This is to all the class members...Just a note to say thank you for providing for an interesting, at time stimulating, and even fun experience this past semester. The class, at the end, pulled through, at least most of you did. Your end-of-year-project ans book reviews were excellent and worthy of an upper-level course. Our main problem was for you to get adjusted to a "blog" type class and for me to get used to SA students sending me material which I found was very hard to get back to them....I apologize if this caused a problem for some of you. However, I would like to thank you for your patience and hard work (again, most of you) and wish you the best. Please contact me if there is anything I can do for you in my capacity as a professor of chair of the Department of Communications Theatre Arts at Texas A&M-Kingsville....again, thanks
Bueno bye, y suerte
Dr. Manuel Flores
and, remember, be a good sport
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Final Exam - Thurdsay, May 14 - 1:20 pm
Just a reminder....all assignments are due during our Final Exam schedule date, Thursday, May 14, at 1:20 p.m. in Cousins Hall Room 121 and we will have live feed to San Antonio. Please turn in all pertinent material at this time, including final exam. I will not accept any thing after this class. Also, congratulations to our two graduates from this class this semester - Joseph Hamon and Juan Carlos Reyes. Good luck. It was a pleasure, gentlemen, having you in class.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Final Exam and last two class days
Class...here is the final exam. I will have a "hard copy" available at the Comm-TA Office Monday and will also distribute it in class Tuesday. I will also email it to the SA Students who requested it. We still have some presentations to make and intend for us to meet the last two class days. You must do your book and movie reviews to pass the class. Please make plans to do so. Some of you owe me both.....Okay, here's the final
Sports Writing
Test No. 2
I. Multiple Choice: Please highlight or mark the correct answers:
1. All of the following are events in track and field except:
a. Long jump
b. Triple jump
c. High jump
d. Pole jump
2. In track and field, field events include all of the following except:
a. Hurdles
b. Discus
c. Shot put
d. Javelin
3. All of the following are positions in soccer except:
a. Goalkeeper
b. Halfback
c. Forwards
d. Midfielders
e. Defenders
4. The sport that is often determined by a “penalty kick” is:
a. Football
b. Soccer
c. Hockey
d. Ice Patting
5. Shielding, heading, chesting, volley are all terms used in what sport?
a. Football
b. Basketball
c. Soccer
d. Water polo
6. The nicknames George Herman Ruth was known as during his legendary baseball career includes all of the following except:
a. “The Babe”
b. “The Great Bambino”
c. “The Bronx Bomber”
d. “The Sultan of Swat”
e. “The Colossus of Clout”
7. The movie 61* discussed in class relates directly to:
a. The number of years it took to break Babe Ruth’s home run record of 60.
b. The fact the asterisk (*) means it really didn’t happen that way.
c. The home run chase by Barry Bonds was tainted and should not count.
d. Roger Maris’ home run chase to break Babe Ruth’s record of 60 with 61 home runs in 1961 in eight more games than Babe Ruth needed and it just should not be counted.
8. Essentially, the rules for the game of softball are exactly the same for the game of baseball except that:
a. Players are required to wear hot pants style shorts.
b. There can be no more than 2 extra innings.
c. An international tie-breaker is used if the game is tied after the regulation 7-inning game.
d. Men are not allowed to play softball.
9. The positions of goalie, defensemen, wingers and center can all be found on the following sport:
a. Soccer
b. Ice hockey
c. Basketball
d. Water polo
10. The track event that involves 35 jumps, seven of which are water jumps, along a track of barriers that also includes several hurdles is called:
a. Steeplechase
b. Triple jumping
c. Water jump
d. Hazards
11. The Associated Press recognizes only one collegiate All-America football and basketball team every year. In football, that team consists of selections named either to:
a. The People’s Magazine Choice.
b. Walter Camp’s up to 1924 and the AP All-America team since.
c. Reader’s Digest College Picks
d. ESPN’s All-Americans
12. The Associated Press recognizes only one collegiate All-America football and basketball team every year. In basketball, that team consists of selections named either to:
a. The People’s Magazine Choice.
b. AP All-America team.
c. Reader’s Digest College Picks
d. ESPN’s All-Americans
13. In baseball, which of the major professional leagues uses a designated hitter?
a. The National League
b. The American Association League
c. The American League
d. The Texas League
14. Which team sport uses line judges to make official calls?
a. Basketball
b. Baseball
c. Volleyball
d. Football
15. Which of the following is the correct format in an extended baseball box score when detailing a hitter’s performance in a game?
a. ab r h bi
b. r h e bi
c. bb 2b 3b HR
d. ab h r bi
16. Which of the following is the correct format in an extended baseball box scores when detailing a pitcher’s performance in a game?
a. ip r h er k bb sv
b. ip h r er bb so
c. r er h so w k
d. ip h r er w k
17. In volleyball, rules have been changed to reflect “rally” scoring. Which of the following is not correct?
a. The team that won the point serves for the next point.
b. If the team that won the point served in the previous point, the same player serves again.
c. If the team that won the point did not serve the previous point, the players of the team rotate their position on the court in a clockwise manner.
d. Only the head referee can determine which player will serve, as it is not in the rules.
18. In Volleyball, “rally” scoring now goes to 25 points. The first team to 25 wins the set. Which of the following is not true?
a. The game continues serve-by-serve, with the first team to score 25 points (and be two points ahead, at least) awarded the set.
b. All sets, if tied at 14-14, go into the two-point ahead rule.
c. Matches are best-of-five sets and the fifth set (if necessary) is usually played to 15 points. That means first to three wins.
d. In Texas, High schools play best three-of-five games to 25 with the fifth game played to 15 points. If tied at 14-14, the winner is not decided until one team is two points ahead.
e. In the NCAA games are played best-of-five to 25. If tied, the winner is not decided until one team is two points ahead.
19. There are two ways to get a home run in baseball. Which of the below is/are correct?
a. The ball bounces from the outfield into over the fence and into the stands. This is a home run.
b. A fan reaches over the fence and takes it back beyond the fence.
c. The ball clearly crosses the fence in fair territory.
d. The ball is not fielded by the opposing team and the hitter rounds the bases, all the way home, without being tagged out.
e. All of the above are correct.
f. Only c and d are correct.
20. The correct term for the playing surface in ice hockey is?
a. Ring
b. Court
c. Zamboni
d. Rink
II. Movie/Book Trivia – Circle or mark the correct answer
1. The name of the main character in the movie and book, The Natural,
a. Mickey Mantle
b. The Bambino
c. Roy Hobbs
d. Roy Rogers
2. In the book Brian’s Song, which former Chicago Bears’ running back’s autobiography is profiled?
a. Walter Payton
b. Johnny Roland
c. Jim MacMahon
d. Gale Sayers
3. Friday Night Lights, the movie and book, are based on the occurrences of which Texas high school football town?
a. Dillon High School
b. Highland Park High School
c. Odessa Permian High School
d. Corpus Christi Calallen High School
4. In the classic ice hockey movie Slap Shot (1977) starring the legendary Paul Newman, the name of the hooligan trio that wreaked havoc at Charleston Chiefs Games was?
a. The Corsican Trio
b. The Hanson Brothers
c. The Three Horseman of the Apocalypse
d. Paul’s Killers
5. Hoosiers (1986), starring Gene Hackman as a new coach in town with a problem-plagued small-town high school basketball team that wins the state championship. The film is set during 1952, when all high schools in most states, regardless of school size, competed in one state championship tournament. Which state was the movie based on?
a. Indiana
b. Kentucky
c. New York
d. Texas
6. The classic Olympics movie Chariots of Fire (1981) featured athletes from which county in the 1924 Summer Olympics?
a. The United States
b. Italy (more in particular from Rome)
c. France
d. Great Britain
7. In which classic baseball movie do ghosts come from out of a cornfield to play a “spirited” game?
a. The Natural
b. Bull Durham
c. A League of their Own
d. Field of Dreams
8. Which baseball movie featured the iconic phrase, “There’s no crying in baseball!!!!”
a. The Natural
b. Bull Durham
c. A League of their Own
d. Field of Dreams
9. The golf movie that featured a varmint (gopher or beaver) that caused havoc throughout was?
a. Bagger Vance
b. Tin Cup
c. Caddyshack
d. Happy Gilmore
10. The football movie that showed how an out-of-luck bartender worked his way into the roster of an NFL team was?
a. The Longest Yard
b. We Are Marshall!
c. Remember the Titans
d. Invincible
11. The book that featured the struggles of a black football player as he tried to lead his team to a state championship was?
a. Lone Star Fullback
b. Remember the Titans
c. Brian’s Song
d. Semi-Tough
12. Among the movies discussed in class, comedian Rodney Dangerfield starred in all listed below except.
a. Caddyshack
b. Lady Bugs
c. Rudy
d. He starred in all of above
13. The movie that was sponsored by FIFA and was planned, from the start, to be part of a trilogy is?
a. Victory
b. Goal!
c. Cool Runnings
d. We Are Marshall!
14. The book The Girls of Summer reviews which historic United States sports moment?
a. The great achievements of Babe Didrikson and her teammates.
b. The 2004 results of the U.S. Women in the Olympics.
c. The 1999 U.S. Women’s national team win over China in the Soccer World Cup
d. The book on which the movie “A League of Their Own” was based on.
15. The woman normally regarded as the most versatile female competitor of all time is?
a. Mia Hamm
b. Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharis
c. Brandy Chastain
d. Florence Griffith Joyner
16. The 1999 U.S. Women’s National Soccer team gained several nicknames. Which is not one of them?
a. Title IX Babies
b. Soccer Mamas
c. Babe City
d. All of the Above
III. Briefly and succinctly define the following terms and their significance in sports. Be specific. We have talked about all of these in class.
1. March Madness –
2. MLB
3. NCAA
4. WNBA
5. MLS
6. FIFA
7. WBC
8. World Cup
IV. Write a game story from the following softball box score. Make sure you use first and last names and identify the teams properly. Don’t forget the DATELINE and the score. You have no quotes for this story. However, on line and figure out what the significance of this game was. Please type a story of no more than 400 words.
Box Score
#4 Southeastern Okla. at Texas A&M-Kingsville
Apr 25, 2009 at Durant, Okla. (SOSU SB Complex)
Southeastern Okla. 5 (50-10)
Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
------------------------------------------------------
Benita Sanchez 1b........ 4 0 1 0 0 1 6 1 2
Kristi Goins rf.......... 3 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Bailey Mathes ss......... 4 2 3 4 0 0 4 2 0
Erika Bernal lf.......... 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Marjorie Johnson dh...... 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1
Jennifer Morales c....... 3 0 1 0 0 0 7 1 0
Jaclyn Mullaney 3b....... 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1
Jami McAdoo p............ 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Laney Anderson cf........ 3 0 2 0 0 1 3 1 0
Morgan Miller 2b/pr...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Totals................... 31 5 10 4 1 7 21 7 6
Texas A&M-Kingsville 1 (32-22)
Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
------------------------------------------------------
Cassie Anderson lf....... 3 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0
Meisha Patterson ss...... 3 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 1
Ariel Lichtenberger 1b... 3 0 1 0 0 1 7 2 0
Shaun Bryan 2b........... 3 0 2 1 0 0 1 2 1
Melissa St. Clair c...... 3 0 0 0 0 1 8 1 1
Yvette Berlanga 3b....... 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Jessica Schneider dh..... 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Jasmine Ross rf.......... 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
Kaycee Bryan cf.......... 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Courtney Rigamonti p..... 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Totals................... 26 1 8 1 0 5 21 11 4
Score by Innings R H E
-----------------------------------------
Southeastern Okla... 102 010 1 - 5 10 1
Texas A&M-Kingsville 000 001 0 - 1 8 2
-----------------------------------------
E - B. Mathes; M. Patterson; Y. Berlanga. DP - SOSU 1. LOB - SOSU 6;
Javelinas 4. 2B - L. Anderson; C. Anderson; S. Bryan; C. Rigamonti. HR - B.
Mathes 2. SB - K. Goins; C. Anderson. CS - J. Morales; J. Ross.
Southeastern Okla. IP H R ER BB SO AB BF
-----------------------------------------------
Jami McAdoo......... 7.0 8 1 1 0 5 26 26
Texas A&M-Kingsville IP H R ER BB SO AB BF
-----------------------------------------------
Courtney Rigamonti.. 7.0 10 5 4 1 7 31 32
Win - J. McAdoo (18-3). Loss - C. Rigamonti (27-14). Save - None.
Umpires - HP: Scott Brians 1B: Tracy Avra 3B: Aaron Elloer
Start: 4:30 Time: 1:35 Attendance: 212
V. Go online this weekend to the TAMUK track and field site or the Lone Star Conference site and write a story on how the Javelinas did in this weekend’s Lone Star Conference Track Meet in Kingsville. Include DATELINE and who won the men’s and women’s meets but focus on how Javelinas did.
VI. Write a 500-word sports column on how sports is an integral part of American society and how it permeates the culture of our country. Give examples and be provocative. Maybe, you can even say whether it’s good or bad. Your call! Okay?
?
Thank you for a wonderful semester. I hope you learned about how sports is an integral part of American life and truly does impact world culture and politics. Have a nice summer.
Sports Writing
Test No. 2
I. Multiple Choice: Please highlight or mark the correct answers:
1. All of the following are events in track and field except:
a. Long jump
b. Triple jump
c. High jump
d. Pole jump
2. In track and field, field events include all of the following except:
a. Hurdles
b. Discus
c. Shot put
d. Javelin
3. All of the following are positions in soccer except:
a. Goalkeeper
b. Halfback
c. Forwards
d. Midfielders
e. Defenders
4. The sport that is often determined by a “penalty kick” is:
a. Football
b. Soccer
c. Hockey
d. Ice Patting
5. Shielding, heading, chesting, volley are all terms used in what sport?
a. Football
b. Basketball
c. Soccer
d. Water polo
6. The nicknames George Herman Ruth was known as during his legendary baseball career includes all of the following except:
a. “The Babe”
b. “The Great Bambino”
c. “The Bronx Bomber”
d. “The Sultan of Swat”
e. “The Colossus of Clout”
7. The movie 61* discussed in class relates directly to:
a. The number of years it took to break Babe Ruth’s home run record of 60.
b. The fact the asterisk (*) means it really didn’t happen that way.
c. The home run chase by Barry Bonds was tainted and should not count.
d. Roger Maris’ home run chase to break Babe Ruth’s record of 60 with 61 home runs in 1961 in eight more games than Babe Ruth needed and it just should not be counted.
8. Essentially, the rules for the game of softball are exactly the same for the game of baseball except that:
a. Players are required to wear hot pants style shorts.
b. There can be no more than 2 extra innings.
c. An international tie-breaker is used if the game is tied after the regulation 7-inning game.
d. Men are not allowed to play softball.
