s Project submission log when you turn in your final project. Only those students who received a formal extension from your faculty adviser and the Dean of Students Office have permission to miss this deadline.

There are multiple sections of the submission instructions. The portion marked General Instructions applies to all students. There are also sections with specific additional instructions for Hybrid/Video, Hybrid/Photo and Audio projects.

All Master’s Projects must be submitted to the Assessment System!

General Instructions:
Please submit your piece (and any other materials as specified by your type of project) in a 9 by 12-inch envelope (which can be purchased at the bookstore or across the street at the stationery shop). Label the envelope with your name, your class year, the title of your project and the name of your Master’s Project adviser. These copies will be turned over to the library.

Please submit the final version of your project to your adviser(s) via email or hard copy as stipulated by the adviser (Additional instructions below for hybrid projects).

This final version of your project will be available in the Columbia Library, so it must conform to the specific formatting guidelines.

Formatting: Margins and Numbers: The print version must be double-spaced on one side of white paper, leaving a 1½- inch margin on the left-hand side and a 1-inch margin on all other sides. Pages must be numbered. No binding or staples, please.

Title Page: Include a separate title page with the following information: Your name, class year, the title of your project, the name of your master’s adviser, and, at the bottom of the page in the center, add:

Copyright
Susie JSchooler (name of student)
2017

Source List: Submit a complete source list for your project at the end of your project. If you are not certain about the best way to cite a source, consult with your adviser. Be aware that source lists and your entire project, including the “P.S.” portion, will be available for reading and copying by all Journalism School library visitors. If you have confidentiality concerns about sources (i.e. names, phone numbers, personal addresses, etc.), you are responsible for removing the source list from the copy submitted to the Dean of Students Office for the library.

Post Script: At the end of your project, include a first-person narrative describing how you discovered, researched and reported your story. This will help future students see what goes into the making of a successful master’s project. This “P.S.” should be included with all copies of your project after the source list, and should run no longer than 1,000 words. Remember that this post script will be available along with your project in the library.

Hybrid/Video Project Instructions
•One copy of your print piece per the instructions above to the Dean of Students Office.
•Please e-mail final copy of your project to your print and video advisers. Ask your print adviser if he or she wants a hard copy as well. Include Post Script and Source List as described above.
•One thumb drive of the video portion of your project.
•Provide a second thumb drive directly to your video adviser and a third to your print adviser. Label all your thumb drives and accompanying materials with complete project information (author(s), title, adviser). We suggest the video format to be an mp4 video file with an H.264 codec. It’s easy to export in Premiere and fits on most thumb drives.

Hybrid/Photo Project Instructions
•One copy of your print piece per the instructions above for print projects.
•Please e-mail one final copy of your project to your adviser. Ask your adviser if he or she also wants a hard copy. Include a Post Script and Source List as described above.
•One thumb drive of either your audio slideshow or jpgs. If your project includes both, please submit a separate thumb drive for each presentation.
•Provide a second thumb drive (s) directly to your adviser. Label all your thumb drives and accompanying materials with complete project information (author(s), title, adviser).

Audio Project Instructions
• One copy of your script formatted according to the Columbia Script Template for the Dean of Students Office, email a second to the adviser, plus a hard copy to the adviser if he/she requests it. Be sure the title includes _final. Include a Post Script and Source List as described above.
•One copy of your final project as a .wav file and an .mp3 file on a thumb drive for the Dean of Students Office, and a second for your adviser. Be sure to label your thumb drive on the outside with complete project information (author, title, advisor).
•Send your adviser a copy of the .wav file via dropbox or wetransfer. .

Audio/Print Hybrid Instructions
•One hard copy of your print piece per the instructions above for print projects plus a hard copy of your audio script, formatted to the Columbia Script Template. Please e-mail one final copy of your print piece and your audio script to your adviser.
•One thumb drive with your both a .wav file and a .mp3 version of your audio piece for Dean of Students Office, and a second for your adviser. Label all thumb drives on the outside with complete project information (author, title, adviser).
•Send with your adviser a copy of the final .wav file (either by dropbox or wetransfer)

Personal Copy: We strongly encourage you to keep a copy of your project for yourself. Neither the Journalism School nor the Journalism Library is able to provide on-demand copies of your work.

Congratulations!

ColumbiaYou

ColumbiaYou.Logo

ColumbiaYou is the human story of Columbia University in the City of New York, told by the heart of Columbia – its people. It’s Columbia seen through You.

