Reporting in Depth

Unit 1 – Foundations of In–Depth Reporting

Unit 2 – Developing Investigative Story Ideas

Unit 3 – Research Methods & Source Development

Unit 4 – Accessing Public Records and Documents

Unit 5 – Analyzing Data for Investigative Reporting

Unit 6 – Conducting Effective Interviews

Unit 7 – Ethical Dilemmas in Investigative Reporting

Unit 8 – Structuring Complex Narratives

Unit 9 – Crafting Compelling Long–Form Writing

Unit 10 – Editing and Revising In–Depth Stories

Unit 11 – Visual Storytelling in Investigations

Unit 12 – Integrating Multimedia Elements

Unit 13 – Pitching & Publishing Investigative Stories

Unit 14 – Impact of In-Depth Reporting

## What do you learn in Reporting in Depth

Reporting in Depth digs into advanced investigative journalism techniques. You'll learn how to tackle complex stories, conduct thorough research, and develop long-form narratives. The course covers data analysis, interviewing skills, and ethical considerations in investigative reporting. You'll also explore multimedia storytelling and learn to craft compelling narratives that go beyond surface-level reporting.

## Is Reporting in Depth hard?

Reporting in Depth can be challenging, but it's also super rewarding. The workload is hefty, with lots of research and writing involved. You'll need to juggle multiple sources and complex information, which can be tricky. But if you're passionate about uncovering stories and don't mind putting in the effort, you'll find it totally manageable and even exciting.

## Tips for taking Reporting in Depth in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Stay on top of current events and read investigative pieces regularly
3. Practice data analysis skills using tools like Excel or R
4. Build a network of sources and learn to cultivate relationships
5. Master the art of FOIA requests for accessing public records
6. Watch documentaries like "Spotlight" or "All the President's Men" for inspiration
7. Keep a journal of story ideas and potential leads
8. Collaborate with classmates on group projects to share workload and ideas

## Common pre-requisites for Reporting in Depth

1. Introduction to Journalism: This course covers the basics of news writing, reporting, and media ethics. It provides a foundation for understanding the role of journalism in society.

2. News Writing and Reporting: Students learn the fundamentals of gathering information, conducting interviews, and writing news stories. This class hones essential skills needed for more advanced reporting.

3. Media Law and Ethics: This course explores legal and ethical issues in journalism. It covers topics like libel, privacy, and First Amendment rights, which are crucial for investigative reporting.

## Classes similar to Reporting in Depth

1. Data Journalism: Learn to find, analyze, and visualize data for compelling stories. This class combines statistical analysis with storytelling techniques.

2. Multimedia Storytelling: Explore various digital platforms to tell complex stories. You'll work with audio, video, and interactive elements to create immersive narratives.

3. Feature Writing: Focus on long-form journalism and narrative techniques. This class helps you develop your writing style and craft in-depth human interest stories.

4. Investigative Reporting: Dive deeper into the methods and techniques of investigative journalism. You'll learn advanced research skills and how to uncover hidden information.

## Majors related to Reporting in Depth

1. Journalism: Focuses on news gathering, writing, and reporting across various media platforms. Students learn to critically analyze information and communicate effectively to diverse audiences.

2. Mass Communication: Explores the theories and practices of media in society. Students study various forms of media and their impact on culture, politics, and public opinion.

3. Digital Media: Combines traditional journalism skills with new technologies. Students learn to create content for online platforms, including social media, websites, and mobile applications.

4. Political Science: Examines political systems, government structures, and public policy. Students gain insights into political processes, which can be valuable for investigative reporting on political issues.

## What can you do with a degree in Reporting in Depth?

1. Investigative Journalist: Uncover and report on complex, often hidden stories of public interest. You'll conduct in-depth research, analyze data, and produce long-form articles or documentaries.

2. Data Journalist: Combine data analysis skills with storytelling to create compelling, data-driven narratives. You'll work with large datasets to uncover trends and present information visually.

3. Documentary Filmmaker: Produce in-depth, non-fiction films on various topics. You'll research, interview subjects, and craft compelling visual narratives to inform and engage audiences.

4. Podcast Producer: Create long-form audio stories that dive deep into specific topics or issues. You'll research, interview, write scripts, and edit audio to produce engaging podcast episodes.

## Reporting in Depth FAQs

1. How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to do a lot of writing, including drafts, revisions, and final pieces. You'll likely produce several long-form articles throughout the semester.

2. Do I need technical skills for this class? While not always required, basic data analysis and multimedia skills can be helpful. The course may introduce you to some technical tools used in modern journalism.

3. Can I use this course to build my portfolio? Absolutely! The in-depth pieces you produce in this class can serve as excellent portfolio items for future job applications.

Journalism

1.1 History and evolution of investigative journalism

1.3 Role of investigative journalism in society

1.2 Key principles and characteristics of in-depth reporting

1.4 Differences between daily news and in-depth reporting

2.2 Evaluating story potential and feasibility

2.1 Identifying newsworthy topics and angles

2.3 Developing a hypothesis and research questions

2.4 Creating a story pitch and proposal

3.2 Developing and maintaining source networks

3.1 Primary and secondary research techniques

3.4 Strategies for overcoming research obstacles

3.3 Fact-checking and verification processes

4.3 Analyzing government and corporate documents

4.4 Strategies for handling denied or redacted information

4.1 Understanding freedom of information laws

4.2 Techniques for accessing and interpreting public records

5.2 Techniques for cleaning and organizing large datasets

5.1 Introduction to data journalism and analysis tools

5.3 Statistical analysis and data visualization methods

5.4 Interpreting and reporting data-driven findings

6.2 Techniques for interviewing reluctant or hostile sources

6.3 Strategies for eliciting crucial information

6.4 Recording, transcribing, and organizing interview data

6.1 Preparing for and structuring investigative interviews

7.1 Ethical frameworks and decision-making in reporting

7.2 Balancing public interest and individual privacy

7.3 Managing conflicts of interest and bias

7.4 Legal considerations and risk assessment

8.1 Organizing and outlining long-form stories

8.2 Narrative structures for investigative reporting

8.3 Balancing exposition, analysis, and storytelling

8.4 Incorporating multiple storylines and perspectives

9.1 Developing a strong narrative voice and style

9.2 Techniques for maintaining reader engagement

9.3 Effective use of descriptive and explanatory writing

9.4 Integrating quotes, anecdotes, and evidence

10.1 Self-editing techniques for long-form journalism

10.2 Collaborative editing processes and feedback incorporation

10.3 Fact-checking and legal review procedures

10.4 Refining story structure and pacing

11.1 Principles of visual journalism and design

11.2 Incorporating photography and illustrations effectively

11.3 Creating impactful infographics and data visualizations

11.4 Storyboarding and planning visual elements

12.1 Adapting investigative stories for digital platforms

12.2 Incorporating audio and video components

12.3 Interactive storytelling techniques and tools

12.4 Balancing multimedia elements with written content

13.1 Strategies for pitching to editors and publications

13.2 Navigating the editorial process and revisions

13.3 Preparing stories for different media formats

13.4 Building a portfolio of investigative work

14.1 Measuring the societal impact of investigative journalism

14.2 Handling post-publication responses and follow-ups

14.3 Legal and ethical aftermath of investigative stories

14.4 Career development in investigative journalism

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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