9. The positions of goalie, defensemen, wingers and center can all be found on the following sport:
a. Soccer
b. Ice hockey
c. Basketball
d. Water polo
10. The track event that involves 35 jumps, seven of which are water jumps, along a track of barriers that also includes several hurdles is called:
a. Steeplechase
b. Triple jumping
c. Water jump
d. Hazards
11. The Associated Press recognizes only one collegiate All-America football and basketball team every year. In football, that team consists of selections named either to:
a. The People’s Magazine Choice.
b. Walter Camp’s up to 1924 and the AP All-America team since.
c. Reader’s Digest College Picks
d. ESPN’s All-Americans
12. The Associated Press recognizes only one collegiate All-America football and basketball team every year. In basketball, that team consists of selections named either to:
a. The People’s Magazine Choice.
b. AP All-America team.
c. Reader’s Digest College Picks
d. ESPN’s All-Americans
13. In baseball, which of the major professional leagues uses a designated hitter?
a. The National League
b. The American Association League
c. The American League
d. The Texas League
14. Which team sport uses line judges to make official calls?
a. Basketball
b. Baseball
c. Volleyball
d. Football
15. Which of the following is the correct format in an extended baseball box score when detailing a hitter’s performance in a game?
a. ab r h bi
b. r h e bi
c. bb 2b 3b HR
d. ab h r bi
16. Which of the following is the correct format in an extended baseball box scores when detailing a pitcher’s performance in a game?
a. ip r h er k bb sv
b. ip h r er bb so
c. r er h so w k
d. ip h r er w k
17. In volleyball, rules have been changed to reflect “rally” scoring. Which of the following is not correct?
a. The team that won the point serves for the next point.
b. If the team that won the point served in the previous point, the same player serves again.
c. If the team that won the point did not serve the previous point, the players of the team rotate their position on the court in a clockwise manner.
d. Only the head referee can determine which player will serve, as it is not in the rules.
18. In Volleyball, “rally” scoring now goes to 25 points. The first team to 25 wins the set. Which of the following is not true?
a. The game continues serve-by-serve, with the first team to score 25 points (and be two points ahead, at least) awarded the set.
b. All sets, if tied at 14-14, go into the two-point ahead rule.
c. Matches are best-of-five sets and the fifth set (if necessary) is usually played to 15 points. That means first to three wins.
d. In Texas, High schools play best three-of-five games to 25 with the fifth game played to 15 points. If tied at 14-14, the winner is not decided until one team is two points ahead.
e. In the NCAA games are played best-of-five to 25. If tied, the winner is not decided until one team is two points ahead.
19. There are two ways to get a home run in baseball. Which of the below is/are correct?
a. The ball bounces from the outfield into over the fence and into the stands. This is a home run.
b. A fan reaches over the fence and takes it back beyond the fence.
c. The ball clearly crosses the fence in fair territory.
d. The ball is not fielded by the opposing team and the hitter rounds the bases, all the way home, without being tagged out.
e. All of the above are correct.
f. Only c and d are correct.
20. The correct term for the playing surface in ice hockey is?
a. Ring
b. Court
c. Zamboni
d. Rink
II. Movie/Book Trivia – Circle or mark the correct answer
1. The name of the main character in the movie and book, The Natural,
a. Mickey Mantle
b. The Bambino
c. Roy Hobbs
d. Roy Rogers
2. In the book Brian’s Song, which former Chicago Bears’ running back’s autobiography is profiled?
a. Walter Payton
b. Johnny Roland
c. Jim MacMahon
d. Gale Sayers
3. Friday Night Lights, the movie and book, are based on the occurrences of which Texas high school football town?
a. Dillon High School
b. Highland Park High School
c. Odessa Permian High School
d. Corpus Christi Calallen High School
4. In the classic ice hockey movie Slap Shot (1977) starring the legendary Paul Newman, the name of the hooligan trio that wreaked havoc at Charleston Chiefs Games was?
a. The Corsican Trio
b. The Hanson Brothers
c. The Three Horseman of the Apocalypse
d. Paul’s Killers
5. Hoosiers (1986), starring Gene Hackman as a new coach in town with a problem-plagued small-town high school basketball team that wins the state championship. The film is set during 1952, when all high schools in most states, regardless of school size, competed in one state championship tournament. Which state was the movie based on?
a. Indiana
b. Kentucky
c. New York
d. Texas
6. The classic Olympics movie Chariots of Fire (1981) featured athletes from which county in the 1924 Summer Olympics?
a. The United States
b. Italy (more in particular from Rome)
c. France
d. Great Britain
7. In which classic baseball movie do ghosts come from out of a cornfield to play a “spirited” game?
a. The Natural
b. Bull Durham
c. A League of their Own
d. Field of Dreams
8. Which baseball movie featured the iconic phrase, “There’s no crying in baseball!!!!”
a. The Natural
b. Bull Durham
c. A League of their Own
d. Field of Dreams
9. The golf movie that featured a varmint (gopher or beaver) that caused havoc throughout was?
a. Bagger Vance
b. Tin Cup
c. Caddyshack
d. Happy Gilmore
10. The football movie that showed how an out-of-luck bartender worked his way into the roster of an NFL team was?
a. The Longest Yard
b. We Are Marshall!
c. Remember the Titans
d. Invincible
11. The book that featured the struggles of a black football player as he tried to lead his team to a state championship was?
a. Lone Star Fullback
b. Remember the Titans
c. Brian’s Song
d. Semi-Tough
12. Among the movies discussed in class, comedian Rodney Dangerfield starred in all listed below except.
a. Caddyshack
b. Lady Bugs
c. Rudy
d. He starred in all of above
13. The movie that was sponsored by FIFA and was planned, from the start, to be part of a trilogy is?
a. Victory
b. Goal!
c. Cool Runnings
d. We Are Marshall!
14. The book The Girls of Summer reviews which historic United States sports moment?
a. The great achievements of Babe Didrikson and her teammates.
b. The 2004 results of the U.S. Women in the Olympics.
c. The 1999 U.S. Women’s national team win over China in the Soccer World Cup
d. The book on which the movie “A League of Their Own” was based on.
15. The woman normally regarded as the most versatile female competitor of all time is?
a. Mia Hamm
b. Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharis
c. Brandy Chastain
d. Florence Griffith Joyner
16. The 1999 U.S. Women’s National Soccer team gained several nicknames. Which is not one of them?
a. Title IX Babies
b. Soccer Mamas
c. Babe City
d. All of the Above
III. Briefly and succinctly define the following terms and their significance in sports. Be specific. We have talked about all of these in class.
1. March Madness –
2. MLB
3. NCAA
4. WNBA
5. MLS
6. FIFA
7. WBC
8. World Cup
IV. Write a game story from the following softball box score. Make sure you use first and last names and identify the teams properly. Don’t forget the DATELINE and the score. You have no quotes for this story. However, on line and figure out what the significance of this game was. Please type a story of no more than 400 words.
Box Score
#4 Southeastern Okla. at Texas A&M-Kingsville
Apr 25, 2009 at Durant, Okla. (SOSU SB Complex)
Southeastern Okla. 5 (50-10)
Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
------------------------------------------------------
Benita Sanchez 1b........ 4 0 1 0 0 1 6 1 2
Kristi Goins rf.......... 3 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Bailey Mathes ss......... 4 2 3 4 0 0 4 2 0
Erika Bernal lf.......... 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Marjorie Johnson dh...... 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1
Jennifer Morales c....... 3 0 1 0 0 0 7 1 0
Jaclyn Mullaney 3b....... 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1
Jami McAdoo p............ 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Laney Anderson cf........ 3 0 2 0 0 1 3 1 0
Morgan Miller 2b/pr...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Totals................... 31 5 10 4 1 7 21 7 6
Texas A&M-Kingsville 1 (32-22)
Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
------------------------------------------------------
Cassie Anderson lf....... 3 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0
Meisha Patterson ss...... 3 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 1
Ariel Lichtenberger 1b... 3 0 1 0 0 1 7 2 0
Shaun Bryan 2b........... 3 0 2 1 0 0 1 2 1
Melissa St. Clair c...... 3 0 0 0 0 1 8 1 1
Yvette Berlanga 3b....... 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Jessica Schneider dh..... 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Jasmine Ross rf.......... 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
Kaycee Bryan cf.......... 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Courtney Rigamonti p..... 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Totals................... 26 1 8 1 0 5 21 11 4
Score by Innings R H E
-----------------------------------------
Southeastern Okla... 102 010 1 - 5 10 1
Texas A&M-Kingsville 000 001 0 - 1 8 2
-----------------------------------------
E - B. Mathes; M. Patterson; Y. Berlanga. DP - SOSU 1. LOB - SOSU 6;
Javelinas 4. 2B - L. Anderson; C. Anderson; S. Bryan; C. Rigamonti. HR - B.
Mathes 2. SB - K. Goins; C. Anderson. CS - J. Morales; J. Ross.
Southeastern Okla. IP H R ER BB SO AB BF
-----------------------------------------------
Jami McAdoo......... 7.0 8 1 1 0 5 26 26
Texas A&M-Kingsville IP H R ER BB SO AB BF
-----------------------------------------------
Courtney Rigamonti.. 7.0 10 5 4 1 7 31 32
Win - J. McAdoo (18-3). Loss - C. Rigamonti (27-14). Save - None.
Umpires - HP: Scott Brians 1B: Tracy Avra 3B: Aaron Elloer
Start: 4:30 Time: 1:35 Attendance: 212
V. Go online this weekend to the TAMUK track and field site or the Lone Star Conference site and write a story on how the Javelinas did in this weekend’s Lone Star Conference Track Meet in Kingsville. Include DATELINE and who won the men’s and women’s meets but focus on how Javelinas did.
VI. Write a 500-word sports column on how sports is an integral part of American society and how it permeates the culture of our country. Give examples and be provocative. Maybe, you can even say whether it’s good or bad. Your call! Okay?
?
Thank you for a wonderful semester. I hope you learned about how sports is an integral part of American life and truly does impact world culture and politics. Have a nice summer.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Final Exam Schedule
The final exam at TAMUK for this class is set for Thursday, May 14, at 1:20 p.m. By this date, your final exam must be turned in. I will meet in class at this time to review and grade material specifically for this class. Of course, you have the option (by TAMU policy) to take the final on this date. The final will be posted later this week and you can start work on it at your own pace. Please call me if you have any questions.
thanks
Dr. Manuel Flores
thanks
Dr. Manuel Flores
Presentations Start Tuesday, April 28
This is a reminder that presentations on your books start Tuesday, April 28. The presentations are supposed to be in Power Point mode (if our equipment works). If the equipment does not work, be prepared to email me your power point and to make your presentation orally. Okay?
Following are the presenters for Tuesday, April 28, who "volunteered" for today's clas (not necessarily in order they will present):
Joe Hamon - TAMUK -(The Natural - Done)
Cristina Garza- SCSA
Shaun Springfield - SCSA
Alissa Reynolds - SCSA (Girls of Summer - Done)
Following are the presenters assinged for Thursday, April 30 (not necessarily in order they will present):
Juan Carlos Reyes -TAMUK (When You Get to the Fork in the Road, Take It (Yogi Berra) - Done)
Katrina Alejandro - TAMUK (Brian's Song - Done)
Carlos Alvarado - TAMUK
Emmanuel Dixon - TAMUK
Jacque Hutton - TAMUK (Life the Rough - Done)
Lisa Lane - TAMUK
Noe Longronia - TAMUK (The Bare Truth About Chicagos' Brashest Bear: McMahon - Done)
Tania Garcia - TAMUK (Lone Star Fullback - Done)
Following are the presenters assinged for Tuesday, May 5 (not necessarily in order they will present):
Andrew Harper - TAMUK
David Mendez - TAMUK
Mark Molina - TAMUK
Lorraine Rodriguez - TAMUK
Sasha Rodriguez - TAMUK
Greg Stelfox - TAMUK (Once a Runner - Done)
Jaime Gonzalez - TAMUK
Please be prepared....thanks
Following are the presenters for Tuesday, April 28, who "volunteered" for today's clas (not necessarily in order they will present):
Joe Hamon - TAMUK -(The Natural - Done)
Cristina Garza- SCSA
Shaun Springfield - SCSA
Alissa Reynolds - SCSA (Girls of Summer - Done)
Following are the presenters assinged for Thursday, April 30 (not necessarily in order they will present):
Juan Carlos Reyes -TAMUK (When You Get to the Fork in the Road, Take It (Yogi Berra) - Done)
Katrina Alejandro - TAMUK (Brian's Song - Done)
Carlos Alvarado - TAMUK
Emmanuel Dixon - TAMUK
Jacque Hutton - TAMUK (Life the Rough - Done)
Lisa Lane - TAMUK
Noe Longronia - TAMUK (The Bare Truth About Chicagos' Brashest Bear: McMahon - Done)
Tania Garcia - TAMUK (Lone Star Fullback - Done)
Following are the presenters assinged for Tuesday, May 5 (not necessarily in order they will present):
Andrew Harper - TAMUK
David Mendez - TAMUK
Mark Molina - TAMUK
Lorraine Rodriguez - TAMUK
Sasha Rodriguez - TAMUK
Greg Stelfox - TAMUK (Once a Runner - Done)
Jaime Gonzalez - TAMUK
Please be prepared....thanks
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Movie Reviews Updated List
Class, below is the update movie list along with a list of those who presented Tuedsay. We will continue our presenations, today and Tuesday, as needed.