ColumbiaYou serves as a collective memoir: how Columbia has changed lives, introduced mentors, sparked ideas, launched careers. It reveals Columbia’s impact today: the people behind groundbreaking research, activist movements, and how love and friendship can endure. And it’s the story of Columbia’s future: the promise of collaborations, innovations, and individuals that will shape the world in years to come.

Through ColumbiaYou, you can share your stories in the way that you choose: your words, images, and voice.

You can also discover stories and people, curated by topic, geography, and more. Plug learn about related opportunities to make a difference today, through Columbia.

ColumbiaYou is open to anyone with a Columbia story: students, alumni, faculty, staff, family and friends. Sign up to add yours, and help write the story of Columbia.

ACTION ITEM: Sexual Respect Initiative

Dear Students,

Today, as Columbia’s annual Sexual Respect and Community Citizenship Initiative begins, all new students (FT M.S., M.A., 1st year SEAS, 1st year PT, Knight Bagehots) are required (and all students are encouraged) to reflect on the link between sexual respect and membership in the Columbia community.  Workshops, documentary filmscreenings and discussion, multiple online options, resources for healing and resilience, and independent projects are all ready for your engagement.   *This is in addition to the pre-arrival tutorial and the orientation presentations.

How to Participate

Everyone is invited and strongly encouraged to choose as many options as you would like.  If you are new toColumbia, or new to your school at Columbia, you must complete at least one option.

https://sexualrespect.columbia.edu/participate

Events Held at the Journalism School

Although you can choose any of the options above, you can also fulfill the requirement by attending one of three sessions to be held at the Journalism School just for Journalism students. The first is this Thursday, 9/22, at 6 p.m., in 601B – RSVP here.

https://sexualrespect.columbia.edu/sri-options-journalism

Sexual respect at Columbia is a commitment to acting with integrity and respect for others, and is a responsibility to do what we can, individually and collectively, to reinforce an ethic of care and mutual respect in our community, even amidst our differences. It is also the unequivocal refusal to tolerate sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of gender-based misconduct.

 

Here’s why you should care:  Most basically, we are in a community together and the way we treat each other matters.  But also, data coming directly from Columbia students via a major survey shows that many of you report being sexually harassed by your peers. Some have also reported nonconsensual sexual contact by another Columbiastudent, often (though not always) after having been drinking together.

 

Not surprisingly, this harassment and contact can interfere profoundly with academic success, student organizations and teams, and everyone’s well-being.

 

So, as we start this academic year, we can reshape our community and the ways we treat each other.  The Sexual Respect Initiative, created for you by students along with faculty and administrators, gives you a ready path to gain skills and knowledge – and to contribute to making a difference.

 

But, you might say, I already treat my friends with respect – why should I do this too?  The answer is in the title – it is the Sexual Respect AND Community Citizenship Initiative.

 

How many of us can say we don’t know anyone who has been harassed or subjected to dating violence or assault, or can say we don’t know anyone who may have crossed the line of harassment or other gender-based misconduct? And, importantly, how many of us feel equipped enough to step in or get help for a friend, even in our own community?

 

Simply put, the Sexual Respect Initiative is about understanding and responding to the links among us and doing what we can to create change, not just in this moment but throughout the year and beyond.

Participation by students new to Columbia or new to their department/school at Columbia is a required condition of continued enrollment.  You must select at least one option before October 30.

Confirm Your Participation

  1. Visit http://courseworks.columbia.edu and log in with your UNI and password.
  1. Select My Projects on the left column.
  1. Select 2016-17 Sexual Respect and Community Citizenship Initiative.
  1. Follow the instructions for each option.
  1. Once complete, you will get a confirmation and evaluation email.

Fall Prep Day is this Friday!

Hello All,
This Friday is Fall Prep Day!
All faculty, staff and students are invited!
Below is the schedule.  We look forward to seeing all of you at this official launch of the fall semester!

Friday, September 2, 2016 – Fall Prep Day

10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., Miller Theatre

Welcome from the Alumni Board

Karen Toulon, J’85, Chair of the J-School Alumni Board

 

“How to Survive – and Thrive – at the J-School” – All-Class Lecture

Prof. William Grueskin gives his annual presentation on what you need to know to get the most out of your year here — and out of your career as a journalist. (You won’t want to miss this one — it’s legendary!)

 

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Furnald Lawn/Furnald Plaza

BBQ Picnic

Join faculty, students and staff for an old-fashioned picnic.

*You must attend the morning lecture to be admitted to the BBQ.

