COLUMN-WRITING ASSIGNMENT

Write a column that emulates the column of a distinguished professional columnist.

1. Find a favorite sports columnist (or at least one whose work you find admirable or effective). Once you have identified a sports columnist, please respond to this post with the name of your selected columnist. Make sure that no one else has chosen your columnist before you move on to step two. First come, first serve on columnists.

Here is my list of some of my favorites (feel free to find your own):

Mitch Albom

Kirk Bohls

Christine Brennan

John Canzano

Tim  Cowlishaw

Sally Jenkins

Miramon Nuevo

Bill Plaschke

Joe Poznanski

Rick Reilly

William C. Rhoden

Bill Simmons

Dan Wetzel

Jason Whitlock

Michael Wilbon

Mike Wise

Dave Zirin

2. Read several of the columnist’s pieces until you isolate one that you think is both excellent and representative of the columnist’s style, approach and body of work.

3. Be prepared to share the column and why you selected it as excellent and representative of the columnist’s work. Each class member will present their column and lead a brief class discussion about it.

4. Compose and original column based on the model column you selected. The topic of the piece you write should be original. The way that you write should be inspired by the columnist you chose to emulate.

5. Beginning on the first line of a separate page, identify your columnist and the model column and explain why you chose the columnist and the column as your model.

6. Include the model column as an appendix to your column.

7. Include a reflection in which you explain how your column emulates your model columnist in style, and explain briefly the purpose (or total effect) intended for your column. Describe how the style works to enhance the delivery of your subject.  Evaluate how your column compares to your model column.

8. You may write one additional column for extra credit. But please do not write two columns on the same subject or with too similar an approach or structure.

The components of this assignment will count on the final six-week grading period.

Original Column is a major assignment.

Class presentation is a minor assignment.

Reflection is also a minor assignment.

Please indicate the columnist of your choice by the end of class on Monday, April 11.

Please indicate the model column you have selected by the end of class on Wednesday, April 13.

We will begin sharing the columns on Friday, April 15.

Your original columns are due Tuesday, April 19.