Top SI Movies
"The Natural" 1984 - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK (Presented)
"Jerry Maguire" 1996
"Bad News Bears" 1976 - Lisa Lane, TAMUK (Presented)
"Hoosiers" 1988 Jacque Hutton, TAMUK (Presented)
"North Dallas Forty" 1979
"Field of Dreams"1989 - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK (Presented)
"Rocky" 1976
"Fat City" 1972
“Damn Yankees!” 1958
“Slap Shot” 1977 - Tania Garcia, TAMUK (Presented)
“Raging Bull” 1989
"Bang the Drum Slowly" 1973
"Breaking Away" 1979
"Friday Night Lights" - Noe Longoria (Presented)
“Requiem for a Heavyweight”1962
"Tin Cup" 1996 - Joe Hamon, TAMUK (Presented)
“The Hustler” 1961
“Chariots of Fire” 1981 - Alissa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA (Presented)
"Bull Durham" 1988
Auxiliary List of Movies That I recommend
"Rudy" 1993 -
"White Men Can't Jump" 1992 - Mark Molina, TAMUK (Presented)
"Prefontaine" 1997
"We Are Marshall" 2006 - Lorraine Rodriguez, TAMUK (Presented)
“League of Their Own” 1992 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA (Presented)
“61*” 2006
“Victory” 1981 -
"Bagger Vance" - 199? Greg Stelfox, TAMUK (Presented)
“Cool Runnings” 1993
“Grand Prix”1966
“National Velvet” 1944
“Enter the Dragon” 1973
“Lady Bugs” 1992 - Carlos Alvarado, TAMUK (Presented)
“Caddyshack” 1980 - Andrew Harper, TAMUK (Presented)
“MajorLeague” 1989
“Hoop Dreams” 1994
“The Longest Yard” 1974 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK (Presented)
“Remember the Titans” 2000 - Cristina Garza, TAMUK-SCSA (Presented)
“Brian’s Song” 1971
"Invincible" 2006 - David Mendez, TAMUK (Presented)
"Happy Gilmore1996 - Emmanuel Dixon, TAMUK (Presented)
"Goal!" - 2004 - Sasha Rodriguez, TAMUK (Presented)
Top SI Movies
"The Natural" 1984 - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK (Presented)
"Jerry Maguire" 1996
"Bad News Bears" 1976 - Lisa Lane, TAMUK (Presented)
"Hoosiers" 1988 Jacque Hutton, TAMUK (Presented)
"North Dallas Forty" 1979
"Field of Dreams"1989 - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK (Presented)
"Rocky" 1976
"Fat City" 1972
“Damn Yankees!” 1958
“Slap Shot” 1977 - Tania Garcia, TAMUK (Presented)
“Raging Bull” 1989
"Bang the Drum Slowly" 1973
"Breaking Away" 1979
"Friday Night Lights" - Noe Longoria (Presented)
“Requiem for a Heavyweight”1962
"Tin Cup" 1996 - Joe Hamon, TAMUK (Presented)
“The Hustler” 1961
“Chariots of Fire” 1981 - Alissa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA (Presented)
"Bull Durham" 1988
Auxiliary List of Movies That I recommend
"Rudy" 1993 -
"White Men Can't Jump" 1992 - Mark Molina, TAMUK (Presented)
"Prefontaine" 1997
"We Are Marshall" 2006 - Lorraine Rodriguez, TAMUK (Presented)
“League of Their Own” 1992 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA (Presented)
“61*” 2006
“Victory” 1981 -
"Bagger Vance" - 199? Greg Stelfox, TAMUK (Presented)
“Cool Runnings” 1993
“Grand Prix”1966
“National Velvet” 1944
“Enter the Dragon” 1973
“Lady Bugs” 1992 - Carlos Alvarado, TAMUK (Presented)
“Caddyshack” 1980 - Andrew Harper, TAMUK (Presented)
“MajorLeague” 1989
“Hoop Dreams” 1994
“The Longest Yard” 1974 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK (Presented)
“Remember the Titans” 2000 - Cristina Garza, TAMUK-SCSA (Presented)
“Brian’s Song” 1971
"Invincible" 2006 - David Mendez, TAMUK (Presented)
"Happy Gilmore1996 - Emmanuel Dixon, TAMUK (Presented)
"Goal!" - 2004 - Sasha Rodriguez, TAMUK (Presented)
Updated Book Review Assignments
Class, below is the updated list of Book Review Assignments:
Sports Illustrated Top Books That I Recommend
"Paper Lion" (George Plimpton)1965
"Fever Pitch" (Nick Hornby) 1991 - Tania Garcia - TAMUK
"Cosell" (Howard Cosell) 1973
"Season on the Brink" (John Feinstein) 1986
"The Fight"(Norman Mailer) 1975
"When Pride Still Mattered"(David Maraniss) 1999
"Muhammad Ali: Life & Times" (T. Hauser) 1991
“The Boys of Summer” (Roger Kahn) 1971 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
"The Sweet Science" 1951
"Veeck as in Wreck" (Bill Veeck) 1962
"The Natural" (Bernard Malamud)1952 - Joseph Hamon, TAMUK
"Ball Four" (Jim Bouton) 1970
"Everybody’s All American"(Frank DeFord) 1981
"No cheering in the press box" (Holtzman) 1973
"The Glory of Their Times" ( Ritter) 1966
"Friday Night Lights" (H.G. Bissiner) 1990 - Noe Longoria, TAMUK
"Semi-Tough" (Dan Jenkins) 1972
"A season on the brink"(John Feinstein) 1986
“You Know Me Al,” (Ring Lardner) 1914
“The Game” (Ken Dryden) 1983
Books that I recommend
“Always Dream” (Kristi Yamaguchi) 1998
“Amazing Women Athletes” (Jill Bryant) 2002
“Babe Didrikson: Athlete of Century”( Knudson) 1985 - Sasha Rodriguez, TAMUK
“Big Girl in the Middle” (Gabriellle Reece) 1997
“Game Face” (J. Gottseman, Penny Marshall) 1998
“The Girls of Summer” (Jere Longman) 2000 - Alisa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA
“Go for the Goal!” (Mia Hamm) 2000 - Christina Garza - TAMUK-SCSA“
In These Girls, Hope Is a Muscle”(Madeline Blais) 1995
“Let Me Play: The Title IX Story” (Karen Blumenthal) 2005
“Living the Dream” (Dot Richardson) 1997
“Mighty Jackie” (Marissa Moss) 1998
“Still Kicking” (Katie Hinda) 2006
“A Whole New Ball Game” (Sue Macy) 1995
“Raising our Athletic Daughters” Zimmerman & Russell)1998
“Brian’s Song” (William Blinn) 1972 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK“The Frailty Myth” (Collette Dowling) 2000
“Games Girls Play” (Caroline Silby, Shely Smith) 2000
“Superwomen” (Jodi Buren,Donna Lopiano,Billie Jean King) 2005
"Good Enough to Dream," (Roger Kahn) 1985
"Juiced!" (Jose Canseco), 2002 - Carlos Alvarado, TAMUK
"When You Come to the Fork in the Road, Take It," - (Yogi Berra) 2002 - Juan Carlos Reyes, TAMUK
Sports Illustrated Top Books That I Recommend
"Paper Lion" (George Plimpton)1965
"Fever Pitch" (Nick Hornby) 1991 - Tania Garcia - TAMUK
"Cosell" (Howard Cosell) 1973
"Season on the Brink" (John Feinstein) 1986
"The Fight"(Norman Mailer) 1975
"When Pride Still Mattered"(David Maraniss) 1999
"Muhammad Ali: Life & Times" (T. Hauser) 1991
“The Boys of Summer” (Roger Kahn) 1971 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
"The Sweet Science" 1951
"Veeck as in Wreck" (Bill Veeck) 1962
"The Natural" (Bernard Malamud)1952 - Joseph Hamon, TAMUK
"Ball Four" (Jim Bouton) 1970
"Everybody’s All American"(Frank DeFord) 1981
"No cheering in the press box" (Holtzman) 1973
"The Glory of Their Times" ( Ritter) 1966
"Friday Night Lights" (H.G. Bissiner) 1990 - Noe Longoria, TAMUK
"Semi-Tough" (Dan Jenkins) 1972
"A season on the brink"(John Feinstein) 1986
“You Know Me Al,” (Ring Lardner) 1914
“The Game” (Ken Dryden) 1983
Books that I recommend
“Always Dream” (Kristi Yamaguchi) 1998
“Amazing Women Athletes” (Jill Bryant) 2002
“Babe Didrikson: Athlete of Century”( Knudson) 1985 - Sasha Rodriguez, TAMUK
“Big Girl in the Middle” (Gabriellle Reece) 1997
“Game Face” (J. Gottseman, Penny Marshall) 1998
“The Girls of Summer” (Jere Longman) 2000 - Alisa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA
“Go for the Goal!” (Mia Hamm) 2000 - Christina Garza - TAMUK-SCSA“
In These Girls, Hope Is a Muscle”(Madeline Blais) 1995
“Let Me Play: The Title IX Story” (Karen Blumenthal) 2005
“Living the Dream” (Dot Richardson) 1997
“Mighty Jackie” (Marissa Moss) 1998
“Still Kicking” (Katie Hinda) 2006
“A Whole New Ball Game” (Sue Macy) 1995
“Raising our Athletic Daughters” Zimmerman & Russell)1998
“Brian’s Song” (William Blinn) 1972 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK“The Frailty Myth” (Collette Dowling) 2000
“Games Girls Play” (Caroline Silby, Shely Smith) 2000
“Superwomen” (Jodi Buren,Donna Lopiano,Billie Jean King) 2005
"Good Enough to Dream," (Roger Kahn) 1985
"Juiced!" (Jose Canseco), 2002 - Carlos Alvarado, TAMUK
"When You Come to the Fork in the Road, Take It," - (Yogi Berra) 2002 - Juan Carlos Reyes, TAMUK
Sports Writing Class Thursday, April 16
In case some of you were wondering, we are meeting today. We are continuing our verbal discussion of your "favorite sports movie." Those who did not present Tuesday, be prepared to discuss your movie. We will finish this assignment today, and move on. If there are presentations left over, we will finish next Tuesday.
Also, a reminder, the sports column contest material was due yesterday. As of today, there are only three entries. First place, again, is a $25 gift certificate to Academy. Second place is...well, you know.
Good luck,
Dr. Flores
Also, a reminder, the sports column contest material was due yesterday. As of today, there are only three entries. First place, again, is a $25 gift certificate to Academy. Second place is...well, you know.
Good luck,
Dr. Flores
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Sports Writing Class Thursday, April 9, blog
Sports writing Thursday April 9 is a blog day class. Also, please use this time to catch up on any assignments. See you Tuesday. Thanks, Dr. Flores
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Pending Assignments
Sports Writing Assignments
Movie Review April 14, April 21
1 track April 22
Book Review PPoint April 28, April 30, May 5
2 sports columns April 16
1 Baseball, 1 Softball May 1
1 Feature Story (optional) May 5 (Extra Credit)
Take Home Test May 7
Movie Review April 14, April 21
1 track April 22
Book Review PPoint April 28, April 30, May 5
2 sports columns April 16
1 Baseball, 1 Softball May 1
1 Feature Story (optional) May 5 (Extra Credit)
Take Home Test May 7
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Movie Reivews/Book Reviews
On your "original" syllabus, the book reviews are due April 2 and the movie review April 9. Some of you have not even picked a book or a movie. Today is April 2, is your book review ready? If not, please try to get both the movie and book review in by April 14. The discussion on movie reviews (verbal) on April 14 and April 21. Those who turn it in earlier will get extra points. Your power point presentation on your book review will be April 28, April 30 and May 5.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 31 class, cancelled
Class, we will not be meeting on Tuesday, March 31. I will be out of town at the Rio Grande Valley on a recruiting trip and judging a UIL high school journalism district contest.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A fond farewell to a great sports writer....David Flores of the San Antonio Express-News
NOTE: Some of you may remember the assignment on Feb. 26 during the class from San Antonio was to listen to long-time San Antonio Express-News sports writer and columnist David Flores. Mr. Flores did not make it to class that day. I had talked to him earlier in the day and he said he had an important meeting to go to at his office downtown. He told me how happy he was that he had been spared by the cuts at the Express-News and how many of his friends had not survived. I could tell, however, by his voice cracking, that he was not sure he was totally safe from the "cuts" and "layoffs." He apologized but said he would love to return another day. Shortly after that talk at 1:45 p.m., Mr. Flores was told he was among the last batch of Express-News employees to be "laid off." Of course, he was devastated, but handled the situation with class and dignity. Today (March 21) his last column appears on the San Antonio Express-News website. It's a tough one, for me, who saw him grow up from a cub reporter at the Kingsville-Bishop Record News to one of the most respected sports writers and columnists in the state and nation. Now his days as a SA Express-News sports journalist are over.....but his legacy will live on. Few San Antonio journalists, in particular Hispanic, have touched as many people as he did with his reporting and his columns. Visit his website (you still have to complete your assignments) and check out his writing. His personal style of writing and ability to convert every thing into a human interest story with poignant personal comments, was singular in Texas sports writing. He will be missed. Buena suerte, senor Flores. And, one final note: It is ironic that our class has experienced the current status of the newspaper industry in the United States first-hand by witnessing the layoffs at the Express-News. While newspaper reporting, and print will survive, the very fact that one of our speakers was impacted with the current state of the economy and news industry serves as a poignant reminder of how fragile our world is nowadays.
This was the original post....
Class, we will have a guest speaker scheduled today. If he does not show up, we will discuss column writing and you will be assigned to read some of his columns. More on this at class. His name is David Flores. He is the senior sports columnist for the San Antonio Express-News. He has a long and varied career in sports writing and has covered every facet of sports, from local high schools to the professional level. An alumnus of Texas A&M-Kingsville, David Flores is known for his crisp, no-nonsense style of writing. His columns are very respected. While his game day reporting is excellent, his column writing is superb. If he shows up (there have been some serious setbacks at SAE-N this week), I will ask him to talk about his columns and how he reaches out to his readers. It's interesting, while he has had many columns of praise for the heroes of sports and life in general, he also is not afraid to write a critical column and ask for change. That is the power of a good column writer. Please be early to class. I will be having class from San Antonio.....bueno, see you soon.
Dr. Manuel Flores
Friday, March 20, 2009
Movie Review Assignment
By now you have selected your movie. Make sure to view and plan to do a report in class and also written. Follow the format below.....
MOVIE REVIEW SUGGESTED FORMAT
(Cover page: Times New Roman 14 point. Centered. Double spacing.
Review should be at least 2 pages…your call on this)
Review of:
NAME OF FILM, ALL CAPS, ITALICS
By
Your Name
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
COMM 4306
Sports Journalism
Month, day, date
REPORT FORMAT
(This is Times New Roman 12 point. Double spacing. Flush left.)
Opening: In bullet list form.
Film:
Release Date:
Director:
Producer:
Country of Origin:
Company:
Narrative: Begin with the title and details of the film; running time, historical items why film was made, if applicable.
Give me a short history of your film.
Review the main them of the movie.
Give a brief synopsis of the plot line.
Cite anyone that you quote.
Second page: Tell me what you found from historical (old) reviewers.
Then tell me what you found from current (recent) reviewers.
Tell me about the studio that produced and released the film – sometimes they are two different studios.
Tell me about the script – who wrote it, or adapted it for the screen, etc.
Tell me about the director and other films he/she directed.
Tell me about the main talent – actors and actresses – and other films in which they appeared.
How does this relate to sports journalism? Was it a protest film? Was it a film about stereotypes? Was it made to send a message or just to be historical? Was it just plain ol’ entertainment?
Third page: Tell me about your own viewing experience – what you liked/disliked, and what you thought worked and what you though didn’t work.
What was your favorite part of the movie? Why?
What were your favorite quotes from the film? Why?
Having seen the film how would you rate it or recommend it to others?
Conclusion: Your final opinion about this film.
Fourth page: Give me your bibliography, with at least three sources (book can be one)
MOVIE REVIEW SUGGESTED FORMAT
(Cover page: Times New Roman 14 point. Centered. Double spacing.
Review should be at least 2 pages…your call on this)
Review of:
NAME OF FILM, ALL CAPS, ITALICS
By
Your Name
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
COMM 4306
Sports Journalism
Month, day, date
REPORT FORMAT
(This is Times New Roman 12 point. Double spacing. Flush left.)
Opening: In bullet list form.
Film:
Release Date:
Director:
Producer:
Country of Origin:
Company:
Narrative: Begin with the title and details of the film; running time, historical items why film was made, if applicable.
Give me a short history of your film.
Review the main them of the movie.
Give a brief synopsis of the plot line.
Cite anyone that you quote.
Second page: Tell me what you found from historical (old) reviewers.
Then tell me what you found from current (recent) reviewers.
Tell me about the studio that produced and released the film – sometimes they are two different studios.
Tell me about the script – who wrote it, or adapted it for the screen, etc.
Tell me about the director and other films he/she directed.
Tell me about the main talent – actors and actresses – and other films in which they appeared.
How does this relate to sports journalism? Was it a protest film? Was it a film about stereotypes? Was it made to send a message or just to be historical? Was it just plain ol’ entertainment?
Third page: Tell me about your own viewing experience – what you liked/disliked, and what you thought worked and what you though didn’t work.
What was your favorite part of the movie? Why?
What were your favorite quotes from the film? Why?
Having seen the film how would you rate it or recommend it to others?
Conclusion: Your final opinion about this film.