 

1:00 p.m. Lecture Hall, 3rd FL

Student Government & Affinity Group Briefing

Learn about how our student government and affinity groups operate and what you can do to get involved!

 

2-3:30 p.m. Rooms listed below

Affinity group first meetings

 

2 p.m.

African Students AssociationRoom 601C with Ajibola Taofee Amzat, J17 & Evelyn Corchado 

National Association of Hispanic Journalists – Room 607B with Prof. Elena Cabral

National Gay & Lesbian Journalists Association – Brown Center with Spencer Macnaughton, J’15 & Prof. Mark Hansen

South Asian Journalists Association – Room 601B with Noreyana Fernando, J’16 & Anusha Shrivastava

 

2:30 p.m.

Asian American Journalists Association – Room 601C with Evelyn Corchado

Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association – Room 601B with Dean Melanie Huff

National Association of Black Journalists – with Carlett Spike, J’16

 

3 p.m.

Women in Media – Stabile Student Center with Rachel Lowry, J’16

OPTIONAL: Fun Activity!

Dear Students,

As I mentioned this morning, Columbia is launching a new interactive portal for sharing Columbia stories [from students, faculty, alumni and staff] – everything from the personal & inspirational to fun memories to class work to research to how the Columbia experience impacted one’s career or the world!

The go-live date is in October, but they are gathering materials for the launch now!  And they would love to hear from you!  Share your first impressions! Tell us how you got here! What does coming here mean to you?

You can submit text, photos, video and audio!

More information and instructions here (you must click through via your LionMail account).

MAJOR MEMO: Graduation Tickets

To receive your tickets you MUST complete the graduation survey at

http://bit.ly/CJS16survey

The survey is used to create a class directory, employment statistics and a database of employment information indicating the types of position openings in which you are interested. This is very important in determining how we can better help graduates find the best jobs as quickly as possible, and how the school can help make that happen by also collecting feedback on career services. You willingness to allow career services to circulate your resume is also indicated on the survey.

The survey is also used to gather feedback on other aspects of your Journalism School experience that cannot be captured through course evaluations.

You may pick up your tickets from Chanel Roche or Evelyn Corchado in room 207A once you have completed your online graduation survey and are in compliance with the Sexual Respect Initiative.

They will verify receipt of the survey (and SRI compliance) and have you sign for your ticket envelope containing both sets of tickets.

Only those who registered that they are attending graduation and requested tickets receive tickets.

The survey can done 24/7, but the office is open for ticket pick-up on weekdays from 10 am-5 pm only.

If you are a part-time student and it is impossible for you to come in, you may contact Chanel Roche about having tickets mailed. Survey receipt verification is still required.

REMINDER: You must be in compliance with the Assessment System requirements to graduate.  Those who do not submit their materials by the May 13 deadline will be removed from the list of graduating students.

DEADLINE TO PICK UP TICKETS: MAY 17, 5 P.M.

 

Sexual Respect Initiative – Requirement

REMINDER: You must complete the Sexual Respect Initiative participation requirements no later than March 20.  Participation is a graduation requirement.

 

How to get started:  Go to the Sexual Respect website to learn about and sign up for workshops, film screenings, online options, independent projects, and resources for healing and resilience.  Check the FAQ for details.

 

Why sexual respect? Sexual respect is a commitment to communicating and acting with integrity and respect for others. The Sexual Respect and Community Citizenship Initiative asks all Columbia students to act, in ways most meaningful to you, to create this ethic of care in our own University community even amidst our differences, and to challenge sexual and gender-based misconduct at Columbia and beyond.

 

Questions? Email sexualrespect@columbia.edu. And check out the Office of University Life website for more ways to get involved.

WORKSHOP: Intimate Partner Violence

PLEASE NOTE: Participation in this workshop will fulfill the University Life Sexual Respect and Community Citizenship requirement

Intimate Partner Violence: Understanding Power & Control and Giving Support
Tuesday, December 1, 2:00 – 3:30 P.M. in Alfred Lerner Hall, Room 569

A significant number of individuals have been impacted by intimate partner violence, either directly or indirectly. Recognizing controlling behaviors in a relationship can be difficult- it is important for students to be aware of warning signs that a relationship may become abusive and understand how to gauge next steps in the event that a relationship becomes violent. During this interactive workshop, participants examine the behaviors that may be indicators of an unhealthy or abusive relationship and learn about ways to effectively support someone who is in an abusive relationship. Please note that this workshop is only for Graduate Students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Participation in this workshop will fulfill the University Life Sexual Respect and Community Citizenship requirement. RSVP is required.