Fourth page: Give me your bibliography, with at least three sources (book can be one)
Book Review Assignment
Book Review: One book review is required. The assignment will be both written and oral (presentation before the class). The written review must be submitted in MS Word format. The presentation can be a power point, slide or overhead project presentation. By now you have already selected your book from a list of approved books provided by the professor. Remember, the professor must “approve” the book.
Some suggestions for your book review
Things to look for . . . .
What are the author’s main points?
Again, these will often be stated in the introduction.
What kind of evidence does the author use to prove his or her points?
Is the evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does the author support his or her points adequately?
How does this book relate to the topic of Hispanics in the Media?
Is the book unique? Does it add new information? What group of readers, if any, would find this book most useful?
Does the author have the necessary expertise to write the book?
What credentials or background does the author have that qualify him or her to write the book? Has the author written other books or papers on this topic? Do others in this field consider this author to be an expert?
What do the reviewers say about this work?
Check out reviews on the Internet or journals to get this point.
How successful do you think the author was in carrying out the overall purposes of the book? Review the foreword in the book and also epilogue is some to determine this.
Depending on your book’s purpose, you should select appropriate criteria by which to judge its success. The primary concern is the reflection of Hispanics. Other concerns are its role for Hispanics in the Media and also whether it is of historical significance. Some points to consider: For example, review the foreword, if an author says his or her purpose is to argue for a particular solution to a public problem, then the review should judge whether the author has defined the problem, identified causes, planned points of attack, provided necessary background information, and offered specific solutions. A review should also
indicate the author’s professional expertise. In other instances, however, the authors or author may argue for a theory about a particular phenomenon. Reviews of these books should evaluate what kind of theory the book is arguing for, how much and what kind of evidence the author uses to support his or her scholarly claims, how valid the evidence seems, how expert the author is, and how much the book contributes to the knowledge of the field.
Writing the Book Review
Book reviews generally include the following information; keep in mind, though, that you may need to include other information to explain your assessment of a book.
Most reviews start off with a heading that includes all the bibliographic information about the book. There is a sample below:
Title. Author. Place of publication: publisher, date of publication. Number
of pages. Cost (if you can get it)
Like most pieces of writing, the review itself usually begins with an introduction that lets your readers know what the review will say. This is your opinion and it should be concise, poignant, succinct and to the point.
The first paragraph usually includes the author and title again, so your readers don’t have to look up to find this information. You should also include a very brief overview of the contents of the book, the purpose or audience for the book, and your reaction and evaluation.
You should then move into a section of background information that helps place the book in context and discusses criteria for judging the book.
Next, you should give a summary of the main points of the book, quoting and paraphrasing key phrases from the author. However, don’t tell the whole story. Make the reader want to go and get the book.
Finally, you get to the heart of your review—your evaluation of the book. In this section, you might discuss some of the following issues:
• how well the book has achieved its goal
• what possibilities are suggested by the book
• what the book has left out
• how the book compares to others on the subject
• what specific points are not convincing
• what personal experiences you’ve had related to the subject.
• and, in our case, how it related to our subject matter – Hispanics in the Media
It is important to use labels to carefully distinguish your views from the author’s, so that you don’t confuse your reader. Then, like other essays, you can end with a direct comment on the book (i.e. This book has wonderful examples of how Hispanic have impacted broadcast media and is a valuable resource for anyone doing research on the subject). You should then tie all your comments or issues raised together and come to a conclusion.
There is, of course, no set formula, but a general rule of thumb is that the first one-half to two-thirds of the review should summarize the author’s main ideas and at least one-third should evaluate the book.
Some suggestions for your book review
Things to look for . . . .
What are the author’s main points?
Again, these will often be stated in the introduction.
What kind of evidence does the author use to prove his or her points?
Is the evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does the author support his or her points adequately?
How does this book relate to the topic of Hispanics in the Media?
Is the book unique? Does it add new information? What group of readers, if any, would find this book most useful?
Does the author have the necessary expertise to write the book?
What credentials or background does the author have that qualify him or her to write the book? Has the author written other books or papers on this topic? Do others in this field consider this author to be an expert?
What do the reviewers say about this work?
Check out reviews on the Internet or journals to get this point.
How successful do you think the author was in carrying out the overall purposes of the book? Review the foreword in the book and also epilogue is some to determine this.
Depending on your book’s purpose, you should select appropriate criteria by which to judge its success. The primary concern is the reflection of Hispanics. Other concerns are its role for Hispanics in the Media and also whether it is of historical significance. Some points to consider: For example, review the foreword, if an author says his or her purpose is to argue for a particular solution to a public problem, then the review should judge whether the author has defined the problem, identified causes, planned points of attack, provided necessary background information, and offered specific solutions. A review should also
indicate the author’s professional expertise. In other instances, however, the authors or author may argue for a theory about a particular phenomenon. Reviews of these books should evaluate what kind of theory the book is arguing for, how much and what kind of evidence the author uses to support his or her scholarly claims, how valid the evidence seems, how expert the author is, and how much the book contributes to the knowledge of the field.
Writing the Book Review
Book reviews generally include the following information; keep in mind, though, that you may need to include other information to explain your assessment of a book.
Most reviews start off with a heading that includes all the bibliographic information about the book. There is a sample below:
Title. Author. Place of publication: publisher, date of publication. Number
of pages. Cost (if you can get it)
Like most pieces of writing, the review itself usually begins with an introduction that lets your readers know what the review will say. This is your opinion and it should be concise, poignant, succinct and to the point.
The first paragraph usually includes the author and title again, so your readers don’t have to look up to find this information. You should also include a very brief overview of the contents of the book, the purpose or audience for the book, and your reaction and evaluation.
You should then move into a section of background information that helps place the book in context and discusses criteria for judging the book.
Next, you should give a summary of the main points of the book, quoting and paraphrasing key phrases from the author. However, don’t tell the whole story. Make the reader want to go and get the book.
Finally, you get to the heart of your review—your evaluation of the book. In this section, you might discuss some of the following issues:
• how well the book has achieved its goal
• what possibilities are suggested by the book
• what the book has left out
• how the book compares to others on the subject
• what specific points are not convincing
• what personal experiences you’ve had related to the subject.
• and, in our case, how it related to our subject matter – Hispanics in the Media
It is important to use labels to carefully distinguish your views from the author’s, so that you don’t confuse your reader. Then, like other essays, you can end with a direct comment on the book (i.e. This book has wonderful examples of how Hispanic have impacted broadcast media and is a valuable resource for anyone doing research on the subject). You should then tie all your comments or issues raised together and come to a conclusion.
There is, of course, no set formula, but a general rule of thumb is that the first one-half to two-thirds of the review should summarize the author’s main ideas and at least one-third should evaluate the book.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
TAMUK Sports Writing Students Extra Credit Assignment
The Sports Writing students at TAMUK have an opportunity to gain extra credit by volunteering to keep score at the TAMUK 2009 Advertising Team's March Madness Basektball Tournament at the Stienke Physical Education Center (SPEC) on campus. The TAMUK 2009 Advertising Team is sponsoring a basketball tournament featuring area law enforcement agencies and fire department personnel in an effort to raise funds for District 10 competition in Houston in April. Tentatively, the tournament is set for March 26 ( i will verify this later). The Sports Writing students will be expected to keep the official score. Jaime and JC, we really need your help here....we will break up into teams of two. The tournament starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Make plans now....SA students, we will try to think of an extra credit project for you as well as the semester rolls along....okay, post on the blog to comment or call me...I will be in and out of the TAMUK office all this week during Spring Break, but I am taking off Thursday and Friday......Isn't this fun?
Dr. Flores
Sport Column Contest - deadline April 15
Welcome of the 2009 TAMUK & SCSA Sports Column Writing Contest! As part of your course curriculum, you were to write "two" sports columns. Please use the lecture notes provided (about two weeks ago) and use your book as a reference, as well as reading the David Flores' columns and completing that assignment, to write THE BEST COLUMN EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORTS JOURNALISM CLASS!!!!!
Excited?
You should be. Here's a chance to write your opinion, analysis and slant on any sports story - from the pros and major leagues to the university teams and even local high school happenings. Remember, a column should not be a glorified human interest story or feature story....it must have a POINT or a SLANT and must be provocative....almost always.....Even if the column praises someone or some team, it must promote, also, the character and feelings of the writer. You can use "I" in a column, but most good columns just sort of "talk" to the readers through their writing and avoid the use "I". Get it?
So, the assignment (2 - dos - columns) is due April 15. They must be turned in by that day. The columns will be judged by professionals at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, San Antonio Express-News and Alice Daily Echo News. Buena suerte (good luck) Now, like every good contest..there will be prizes.
1st Place - $25 Gift Certificate to Academy
2nd Place - $10 Girt Certificate to Whataburger
3rd Place - $5 cash.
If any of you can find another "sponsor", put it in and we will add it to the pot...okay?
Bueno, good luck. And, we are meeting as a class again next Tuesday. Take advantage of this time to catch up with the baseball games.....there's plenty of acation out there...
Excited?
You should be. Here's a chance to write your opinion, analysis and slant on any sports story - from the pros and major leagues to the university teams and even local high school happenings. Remember, a column should not be a glorified human interest story or feature story....it must have a POINT or a SLANT and must be provocative....almost always.....Even if the column praises someone or some team, it must promote, also, the character and feelings of the writer. You can use "I" in a column, but most good columns just sort of "talk" to the readers through their writing and avoid the use "I". Get it?
So, the assignment (2 - dos - columns) is due April 15. They must be turned in by that day. The columns will be judged by professionals at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, San Antonio Express-News and Alice Daily Echo News. Buena suerte (good luck) Now, like every good contest..there will be prizes.
1st Place - $25 Gift Certificate to Academy
2nd Place - $10 Girt Certificate to Whataburger
3rd Place - $5 cash.
If any of you can find another "sponsor", put it in and we will add it to the pot...okay?
Bueno, good luck. And, we are meeting as a class again next Tuesday. Take advantage of this time to catch up with the baseball games.....there's plenty of acation out there...
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Spring Break Schedule
Here is the schedule for Spring Break.....
TAMUK-System Center San Antonio Spring Break is Monday, March 9 through Sunday, March 15. The students in San Antonio will not have a class meeting March 10 or March 12. They will receive blog assignments for their classes March 17 and 19 but do not have to show up to class since the Distance Learning personnel at TAMUK cannot "make the connection with SA." They are advised to follow the blog for the book and movie review assignments and to keep up with their reading. We will meet as a class again March 24 and 26. In the meantime, there are plenty of baseball/softball games to cover. How about it?
The TAMUK Spring Break is Monday March 16 through Sunday March 22. The TAMUK students will meet as a class in Cousins Hall Room 121 on March 10 but not March 12, which is an assignment date to cover baseball. The TAMUK students will not meet on March 17 and 19. We will meet again as a FULL class March 24 and March 26. Watch for those book and movie review assignments on the blog.
Please call me if are confused about this. Again, here is the schedule
March 10 - TAMUK YES, TAMUK SCSA -NO
MARCH 12 - TAMUK NO, TAMUK-SCSA NO
MARCH 17 -TAMUK NO, TAMUK-SCSA NO
March 19 - TAMUK NO, TAMUK-SASC NO
MARCH 24 - Back to normal
TAMUK-System Center San Antonio Spring Break is Monday, March 9 through Sunday, March 15. The students in San Antonio will not have a class meeting March 10 or March 12. They will receive blog assignments for their classes March 17 and 19 but do not have to show up to class since the Distance Learning personnel at TAMUK cannot "make the connection with SA." They are advised to follow the blog for the book and movie review assignments and to keep up with their reading. We will meet as a class again March 24 and 26. In the meantime, there are plenty of baseball/softball games to cover. How about it?
The TAMUK Spring Break is Monday March 16 through Sunday March 22. The TAMUK students will meet as a class in Cousins Hall Room 121 on March 10 but not March 12, which is an assignment date to cover baseball. The TAMUK students will not meet on March 17 and 19. We will meet again as a FULL class March 24 and March 26. Watch for those book and movie review assignments on the blog.
Please call me if are confused about this. Again, here is the schedule
March 10 - TAMUK YES, TAMUK SCSA -NO
MARCH 12 - TAMUK NO, TAMUK-SCSA NO
MARCH 17 -TAMUK NO, TAMUK-SCSA NO
March 19 - TAMUK NO, TAMUK-SASC NO
MARCH 24 - Back to normal
Book Reviews - Please Check
Class, I lost my notes on the movie and book reviews when I went to San Antonio. I left them in one of the classrooms....I'm sure they are gone by now. Can you please review this list and post your name and book so we can update? If you don't have a book yet, please choose one....it will be first-call, first-served basis from now on for these booka and the book must be a book on this list.....the time of your posting will be used as a guide for this. As soon as the list is complete and every one has a book you will get the format for the assignment.
Sports Illustrated Top Books That I Recommend
"Paper Lion" (George Plimpton)1965
"Fever Pitch" (Nick Hornby) 1991 - Tania Garcia - TAMUK
"Cosell" (Howard Cosell) 1973
"Season on the Brink" (John Feinstein) 1986
"The Fight"(Norman Mailer) 1975
"When Pride Still Mattered"(David Maraniss) 1999
"Muhammad Ali: Life & Times" (T. Hauser) 1991
“The Boys of Summer” (Roger Kahn) 1971 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
"The Sweet Science" 1951
"Veeck as in Wreck" (Bill Veeck) 1962
"The Natural" (Bernard Malamud)1952
"Ball Four" (Jim Bouton) 1970
"Everybody’s All American"(Frank DeFord) 1981
"No cheering in the press box" (Holtzman) 1973
"The Glory of Their Times" ( Ritter) 1966
"Friday Night Lights" (H.G. Bissiner) 1990
"Semi-Tough" (Dan Jenkins) 1972
"A season on the brink"(John Feinstein) 1986
“You Know Me Al,” (Ring Lardner) 1914
“The Game” (Ken Dryden) 1983
Books that I recommend
“Always Dream” (Kristi Yamaguchi) 1998
“Amazing Women Athletes” (Jill Bryant) 2002
“Babe Didrikson: Athlete of Century”( Knudson) 1985 - Sasha Rodriguez, TAMUK
“Big Girl in the Middle” (Gabriellle Reece) 1997
“Game Face” (J. Gottseman, Penny Marshall) 1998
“The Girls of Summer” (Jere Longman) 2000 - Alisa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA
“Go for the Goal!” (Mia Hamm) 2000
“In These Girls, Hope Is a Muscle”(Madeline Blais) 1995
“Let Me Play: The Title IX Story” (Karen Blumenthal) 2005
“Living the Dream” (Dot Richardson) 1997
“Mighty Jackie” (Marissa Moss) 1998
“Still Kicking” (Katie Hinda) 2006
“A Whole New Ball Game” (Sue Macy) 1995
“Raising our Athletic Daughters” Zimmerman & Russell)1998
“Brian’s Song” (William Blinn) 1972 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK
“The Frailty Myth” (Collette Dowling) 2000
“Games Girls Play” (Caroline Silby, Shely Smith) 2000
“Superwomen” (Jodi Buren,Donna Lopiano,Billie Jean King) 2005
"Good Enough to Dream," (Roger Kahn) 1985
"Juiced!" (Jose Canseco), 2002 - Carlos Alvarado, TAMUK
Sports Illustrated Top Books That I Recommend
"Paper Lion" (George Plimpton)1965
"Fever Pitch" (Nick Hornby) 1991 - Tania Garcia - TAMUK
"Cosell" (Howard Cosell) 1973
"Season on the Brink" (John Feinstein) 1986
"The Fight"(Norman Mailer) 1975
"When Pride Still Mattered"(David Maraniss) 1999
"Muhammad Ali: Life & Times" (T. Hauser) 1991
“The Boys of Summer” (Roger Kahn) 1971 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
"The Sweet Science" 1951
"Veeck as in Wreck" (Bill Veeck) 1962
"The Natural" (Bernard Malamud)1952
"Ball Four" (Jim Bouton) 1970
"Everybody’s All American"(Frank DeFord) 1981
"No cheering in the press box" (Holtzman) 1973
"The Glory of Their Times" ( Ritter) 1966
"Friday Night Lights" (H.G. Bissiner) 1990
"Semi-Tough" (Dan Jenkins) 1972
"A season on the brink"(John Feinstein) 1986
“You Know Me Al,” (Ring Lardner) 1914
“The Game” (Ken Dryden) 1983
Books that I recommend
“Always Dream” (Kristi Yamaguchi) 1998
“Amazing Women Athletes” (Jill Bryant) 2002
“Babe Didrikson: Athlete of Century”( Knudson) 1985 - Sasha Rodriguez, TAMUK
“Big Girl in the Middle” (Gabriellle Reece) 1997
“Game Face” (J. Gottseman, Penny Marshall) 1998
“The Girls of Summer” (Jere Longman) 2000 - Alisa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA
“Go for the Goal!” (Mia Hamm) 2000
“In These Girls, Hope Is a Muscle”(Madeline Blais) 1995
“Let Me Play: The Title IX Story” (Karen Blumenthal) 2005
“Living the Dream” (Dot Richardson) 1997
“Mighty Jackie” (Marissa Moss) 1998
“Still Kicking” (Katie Hinda) 2006
“A Whole New Ball Game” (Sue Macy) 1995
“Raising our Athletic Daughters” Zimmerman & Russell)1998
“Brian’s Song” (William Blinn) 1972 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK
“The Frailty Myth” (Collette Dowling) 2000
“Games Girls Play” (Caroline Silby, Shely Smith) 2000
“Superwomen” (Jodi Buren,Donna Lopiano,Billie Jean King) 2005
"Good Enough to Dream," (Roger Kahn) 1985
"Juiced!" (Jose Canseco), 2002 - Carlos Alvarado, TAMUK
Movie Reviews...please check
Sports Illustrated Top Movies That I Recommend
Movie and Student Assigned to Review
Class, I lost my notes on the movie and book reviews when I went to San Antonio. I left them in one of the classrooms....I'm sure they are gone by now. Can you please review this list and post your name and movie so we can update? If you don't have a movie yet, please choose one....it will be first-call, first-served basis from now on for these movies and it must be a movie on this list.....the time of your posting will be used as a guide for this. As soon as the list is complete and every one has a movie you will get the format for the assignment.
Top SI Movies
"The Natural" 1984 - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK
"Jerry Maguire" 1996
"Bad News Bears" 1976 - Lisa Lane, TAMUK
"Hoosiers" 1988 Jacque Hutton, TAMUK
"North Dallas Forty" 1979
"Field of Dreams"1989 - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK
"Rocky" 1976
"Fat City" 1972
“Damn Yankees!” 1958
“Slap Shot” 1977 - Tania Garcia, TAMUK
“Raging Bull” 1989
"Bang the Drum Slowly" 1973
"Breaking Away" 1979
"Friday Night Lights" - Noe Longoria
“Requiem for a Heavyweight”1962
"Tin Cup" 1996 - Joe Hamon, TAMUK
“The Hustler” 1961
“Chariots of Fire” 1981 - Alissa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA
"Bull Durham" 1988
Auxiliary List of Movies That I recommend
"Rudy" 1993 - Mary Beth Cleavin, TAMUK
"White Men Can't Jump" 1992 - Mark Molina, TAMUK
"Prefontaine"1997
"We Are Marshall" 2006 - Lorraine Rodriguez, TAMUK
“League of Their Own” 1992 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
“61*” 2006
“Victory” 1981 - Greg Stelfox, TAMUK
“Cool Runnings” 1993
“Grand Prix”1966
“National Velvet” 1944
“Enter the Dragon” 1973
“Lady Bugs” 1992 - Carlos Alvarado, TAMUK
“Caddyshack” 1980 - Andrew Harper, TAMUK
“MajorLeague” 1989
“Hoop Dreams” 1994
“The Longest Yard” 1974 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK
“Remember the Titans” 2000 - Cristina Garza, TAMUK-SCSA
“Brian’s Song” 1971
"Invincible" 2006v- David Mendez, TAMUK
"Happy Gilmore199? - Emmanuel Dixon, TAMUK
"Goal!" - 2004 - Sasha Rodriguez, TAMUK
Movie and Student Assigned to Review
Class, I lost my notes on the movie and book reviews when I went to San Antonio. I left them in one of the classrooms....I'm sure they are gone by now. Can you please review this list and post your name and movie so we can update? If you don't have a movie yet, please choose one....it will be first-call, first-served basis from now on for these movies and it must be a movie on this list.....the time of your posting will be used as a guide for this. As soon as the list is complete and every one has a movie you will get the format for the assignment.
Top SI Movies
"The Natural" 1984 - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK
"Jerry Maguire" 1996
"Bad News Bears" 1976 - Lisa Lane, TAMUK
"Hoosiers" 1988 Jacque Hutton, TAMUK
"North Dallas Forty" 1979
"Field of Dreams"1989 - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK
"Rocky" 1976
"Fat City" 1972
“Damn Yankees!” 1958
“Slap Shot” 1977 - Tania Garcia, TAMUK
“Raging Bull” 1989
"Bang the Drum Slowly" 1973
"Breaking Away" 1979
"Friday Night Lights" - Noe Longoria
“Requiem for a Heavyweight”1962
"Tin Cup" 1996 - Joe Hamon, TAMUK
“The Hustler” 1961
“Chariots of Fire” 1981 - Alissa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA
"Bull Durham" 1988
Auxiliary List of Movies That I recommend
"Rudy" 1993 - Mary Beth Cleavin, TAMUK
"White Men Can't Jump" 1992 - Mark Molina, TAMUK
"Prefontaine"1997
"We Are Marshall" 2006 - Lorraine Rodriguez, TAMUK
“League of Their Own” 1992 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
“61*” 2006
“Victory” 1981 - Greg Stelfox, TAMUK
“Cool Runnings” 1993
“Grand Prix”1966
“National Velvet” 1944
“Enter the Dragon” 1973
“Lady Bugs” 1992 - Carlos Alvarado, TAMUK
“Caddyshack” 1980 - Andrew Harper, TAMUK
“MajorLeague” 1989
“Hoop Dreams” 1994
“The Longest Yard” 1974 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK
“Remember the Titans” 2000 - Cristina Garza, TAMUK-SCSA
“Brian’s Song” 1971
"Invincible" 2006v- David Mendez, TAMUK
"Happy Gilmore199? - Emmanuel Dixon, TAMUK
"Goal!" - 2004 - Sasha Rodriguez, TAMUK
Column Writing Assignment - both due March 26
Part I: Please review the chapter in your book about column writing. Also, please go to mysanantonio.com - the website for the San Antonio Express News - and pick two columns by veteran E-N sports columnist and reporter David Flores and tell me the style he chose and what your take on his writing style is. Is Mr. Flores opinionated? Does he have a point or is he just writing a feature (human interest story). This should prepare you for the next phase....
Part II: Write two columns of your choice. Choose your style from the textbook. The column should be at least 750 words. These will be published either online or in The South Texan if the editors deem them to be worthy. Good luck...this is not due until after the TAMUK spring break...be careful and be safe....if you need ideas, call or email or post something on this blog....And, by the way, he is not related to me.
thanks
Dr. Flores
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Guest Speaker Today - Feb. 26 Class will be in San Antonio
NOTE: Some of you may remember the assignment this day from San Antonio was to listen to long-time San Antonio Express-News sports writer and columnist David Flores. Mr. Flores did not make it to class that day. I had talked to him earlier in the day and he said he had an important meeting to go to at his office downtown. He told me how happy he was that he had been spared by the cuts at the Express-News and how many of his friends had not survived. I could tell, by his voice cracking, that he was sure he was totally safe from the "cuts" and "lay offs." He apologized but said the would love to return another day. Shortly after that talk at 1:45 p.m., Mr. Flores was told he was among the last batch of Express-News employees to be "laid off." Of course, he was devastated, but handled the situation with class and dignity. Today (March 21) his last column appears on the San Antonio Express-News website. It's a tough one, for me, who saw him grow up from a cub reporter at the Kingsville-Bishop Record News to one of the most respected sports writers and columnists in the state and nation. Now he's gone.....but his legacy will live on. Visit his website (you have to complete your assignments) and check out his writing. His personal style of writing and ability to convert every thing into a human interest story with poignant personal comments, was singular here in Texas sports writing. He will be missed. Buena suerte, senor Flores.
Class, we will have a guest speaker scheduled today. If he does not show up, we will discuss column writing and you will be assigned to read some of his columns. More on this at class. His name is David Flores. He is the senior sports columnist for the San Antonio Express-News. He has a long and varied career in sports writing and has covered every facet of sports, from local high schools to the professional level. An alumnus of Texas A&M-Kingsville, David Flores is known for his crisp, no-nonsense style of writing. His columns are very respected. While his game day reporting is excellent, his column writing is superb. If he shows up (there have been some serious setbacks at SAE-N this week), I will ask him to talk about his columns and how he reaches out to his readers. It's interesting, while he has had many columns of praise for the heroes of sports and life in general, he also is not afraid to write a critical column and ask for change. That is the power of a good column writer. Please be early to class. I will be having class from San Antonio.....bueno, see you soon.
Dr. Manuel Flores
Class, we will have a guest speaker scheduled today. If he does not show up, we will discuss column writing and you will be assigned to read some of his columns. More on this at class. His name is David Flores. He is the senior sports columnist for the San Antonio Express-News. He has a long and varied career in sports writing and has covered every facet of sports, from local high schools to the professional level. An alumnus of Texas A&M-Kingsville, David Flores is known for his crisp, no-nonsense style of writing. His columns are very respected. While his game day reporting is excellent, his column writing is superb. If he shows up (there have been some serious setbacks at SAE-N this week), I will ask him to talk about his columns and how he reaches out to his readers. It's interesting, while he has had many columns of praise for the heroes of sports and life in general, he also is not afraid to write a critical column and ask for change. That is the power of a good column writer. Please be early to class. I will be having class from San Antonio.....bueno, see you soon.
Dr. Manuel Flores
Kingsville students, good job
Just a note to thank the TAMUK students who attended the basketball doubleheader at the Steinke Physical Education Center (SPEC) last night. You all saw two good games and were part of a very enthusiastic and large crowd as both the men's and women's team tried to advance to the Lone Star Conference playoffs. I was pleased to see how "professionally" you behaved. You didn't cheer. You maintained your composure. You waited patiently for the coach to talk to his players before the interview sessions and you asked questions that related to the game. The games had many angles - senior night for both teams, last game at home this year for both teams, a serious injury for the TAMUK women, and making the playoffs. Also, the game started late cause the officials did not show up in time (why?) and the men's game lasted until almost midnight. But, the important thing is the game and what it meant to the players and coaches, our university and the community. George Vondracek, senior sports writer for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times wrote an excellent story. He decided to base his story by singling out the performance of one player. Is this right, or was this a "team win?" Is there such a thing as a team win? At any rate, Mr. Vondracek's lead and take on the story is one way to write that story. He also took time to get quotes - good ones - and incorporated them into his story expertly. Visit caller.com website to see his story or, in Kingsville, get a free copy of the paper today at the SUB. Also, look at the box scores he prepared. Bottom line: Good Job. You didn't cheer or get excited and it was even hard for me to maintain my sense of fair play and objectivity.
thanks
dr. flores
thanks
dr. flores
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Basketball game assignment
Remember, the basketball game assignment is due at the end of next week, at the latest. You are to cover two games - one men's (boys) and one women's (girls). At the high school level they are boys and girls. At the college level and above in its men and women. Okay. Your story should be AP style - 400-500 words. It should include at least two quotes. It should answer the 5Ws and 1H. You must include a copy of your stat sheet and you must add an AP Style Box Score to your report. Please call if you have any questions....thanks dr. flores
Feb. 19 class update ---test delayed
Class, I was unable to download test material into blog site. I'm sorry. Can all you please send me your emails so that I can email this to you by Monday. You will have until next Thursday, Feb. 26, to complete the tests once I get them to you this weekend. Okay? Now, here are the emails I have. If you name is not there, then you must send it to me via email at manuelf78407@yahoo.com...thanks
Katrina Alejandrojzmccoy07@gmail.com
Carlos Alvaradokscta00@tamuk.edu
Emmanuel Dixon; bigenormous77@hotmail.com
noe longoria; no_e@hotmail.com
Juan Carlos Reyesjuancarlosr18@yahoo.com
Lorraine Rodriguez; nov_bunn_13@yahoo.com
Greg Stelfox;vivid005@aol.com
Alisa Reynolds;alisa.reynolds@gmail.com
Jaime Gonzalez; jaime_omar726@hotmail.com
Tania Garcia;Tania_garcia89@yahoo.com
So, I will get this to you all by Monday...okay...thanks
dr. flores
Katrina Alejandro
Carlos Alvarado
Emmanuel Dixon
noe longoria
Juan Carlos Reyes
Lorraine Rodriguez
Greg Stelfox
Alisa Reynolds
Jaime Gonzalez
Tania Garcia
So, I will get this to you all by Monday...okay...thanks
dr. flores
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Feb. 19 class blog assignment
We will not be meeting on this date. I will be out of town. Please watch for a sports IQ quiz and stats style sheet to be posted here and please download - copy pastes - and email or bring to class Tuesday, Feb. 24. Be ready to discuss in class.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Chapter 2 Assignments - Part 3 (Due by Feb. 27)
Assignment 4: Legal issues are now very common in sports. For sports journalists covering today's myriad of issues - from steroid use, to heat-related deaths and use of drugs - being aware of legal terms is essential. Toward the end of Chapter 2, there is a discussion on "libel" - or written defamation of a person - also cover invasion of privacy. On a short comment on this blog, review that part of Chapter 2. Be able to explain:
(1) What is libel?
(2) How do you define the publication requirement of this law?
(3) How does a person prove he or she was a victim of libel?
(4) What is the only absolute defense of libel for a journalist?
(5) What is "qualified privilege"?
(6) What is "malice"?
(7) What is "neutral reporting" and how does this impact libel suits?
(8) How does "current newsworthiness" impact a complaint about "invasion or privacy"?
Please email your comments to me by Feb. 27.
Assignment 5: This is a blog assignment on this post. Please answer question 4 on page 41. Place your answer on the comment section of this post. Make sure you identify yourself. You are allowed to banter with your fellow classmates on this issue. In other words, if Jaime makes a comment, Shaun in SA or Mark in Kingsville can post their own version and challenge Jaime's statement. This is only an example.....okay? Good luck.
Chapter 2 Assignments - Part 2 (Due by Feb. 20)
Assignment 3: The ethics discussion on Chapter 2 is quite complete. Please review the following terms and in short, succinct statements, explain how they affect a sports journalists' ethics.
(1) Maintaining Independence
(2) Fair Play
(3) Pay Your Way
(4) Restrict Free-Lancing
(5) No Deals, No Discounts
(6) No Free Tickets for mom and dad and significant others
(7) All-Star voting
(8) Race and gender issues
Be prepared to discuss this in class. Also, please place your responses on the "comment" form of this post. Call if you have questions.
(1) Maintaining Independence
(2) Fair Play
(3) Pay Your Way
(4) Restrict Free-Lancing
(5) No Deals, No Discounts
(6) No Free Tickets for mom and dad and significant others
(7) All-Star voting
(8) Race and gender issues
Be prepared to discuss this in class. Also, please place your responses on the "comment" form of this post. Call if you have questions.
Chapter 2 Assignments -What you owe your readers (Due by Feb. 13)
Assignment 1: Sports journalists are not immune from following the ethics codes for the Society of Professional Journalists. Chapter 2 reviews this very thoroughly by reporting on the sports bra exposure incident of U.S. women's soccer star Brandi Chastain. On July 10, 1999 at the Women's World Cup at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, after scoring the fifth penalty kick to give the United States the win over China in the final game, Chastain celebrated by peeling off her jersey and falling to her knees in a sports bra, her fists clenched. This image was featured on the covers of TIME, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated (featured here). Her act drew worldwide attention. In addition, NIKE stood to profit from this act. Review this issue and explain if you agree that there may have been an underlying current of commercialism with this act? What are the responsibilities of the sports journalist on this issue? Do we cover the story? Do we run this picture? Are we selling out? Or, is this just part of the game? Write and essay about ethics in sports journalism. Review the entries in the book on SPJ and APSE. Keep it short - no more than 250 words. Post your answer on this blog.
Assignment 2: On this chapter the author lists several things that a sports journalist should be aware of while covering a story. Among them are: (1) Beware of sensationalism, (2) double-check facts, (3) consider privacy and (4) avoid cynicism. Write a 250 word essay on this subjects (it's in the books) and be ready to discuss in class and turn in when we meet next. SA students, please email to kfmcf00@tamuk.edu or manuelf78407@yahoo.com.
Good luck
Friday, February 6, 2009
Remeber, no class Tuesday, Feb. 10
This is just a reminder that there will be no class Tuesday, as listed on the syllabus. This is a makeup for your extended Super Bowl coverage and also to give you time to make plans to attend a basketball game. Thank you for your hard work during this past Super Bowl. Most of you did very good work. However, because of deadline pressure and technical problems with The South Texan and TAMUK e-mail system, we did not get some stories in time to place in the specail Super Bowl section of The South Texan. Most of those are now on the tamuk.edu/southtexan website. A special portal on the website has also been set aside for TAMUK-SCSA students so that students there can see the original work our students in San Antonio are producing. Check it out....thanks.....
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Assignment 2 - What I learned from Fred Neusch and assorted findings
Please don't forget you have a 200-word essay detailing three things you learned from long time sports information director Fred Neusch.
In addition, you have this assignment:
1. What is AWSM? When did it start and why? Is it needed?
2. Who was the first woman to cover a professional sports event for a newspaper? How did her byline appear?
3. What is CoSIDA?
4. What is APSE?
5. What is TXSWA?
6. What is Title IX and how did it impact women's sports in America?
Keep your answers short. Answer the question briefly and succinctly. Please email your answers to me at manuelf78407@yahoo.com. Make sure you identify yourself and not that is a sports writing assignment. Thanks.
good luck
In addition, you have this assignment:
1. What is AWSM? When did it start and why? Is it needed?
2. Who was the first woman to cover a professional sports event for a newspaper? How did her byline appear?
3. What is CoSIDA?
4. What is APSE?
5. What is TXSWA?
6. What is Title IX and how did it impact women's sports in America?
Keep your answers short. Answer the question briefly and succinctly. Please email your answers to me at manuelf78407@yahoo.com. Make sure you identify yourself and not that is a sports writing assignment. Thanks.
good luck
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Weekly Assignments at a glance
To make it easier to find the weekly assignments, it is posted here. This is where we will make updates on assignments. Please visit frequently. Changes will be in bold or ital. This schedule is subject to change depending on speaker availability during the semester and class progress. You will receive notice of any schedule changes by e-mail and/or in class.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Thursday, Jan. 15 –The Kickoff: Meet and Greet. Discuss concept of class, course descriptions. Some expectations.
Assignments: Read Part 1: The Kickoff – The Writer’s Arena and What You Owe Your Readers. Go online
and see Sports Illustrated’s and other “The Top 100 Sports Books of All Time,” and “The 50 Great Sports
Movies.” Let’s Play Sports Trivia.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Meet with TAMUK-SCSA students and review material discussed with TAMUK students
on Thursday, Jan. 15
Thursday, Jan. 24 – Sports Banter. Start the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Game Time: The sports writer and
broadcaster in the arena. What these professionals owe the reader. Review assignments for Super Bowl coverage
special for TAMUK student newspaper, The South Texan. Assignment:What is COSIDA?What is APSE?
What is AWSM? Be ready to discuss on Thursday. Read Part 2: Blocking and Tackling: Strong Reporting.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 –Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Review data on sports stats. Possible Speaker: Rolando Flores, Sports Writer Alice Echo news. How to cover a football game. The Advance, the game, the AP Style stats, the story. Finalize Assignments for Super Bowl coverage. Assignment: Write a short paper on what you learned from Mr. Flores' presentation. Turn it in next class.
Thursday, Jan. 29 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Possible Guest Speaker: Fred Neusch,
long-time member of COSIDA speaks about gathering and disseminating sports on info about the Javelinas and details how sports information is an important part of the sports scene. Assignments:Write a 1-page reporting three important elements you learned from Mr. Neusch’s presentation.How to cover a football game. Read: Part 3: Making the Writer’s Muse Work.
Sunday, Feb. 1 - Special Assignment for Super Bowl coverage for special 2-page spread in the next issue of
The South Texan.
Assignments and Students Assigned
(1) Actual Super Bowl Game - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK
(2) Winner’s Locker Room - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
(3) Loser’s Locker Room - Jacque Hutton, TAMUK
(4) The Fan Reaction in Kville (cover BHB?)- Noe Longoria and Joe Hamon, TAMUK
(5) The Fan Reaction in SA - Alisa Reynolds & Christina Garza, TAMUK-SCSA
(6) Student Reax at both campuses - David Mendez, TAMUK
(7) Select a Feature (MVP) - Andrew Harper, TAMUK
(8) Photos of people watching game either at backyards or at bars. Get Ids of people. Preferably students - Greg Stelfox, TAMUK
(9) The typical women’s view (a column?) of the Super Bowl - Lorraine Rodriguez & Katrina Alejando, TAMUK(10) The Ads…which ones did people really like.
(11) Other assignments to be developed by class (Halftime Show)- Mary Beth Cleavin, TAMUKWe will assign two leaders, probably from the staff of The South Texan, to coordinate this class effort. NOTE:
(12) Analytical Column - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK
(13) Edgerin James, Kurt Warner or other athlete feataure depending on game - Mark Molina, TAMUK
(14) A Small Town in Texas and the Super Bowl - Lisa Lane, TAMUK
(15) Super Excitement at the Dorms - Emmanuel Dixon, TAMUK
Stories are due at 10 a.m. on Monday after The Super Bowl.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a basketball game.
Review AP Style stats, game coverage, etc. Possible speaker: Shane Melings, Sports Information Director Texas A&M-Kingsville, Stats software and stuff. Assignment: Read Part 4: Covering the majors – football, baseball, basketball.
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Discussion on selecting a basketball
game cover. Make sure we have press credentials. Techniques on covering basketball.
Saturday, Feb. 7 – TAMUK students will staff Javelinas basketball games against Angelo State University. SA
students pick a high school or college game in their areas to staff or cover that weekend. Prefer a college game.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 – No class. Make up for Super Bowl and basketball coverage.
Thursday, Feb. 12 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ & verbal basketball stats quiz. Start to review covering basketball games. Plan to assign coverage this weekend. Basketball stories are due Feb. 22 complete with stats. Possible speaker, Rolando Flores, sports editor Alice Publishing Company newspapers. Assignment: Read Part 5: Covering the “Others.” TheWiderWorld of Sports
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Make final assignments on
books and movie review, which will be due in March and April. The student is expected to secure copies of the
books and movies on his or her own. Possible guest speaker: Shane Meling, Sports Information Director for Texas A&M-Kingsville. Prepare for Sports IQ Quiz and Test.
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Sports IQ Quiz and Stats Style Test on blog. Download and email or bring to class Tuesday.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Covering baseball games. The
advance, the AP Style Test, the game. Possible guest speaker to be announced.
Thursday, Feb. 26 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. More baseball stats. Baseball
is stats crazy.
Tuesday, March 3 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. More baseball stats. Cover a
portion of a taped game. Assignment: Do a story on baseball stats.
Thursday, March 5 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a track meet.
The stats, the game story. Class in Kingsville can cover a baseball game at Nolan Ryan Field and write a baseball
game story.
Tuesday, March 10 – TAMUK-SCSA spring break* Class in Kingsville can cover TAMUK softball game at and
write a softball game story.
Thursday, March 12 – TAMUK-SCSA spring break.*
Tuesday, March 17 – TAMU-Kingsville spring break.*
Thursday, March 19 – TAMU-Kingsville spring break.*
*Note: Because of the inability to have class together, this two-week period will be used to let students in both
campuses finalize their movie reviews. Format and style of reviews will be available.
Tuesdsay, March 31 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Selected students start making
Movie Review presentations. It must be in PowerPoint format and there should also be a class handout.
Thursday, April 2 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Selected students start making
Movie Review presentations. It must be in PowerPoint format and there should also be a class handout.
Tuesday, April 7 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. The Sports Column. Possible
guest speaker: David Flores, columnist San Antonio Express-News sports staff. This class will be from San Antonio.
Assignment: Bring a print or online sports column to class to discuss. Make handouts for the entire class.
Thursday, April 9 – No Class. TIPA convention.
Tuesday, April 14 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Discuss types of sports
columns. Assignment:Write a sports column for the following class.
Thursday, April 16 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game Review columns and all writing
assignments.
Tuesday, April 21 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats Quiz.
Thursday, April 23 – No Class, AAF Convention.
Tuesday, April 28 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats Quiz. - Football
Thursday, April 30 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – basketball.
Tuesday, May 5 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – baseball, softball.
Thursday, May 7 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – soccer, track, other
sports.
Final Assignment: Portfolio due on day of final. TBA.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Thursday, Jan. 15 –The Kickoff: Meet and Greet. Discuss concept of class, course descriptions. Some expectations.
Assignments: Read Part 1: The Kickoff – The Writer’s Arena and What You Owe Your Readers. Go online
and see Sports Illustrated’s and other “The Top 100 Sports Books of All Time,” and “The 50 Great Sports
Movies.” Let’s Play Sports Trivia.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Meet with TAMUK-SCSA students and review material discussed with TAMUK students
on Thursday, Jan. 15
Thursday, Jan. 24 – Sports Banter. Start the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Game Time: The sports writer and
broadcaster in the arena. What these professionals owe the reader. Review assignments for Super Bowl coverage
special for TAMUK student newspaper, The South Texan. Assignment:What is COSIDA?What is APSE?
What is AWSM? Be ready to discuss on Thursday. Read Part 2: Blocking and Tackling: Strong Reporting.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 –Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Review data on sports stats. Possible Speaker: Rolando Flores, Sports Writer Alice Echo news. How to cover a football game. The Advance, the game, the AP Style stats, the story. Finalize Assignments for Super Bowl coverage. Assignment: Write a short paper on what you learned from Mr. Flores' presentation. Turn it in next class.
Thursday, Jan. 29 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Possible Guest Speaker: Fred Neusch,
long-time member of COSIDA speaks about gathering and disseminating sports on info about the Javelinas and details how sports information is an important part of the sports scene. Assignments:Write a 1-page reporting three important elements you learned from Mr. Neusch’s presentation.How to cover a football game. Read: Part 3: Making the Writer’s Muse Work.
Sunday, Feb. 1 - Special Assignment for Super Bowl coverage for special 2-page spread in the next issue of
The South Texan.
Assignments and Students Assigned
(1) Actual Super Bowl Game - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK
(2) Winner’s Locker Room - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
(3) Loser’s Locker Room - Jacque Hutton, TAMUK
(4) The Fan Reaction in Kville (cover BHB?)- Noe Longoria and Joe Hamon, TAMUK
(5) The Fan Reaction in SA - Alisa Reynolds & Christina Garza, TAMUK-SCSA
(6) Student Reax at both campuses - David Mendez, TAMUK
(7) Select a Feature (MVP) - Andrew Harper, TAMUK
(8) Photos of people watching game either at backyards or at bars. Get Ids of people. Preferably students - Greg Stelfox, TAMUK
(9) The typical women’s view (a column?) of the Super Bowl - Lorraine Rodriguez & Katrina Alejando, TAMUK(10) The Ads…which ones did people really like.
(11) Other assignments to be developed by class (Halftime Show)- Mary Beth Cleavin, TAMUKWe will assign two leaders, probably from the staff of The South Texan, to coordinate this class effort. NOTE:
(12) Analytical Column - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK
(13) Edgerin James, Kurt Warner or other athlete feataure depending on game - Mark Molina, TAMUK
(14) A Small Town in Texas and the Super Bowl - Lisa Lane, TAMUK
(15) Super Excitement at the Dorms - Emmanuel Dixon, TAMUK
Stories are due at 10 a.m. on Monday after The Super Bowl.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a basketball game.
Review AP Style stats, game coverage, etc. Possible speaker: Shane Melings, Sports Information Director Texas A&M-Kingsville, Stats software and stuff. Assignment: Read Part 4: Covering the majors – football, baseball, basketball.
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Discussion on selecting a basketball
game cover. Make sure we have press credentials. Techniques on covering basketball.
Saturday, Feb. 7 – TAMUK students will staff Javelinas basketball games against Angelo State University. SA
students pick a high school or college game in their areas to staff or cover that weekend. Prefer a college game.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 – No class. Make up for Super Bowl and basketball coverage.
Thursday, Feb. 12 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ & verbal basketball stats quiz. Start to review covering basketball games. Plan to assign coverage this weekend. Basketball stories are due Feb. 22 complete with stats. Possible speaker, Rolando Flores, sports editor Alice Publishing Company newspapers. Assignment: Read Part 5: Covering the “Others.” TheWiderWorld of Sports
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Make final assignments on
books and movie review, which will be due in March and April. The student is expected to secure copies of the
books and movies on his or her own. Possible guest speaker: Shane Meling, Sports Information Director for Texas A&M-Kingsville. Prepare for Sports IQ Quiz and Test.
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Sports IQ Quiz and Stats Style Test on blog. Download and email or bring to class Tuesday.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Covering baseball games. The
advance, the AP Style Test, the game. Possible guest speaker to be announced.
Thursday, Feb. 26 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. More baseball stats. Baseball
is stats crazy.
Tuesday, March 3 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. More baseball stats. Cover a
portion of a taped game. Assignment: Do a story on baseball stats.
Thursday, March 5 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a track meet.
The stats, the game story. Class in Kingsville can cover a baseball game at Nolan Ryan Field and write a baseball
game story.
Tuesday, March 10 – TAMUK-SCSA spring break* Class in Kingsville can cover TAMUK softball game at and
write a softball game story.
Thursday, March 12 – TAMUK-SCSA spring break.*
Tuesday, March 17 – TAMU-Kingsville spring break.*
Thursday, March 19 – TAMU-Kingsville spring break.*
*Note: Because of the inability to have class together, this two-week period will be used to let students in both
campuses finalize their movie reviews. Format and style of reviews will be available.
Tuesdsay, March 31 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Selected students start making
Movie Review presentations. It must be in PowerPoint format and there should also be a class handout.
Thursday, April 2 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Selected students start making
Movie Review presentations. It must be in PowerPoint format and there should also be a class handout.
Tuesday, April 7 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. The Sports Column. Possible
guest speaker: David Flores, columnist San Antonio Express-News sports staff. This class will be from San Antonio.
Assignment: Bring a print or online sports column to class to discuss. Make handouts for the entire class.
Thursday, April 9 – No Class. TIPA convention.
Tuesday, April 14 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Discuss types of sports
columns. Assignment:Write a sports column for the following class.
Thursday, April 16 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game Review columns and all writing
assignments.
Tuesday, April 21 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats Quiz.
Thursday, April 23 – No Class, AAF Convention.
Tuesday, April 28 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats Quiz. - Football
Thursday, April 30 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – basketball.
Tuesday, May 5 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – baseball, softball.
Thursday, May 7 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – soccer, track, other
sports.
Final Assignment: Portfolio due on day of final. TBA.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Comm 4306 Sports Writing Syllabus
COMM 4306 SYLLABUS
SportsWriting & Reporting
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Communication/Theatre Arts Department
Spring Semester 2009
Required Text: Sportswriting: The Lively Game, Conrad C. Fink, Iowa State University Press,2001. ISBN: 0-8138-2246-7Instructor: Dr. Manuel Flores - Chair, Communications Theatre Arts Dept.
Office: SPEE 172
Office Hours: M-Th: 9-11 a.m., Friday: 2-4 p.m., By Appointment
Office Phone: 361-593-3401
Email: manuel.c.flores@tamuk.edu, or kfmcf00@tamuk.edu
THE SKINNY: This class meets every Tuesday and Thursday (with the exception of the week of Spring Break
March 16-22) over a total of 15 weeks and 28 sessions beginning Thursday Jan. 15 and concluding Thursday
May 7 from 2:30-345 p.m. in Room 121 of the TAMUK Cousins Hall and in the classroom building in SA.
GOOD NEWS: There is no final exam.
BAD NEWS: The emphasis of the course is on your game coverage and prompt completion of assignments.
OUR SPORTS CONTRACT: This syllabus represents an agreement (or contract) between the student and the
instructor. By remaining enrolled in this course, each student is accepting the policies and guidelines covered in
this syllabus.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:• Familiarity with the Internet and general sports knowledge is a MUST.
• Basic keyboard skills; all coursework MUST be typed and double-spaced on a computer.
• Ability to write in Associated Press style, especially sports style.
• Being able to cover events as assigned. No exceptions.
OVERVIEW and EXPECTATIONS: Being a sports journalist is a lot of fun. Professional sports writers love
their jobs and have a passion both for sports and journalism. And, they get paid for working and going to ball
games and sports events of all kinds. But that doesn't mean it's easy. The days of sports as the "toy department"
of the newspaper and television station are long gone. As a former beat reporter for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston
Astros, Dallas Mavericks and our beloved Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas I can attest that covering
sports is tough. To be a sports reporter, editor, columnist, broadcaster or online journalist, you also must
master the skills of a business reporter, a legal reporter, a medical reporter and a metro reporter -- as well as be
comfortable using the Internet as a resource tool and breaking-news medium. Print, broadcast and online journalism
are converging today in ways I never imagined barely a decade ago. I was covering the Javelinas for the
San Antonio Express-News as recent as two years ago and, while it was fun, it was not easy. I was also a awardwinning
sports reporter, columnist at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times for 12 years and started my professional
journalist career as a sports correspondent for the San Antonio Express-News when I was 14 years old.
LOVE OF THE GAME AND JOB: Sports journalists love their job, but they know they must be able to work
across a variety of media. For example, when the Javelinas’ baseball team won the Lone Star Conference
championship last May, we immediately reported the story on line, first, at The South Texan. Next, we put out a
special edition.
We will examine the ethics of what sports journalists do and why they do it. For these reasons, this course, like
sports itself, is equal parts journalism, history and sociology.
SOME EXPECTATIONS:
• Please don't miss class.We meet together only 28 times.We will forge a special bond, just like a team
does. You’ll see.
• Classwork cannot be made up unless previously excused by the professor. If you need to miss class,
clear it with me in advance, preferably by e-mail. If the absence is unexpected, I expect a note of explanation
and I include the notes as part of class participation.
• Class attendance and participation make up 20 percent of your final grade.
• Students must type and double-space all writing assignments, sometimes utilizing e-mail to file a story
on deadline. Hand-written assignments WILL NOT be accepted.
• Because I communicate with many students via e-mail, it is important that you include the course and
your real name (in other words, not beachbunny on your email.) Please try to do this in the SUBJECT LINE,
along with the topic of the specific e-mail. Failure to do so could result in the e-mail getting eaten by my SPAM
filter or just deleted cause I don’t want to open that thing. Also, please don't just hit the reply button without adjusting
the SUBJECT LINE; that's poor e-mail etiquette.
• On Cell Phones and Black, blue or red rasberrys: Put them on vibrate, it’s more fun. Do not leave class
to answer a call, it’s bad manner. Please tell me if your are expecting an important call during class. I will understand
and, at times, I will do the same with you.
• If you bring your laptop or have a computer in front of you, please do not do anything else than take
notes. Don’t email your mom in Petronila, MySpace your buddy or girl/boy pal at College Station, and do not
surf the Internet or shop on e-bay or Craig’s List. It is rude to do so when I'm lecturing or our guest speakers
are talking.
• How to succeed? Write clearly, simply and accurately. Use basic grammar and punctuation rules and
simple sentence structure: craft every sentence. It worked for Hemingway, who was a pretty good sports writer
in his day. It can work for you! Turn in your work on deadline. Late work WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED unless
previously cleared by the instructor. You will be penalized one full grade for every day your work is late. In
other words, on the second class day you missed an assignment, you will start with a 90 and then points will be
taken off from there for grammar, deadline, accuracy, etc. . The third day, it’s an 80, and so on.
•We will review and practice basic editing skills, reporting and interviewing techniques, quoting and
paraphrasing. You will learn how to write a game story in this course.
•Keep your Associated Press Stylebook with you for every class and use it for every
assignment. Also, you may want to the AP Sports Writing Handbook featured here on
the left. Good journalists also carry a dictionary with them. I also used to carryWebster's
NewWorld Speller with me and recommend it to you (how else do you think I
know there is one "c" and two "m's" in recommend?). Another great reference: The
Associated Press Sports Style Book, which is a recommended book. Also, we have a
copy of The Sports Dictionary in our Comm-TA office. You may borrow it but can
not check it out. You are also encouraged to buy The Best American Sports Writing 2007. Look for them online.
. All these books are available at most bookstores in San Antonio and Corpus Christi (like Barnes & Noble and
Half Price Bookstores), in used bookstores, or online at Amazon.com and other sites for a very reasonable fee.
• There will be selected readings. Be ready to make a presentation on a sports book. More on this later.
SUPPLIES: You must bring some kind of portable media (like a flash/jump drive) with you to every class without
exception to save in-class work. You cannot store work on the hard drive of classroom computers. You may
need a laptop computer.
GRADING and CRITERIA:The final grade for this course will be based on the quality of your work and your
classroom participation. You'll be evaluated on each assignment, which will be given the following weights:·
•Writing assignments (4, average) - 20%
• Assigned Game coverage/feature (2, averaged) - 20%
• Book review/movie review (1 of each averaged) - 20%.
• Super Bowl Team Coverage/Special Edition for South Texan - 20%
• Sports Column, Publication Requirement, Class Participation - 20%
NOTE: There are no tests. However, there will be two sports style statistics quizzes and a Sports IQ notation
that will be used as a class participation grade.
GAME COVERAGE: You will cover four iive sports events. Kingsville students have the Javelina athletics program
to attend. San Antonio students are asked to go online and get schedules for IncarnateWord Academy, St.Mary’s University or Texas-San Antonio. You may also add professional sports such as minor league baseball and hockey and if there is arena football, we will consider that, too.
Also, you may substitute a high school sports even (not middle
school) for all assignments if cleared by me. In other words, if you live in, let’s say Pearsall or Freer and you
can cover a basketball game or baseball game there, it will be okay. You are responsible for securing your own
press credentials and permission to talk to coaches and players before and after the game. You may have to pay
for admission if you don’t have press credentials. I will try to help all of you secure press credentials.
If you participate on a team, you should not write about that team. Let’s say you’re a member of the Javelina
men’s basketball team. If so, you cannot cover a men’s basketball game. You will have to either cover a boys’
high school basketball game or double-up by doing two women’s basketball games.
Great Sports Quotes
I could have been a Rhodes
Scholar, except for my grades.
-- Duffy Daugherty and several
students I know.
On this team, we are all united in a
common goal: to keep my job.
-- Lou Holtz and me when I address
the staff of The South
Texan
If hockey fights were fake, you
would see me in more of them.
-- Rod Gilbert & CC Ice Rays
The first coverage is a basketball game, one each for men and women.
Below are the scheduled TAMUK
home games.
San Antonio students, please go online and see schedule for the universities I mentioned earlier.
TAMUK Men’s Basketball
01/17/09 Midwestern State University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
01/21/09 Abilene Christian Kingsville, Texas 8 p.m.
01/31/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
02/07/09 Angelo State University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
02/18/09 Eastern New Mexico University Kingsville, Texas 8 p.m.
02/25/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 8 p.m.
01/17/09 Midwestern State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
01/21/09 Abilene Christian Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
01/28/09 Eastern New Mexico University Portales, New Mexico 6 p.m.
01/31/09 West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/04/09 Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas 6 p.m.
02/07/09 Angelo State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/10/09 Abilene Christian Abilene, Texas 6 p.m.
02/18/09 Eastern New Mexico University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/21/09 West Texas A&M University Canyon, Texas 6 p.m.
02/25/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/28/09 Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls, Texas 6 p.m.
03/05/09 Lone Star Conference Tournament
Women’s Basketball
01/17/09 Midwestern State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
01/21/09 Abilene Christian Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
01/31/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/07/09 Angelo State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/18/09 Eastern New Mexico University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/25/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/05/09 Lone Star Conference Tournament TBA
Good, better, best. Never let it
rest. Until your good is better and
your better is best.
-- Tim Duncan
of the San Antonio Spurs
The second game coverage assignments involves baseball and softball games.
The home schedules for both TAMUK sports are listed
below:
Baseball
02/04/09 UH-Victoria Corpus Christi, TX - CCWhataburger Field 6 p.m.
02/10/09 St. Mary's University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/13/09 East Central University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/14/09 East Central University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
02/17/09 University of the IncarnateWord Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/24/09 UH-Victoria Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/06/09 Central Oklahoma (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
03/07/09 Central Oklahoma (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
03/13/09 Eastern New Mexico University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
03/14/09 Eastern New Mexico University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
03/17/09 Texas A&M International Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/24/09 St. Edwards Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
04/03/09 Tarleton State University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
04/04/09 Tarleton State University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
04/10/09 Cameron University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
04/11/09 Cameron University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
04/24/09 Angelo State University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
04/25/09 Angelo State University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
Softball
02/01/09 Texas A&M International Kingsville, Texas 1 pm
02/01/09 Texas A&M International Kingsville, Texas 3 p.m.
02/04/09 St. Edwards Kingsville, Texas 3 p.m.
02/04/09 St. Edwards Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/10/09 St. Mary's University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/10/09 St. Mary's University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
02/27/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/27/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
02/28/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 11 a.m.
03/10/09 Lincoln University Kingsville, Texas 4 p.m.
03/10/09 Lincoln University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/13/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/14/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 11 a.m.
03/14/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
03/16/09 Newman University Kingsville, Texas Noon
03/16/09 Newman University Kingsville, Texas 2 p.m.
04/03/09 TexasWoman's University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
04/03/09 TexasWoman's University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
04/04/09 TexasWoman's University Kingsville, Texas Noon
04/14/09 IncarnateWord Kingsville, Texas 3 p.m.
04/14/09 IncarnateWord Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
The third coverage is a track and field meet.
We will cover the Cactus Cup at Javelina Stadium and do advances for LSC Championship Meet.
03/21/09 Cactus Cup Kingsville, Javelina Stadium (This is during TAMUK Spring Break - Extra Credit for coverage.
We will try to cover a high school meet to make up for this).
The fourth coverage is a soccer game.
We can also have professional ice hockey.
TAMUK has a club soccer team. However, we will probably cover area
soccer playoffs in March. More on this later.
NOTE: You will have a deadline on all these stories. . More on this later.
BOOK AND MOVIE REVIEWS: You will review a sports-related book and movie of your choice, choosing from
Sports Illustrated lists of the top 100 sports books and the top 20 sports movies of all-time. Also, because there
are few “great” books or movies about women in sports, an auxiliary list has been added. You may choose from
that list, also. The two-page reviews (about 500-700 words) are due April 2 (book) and April 9 (movie). Here
are some suggested titles for books and movies to choose. There can be no duplications. You are expected to secure
the books and movies on your own. You will be making presentations to the class.
Sports Illustrated Top Movies That I Recommend
Movie and Student Assigned to Review
"Bull Durham" 1988
"The Natural" 1984 - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK
"Jerry Maguire" 1996
"Bad News Bears" I 1976
"Hoosiers" 1988 - Jacque Hutton, TAMUK
"North Dallas Forty" 1979
"Field of Dreams"1989 - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK
"Rocky" 1976
"Fat City" 1972
“Damn Yankees!” 1958
“Slap Shot” 1977
“Raging Bull” 1989
"Bang the Drum Slowly" 1973
"Breaking Away" 1979
"Friday Night Lights"
“Requiem for a Heavyweight”1962
"Tin Cup" 1996 - Joe Hamon, TAMUK
“The Hustler” 1961
“Chariots of Fire” 1981 - Alissa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA
Sports Illustrated Top Books That I Recommend
"Paper Lion" (George Plimpton)1965
"Fever Pitch" (Nick Hornby) 1991
"Cosell" (Howard Cosell) 1973
"Season on the Brink" (John Feinstein) 1986
"The Fight"(Norman Mailer) 1975
"When Pride Still Mattered"(David Maraniss) 1999
"Muhammad Ali: Life & Times" (T. Hauser) 1991
“The Boys of Summer” (Roger Kahn) 1971
"The Sweet Science" 1951
"Veeck as in Wreck" (Bill Veeck) 1962
"The Natural" (Bernard Malamud)1952
"Ball Four" (Jim Bouton) 1970
"Everybody’s All American"(Frank DeFord) 1981
"No cheering in the press box" (Holtzman) 1973
"The Glory of Their Times" ( Ritter) 1966
"Friday Night Lights" (H.G. Bissiner) 1990
"Semi-Tough" (Dan Jenkins) 1972
"A season on the brink"(John Feinstein) 1986
“You Know Me Al,” (Ring Lardner) 1914
“The Game” (Ken Dryden) 1983
Auxiliary List of Movies That I recommend
"Rudy" 1993 - Mary Beth Cleavin, TAMUK
"White Men Can't Jump" 1992 - Mark Molina, TAMUK
"Prefontaine"1997
"We Are Marshall" 2006 - Lorraine Rodriguez, TAMUK
“League of Their Own” 1992 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
“61*” 2006
“Victory” 1981 - Greg Stelfox, TAMUK
“Cool Runnings” 1993
“Grand Prix”1966
“National Velvet” 1944
“Enter the Dragon” 1973
“Lady Bugs” 1992
“Caddyshack” 1980 - Andrew Harper, TAMUK
“MajorLeague” 1989
“HoopDreams” 1994
“The Longest Yard” 1974 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK
“Remember the Titans” 2000
“Brian’s Song” 1971
"Invincible" 2006v- David Mendez, TAMUK
Auxiliary List of Books That I recommend
“Always Dream” (Kristi Yamaguchi) 1998
“Amazing Women Athletes” (Jill Bryant) 2002
“Babe Didrikson: Athlete of Century”( Knudson) 1985
“Big Girl in the Middle” (Gabriellle Reece) 1997
“Game Face” (J. Gottseman, Penny Marshall) 1998
“The Girls of Summer” (Jere Longman) 2000
“Go for the Goal!” (Mia Hamm) 2000
“In These Girls, Hope Is a Muscle”(Madeline Blais) 1995
“LetMe Play: The Title IX Story” (Karen Blumenthal) 2005
“Living the Dream” (Dot Richardson) 1997
“Mighty Jackie” (Marissa Moss) 1998
“Still Kicking” (Katie Hinda) 2006
“A Whole New Ball Game” (Sue Macy) 1995
“Raising our Athletic Daughters” Zimmerman & Russell)1998
“Brian’s Song” (William Blinn) 1972
“The Frailty Myth” (Collette Dowling) 2000
“Games Girls Play” (Caroline Silby, Shely Smith) 2000
“Superwomen” (Jodi Buren,Donna Lopiano,Billie Jean King) 2005
"Good Enough to Dream," (Roger Kahn) 1985
A LEAGUE OF YOUR OWN
YOUR CLASSROOM ETHIC: Regular attendance, timeliness, participation and attentiveness are expected.
Progress is important. Classes will begin and end on time. It is rude to your classmates, our guest speakers and
me to come to class late. Active participation in class is worth 5 percent of your final grade and should not be
assumed as automatic.
WRITING STYLE: The Associated Press Stylebook applies for spelling, accuracy, style, attribution, etc. Don't
lose sight of solid, accurate, fair reporting.
DEADLINES: Adherence to deadlines plays an important role in this course. Journalists meet deadlines; their
job is on the line if they don't. Deadlines set for stories in this course are final; assignments turned in late without
an excused absence will not be accepted. You must e-mail or call the instructor if you miss class because of
illness or emergency. I consider this communication class participation.In-class assignments cannot be made up
unless cleared by me. If you think class may be cancelled because of bad weather, check our department, or the
TAMUK website, watch TV, listen to the radio.
JOURNALISM AND ACADEMIC ETHICS: Honesty is a given for those who engage in journalism.When
you violate the trust of your readers or audience, you lose your most important commodity: your credibility.
Please review the TAMUK Student Code of Conduct on the tamuk.edu website.
PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism means using the exact words, opinions or factual information from another person
without giving that person credit. Plagiarism is the equivalent of intellectual robbery and cannot be tolerated in
an academic or journalistic setting. It is cutting and paste from an internet site or a book without giving proper
credit. Don’t do it. You w ill get a Zero
SPECIAL SERVICES: If you have special needs in the classroom, please provide a letter from Disability Support
Services confirming and describing your special needs at the start of the semester. You may have Disability
Support Services contact me directly. This information will be kept in confidence.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
This schedule is subject to change depending on speaker availability during the semester
and class progress. You will receive notice of any schedule changes by e-mail and/or in class.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
(Note: The following schedule is subject to change. It is intended as a guide to help the student keep up
with readings and the flow of the class. You are responsible for any reading assignment posted on this syllabus.)
Thursday, Jan. 15 –The Kickoff: Meet and Greet. Discuss concept of class, course descriptions. Some expectations.
Assignments: Read Part 1: The Kickoff – The Writer’s Arena and What You Owe Your Readers. Go online
and see Sports Illustrated’s and other “The Top 100 Sports Books of All Time,” and “The 50 Great Sports
Movies.” Let’s Play Sports Trivia.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Meet with TAMUK-SCSA students and review material discussed with TAMUK students
on Thursday, Jan. 15
Thursday, Jan. 24 – Sports Banter. Start the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Game Time: The sports writer and
broadcaster in the arena. What these professionals owe the reader. Review assignments for Super Bowl coverage
special for TAMUK student newspaper, The South Texan. Assignment:What is COSIDA?What is APSE?
What is AWSM? Be ready to discuss on Thursday. Read Part 2: Blocking and Tackling: Strong Reporting.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 –Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Possible Guest Speaker: Fred Neusch,
long-time member of COSIDA speaks about gathering and disseminating sports on info about the Javelinas and
details how sports information is an important part of the sports scene. Assignments:Write a 1-page reporting
three important elements you learned from Mr. Neusch’s presentation. Review data on sports stats.
Thursday, Jan. 29 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a football game.
The Advance, the game, the AP Style stats, the story. Possible Guest Speaker: Javier Becerra, sports reporter
Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Finalize Assignments for Super Bowl coverage. Assignment:Write a 1-page reporting
three important elements you learned from Mr. Flores’ presentation. Read: Part 3: Making the Writer’s
Muse Work.
Sunday, Feb. 1 - Special Assignment for Super Bowl coverage for special 2-page spread in the next issue of
The South Texan.
Assignments and Students Assigned
(1) Actual Super Bowl Game - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK
(2) Winner’s Locker Room - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
(3) Loser’s Locker Room - Jacque Hutton, TAMUK
(4) The Fan Reaction in Kville (cover BHB?)- Noe Longoria and Joe Hamon, TAMUK
(5) The Fan Reaction in SA - Alisa Reynolds & Christina Garza, TAMUK-SCSA
(6) Student Reax at both campuses - David Mendez, TAMUK
(7) Select a Feature (MVP) - Andrew Harper, TAMUK
(8) Photos of people watching game either at backyards or at bars. Get Ids of people. Preferably students - Greg Stelfox, TAMUK
(9) The typical women’s view (a column?) of the Super Bowl - Lorraine Rodriguez & Katrina Alejando, TAMUK(10) The Ads…which ones did people really like.
(11) Other assignments to be developed by class (Halftime Show)- Mary Beth Cleavin, TAMUKWe will assign two leaders, probably from the staff of The South Texan, to coordinate this class effort. NOTE:
(12) Analytical Column - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK
(13) Edgerin James, Kurt Warner or other athlete feataure depending on game - Mark Molina, TAMUK
(14) A Small Town in Texas and the Super Bowl - Lisa Lane, TAMUK
(15) Super Excitement at the Dorms - Emmanuel Dixon, TAMUK
Stories are due at 10 a.m. on Monday after The Super Bowl.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a basketball game.
Review AP Style stats, game coverage, etc. Possible speaker: Rolando Flores, sports reported for Alice Publishing
Co. Stats and stuff. Assignment: Read Part 4: Covering the majors – football, baseball, basketball.
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Discussion on selecting a basketball
game cover. Make sure we have press credentials. Techniques on covering basketball.
Saturday, Feb. 7 – TAMUK students will staff Javelinas basketball games against Angelo State University. SA
students pick a high school or college game in their areas to staff or cover that weekend. Prefer a college game.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 – No class. Make up for Super Bowl and basketball coverage.
Thursday, Feb. 12 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Review list of movies and
books and make final selections. Continue to review covering basketball. Assignment: Read Part 5: Covering
the “Others.” TheWiderWorld of Sports
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Make final assignments on
books and movie review, which will be due in March and April. The student is expected to secure copies of the
books and movies on his or her own. Prepare for Sports IQ Quiz and Test.
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Sports IQ Quiz and Stats Style Test.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Covering baseball games. The
advance, the AP Style Test, the game. Possible guest speaker to be announced.
Thursday, Feb. 26 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. More baseball stats. Baseball
is stats crazy.
Tuesday, March 3 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. More baseball stats. Cover a
portion of a taped game. Assignment: Do a story on baseball stats.
Thursday, March 5 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a track meet.
The stats, the game story. Class in Kingsville can cover a baseball game at Nolan Ryan Field and write a baseball
game story.
Tuesday, March 10 – TAMUK-SCSA spring break* Class in Kingsville can cover TAMUK softball game at and
write a softball game story.
Thursday, March 12 – TAMUK-SCSA spring break.*
Tuesday, March 17 – TAMU-Kingsville spring break.*
Thursday, March 19 – TAMU-Kingsville spring break.*
*Note: Because of the inability to have class together, this two-week period will be used to let students in both
campuses finalize their movie reviews. Format and style of reviews will be available.
Tuesdsay, March 31 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Selected students start making
Movie Review presentations. It must be in PowerPoint format and there should also be a class handout.
Thursday, April 2 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Selected students start making
Movie Review presentations. It must be in PowerPoint format and there should also be a class handout.
Tuesday, April 7 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. The Sports Column. Possible
guest speaker: David Flores, columnist San Antonio Express-News sports staff. This class will be from San Antonio.
Assignment: Bring a print or online sports column to class to discuss. Make handouts for the entire class.
Thursday, April 9 – No Class. TIPA convention.
Tuesday, April 14 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Discuss types of sports
columns. Assignment:Write a sports column for the following class.
Thursday, April 16 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game Review columns and all writing
assignments.
Tuesday, April 21 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats Quiz.
Thursday, April 23 – No Class, AAF Convention.
Tuesday, April 28 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats Quiz. - Football
Thursday, April 30 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – basketball.
Tuesday, May 5 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – baseball, softball.
Thursday, May 7 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – soccer, track, other
sports.
Final Assignment: Portfolio due on day of final. TBA.
Legendary Sports Writers
Grantland Rice
Red Smith
Shirley Povich
Ring Lardner
Jim Murray
Dick Young
Damon Runyon
Frank Deford
Ira Berkow
And remember . . .
Great Sports Quotes
You can observe a lot just by watching.
-- Yogi Berra
SportsWriting & Reporting
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Communication/Theatre Arts Department
Spring Semester 2009
Required Text: Sportswriting: The Lively Game, Conrad C. Fink, Iowa State University Press,2001. ISBN: 0-8138-2246-7Instructor: Dr. Manuel Flores - Chair, Communications Theatre Arts Dept.
Office: SPEE 172
Office Hours: M-Th: 9-11 a.m., Friday: 2-4 p.m., By Appointment
Office Phone: 361-593-3401
Email: manuel.c.flores@tamuk.edu, or kfmcf00@tamuk.edu
THE SKINNY: This class meets every Tuesday and Thursday (with the exception of the week of Spring Break
March 16-22) over a total of 15 weeks and 28 sessions beginning Thursday Jan. 15 and concluding Thursday
May 7 from 2:30-345 p.m. in Room 121 of the TAMUK Cousins Hall and in the classroom building in SA.
GOOD NEWS: There is no final exam.
BAD NEWS: The emphasis of the course is on your game coverage and prompt completion of assignments.
OUR SPORTS CONTRACT: This syllabus represents an agreement (or contract) between the student and the
instructor. By remaining enrolled in this course, each student is accepting the policies and guidelines covered in
this syllabus.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:• Familiarity with the Internet and general sports knowledge is a MUST.
• Basic keyboard skills; all coursework MUST be typed and double-spaced on a computer.
• Ability to write in Associated Press style, especially sports style.
• Being able to cover events as assigned. No exceptions.
OVERVIEW and EXPECTATIONS: Being a sports journalist is a lot of fun. Professional sports writers love
their jobs and have a passion both for sports and journalism. And, they get paid for working and going to ball
games and sports events of all kinds. But that doesn't mean it's easy. The days of sports as the "toy department"
of the newspaper and television station are long gone. As a former beat reporter for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston
Astros, Dallas Mavericks and our beloved Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas I can attest that covering
sports is tough. To be a sports reporter, editor, columnist, broadcaster or online journalist, you also must
master the skills of a business reporter, a legal reporter, a medical reporter and a metro reporter -- as well as be
comfortable using the Internet as a resource tool and breaking-news medium. Print, broadcast and online journalism
are converging today in ways I never imagined barely a decade ago. I was covering the Javelinas for the
San Antonio Express-News as recent as two years ago and, while it was fun, it was not easy. I was also a awardwinning
sports reporter, columnist at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times for 12 years and started my professional
journalist career as a sports correspondent for the San Antonio Express-News when I was 14 years old.
LOVE OF THE GAME AND JOB: Sports journalists love their job, but they know they must be able to work
across a variety of media. For example, when the Javelinas’ baseball team won the Lone Star Conference
championship last May, we immediately reported the story on line, first, at The South Texan. Next, we put out a
special edition.
We will examine the ethics of what sports journalists do and why they do it. For these reasons, this course, like
sports itself, is equal parts journalism, history and sociology.
SOME EXPECTATIONS:
• Please don't miss class.We meet together only 28 times.We will forge a special bond, just like a team
does. You’ll see.
• Classwork cannot be made up unless previously excused by the professor. If you need to miss class,
clear it with me in advance, preferably by e-mail. If the absence is unexpected, I expect a note of explanation
and I include the notes as part of class participation.
• Class attendance and participation make up 20 percent of your final grade.
• Students must type and double-space all writing assignments, sometimes utilizing e-mail to file a story
on deadline. Hand-written assignments WILL NOT be accepted.
• Because I communicate with many students via e-mail, it is important that you include the course and
your real name (in other words, not beachbunny on your email.) Please try to do this in the SUBJECT LINE,
along with the topic of the specific e-mail. Failure to do so could result in the e-mail getting eaten by my SPAM
filter or just deleted cause I don’t want to open that thing. Also, please don't just hit the reply button without adjusting
the SUBJECT LINE; that's poor e-mail etiquette.
• On Cell Phones and Black, blue or red rasberrys: Put them on vibrate, it’s more fun. Do not leave class
to answer a call, it’s bad manner. Please tell me if your are expecting an important call during class. I will understand
and, at times, I will do the same with you.
• If you bring your laptop or have a computer in front of you, please do not do anything else than take
notes. Don’t email your mom in Petronila, MySpace your buddy or girl/boy pal at College Station, and do not
surf the Internet or shop on e-bay or Craig’s List. It is rude to do so when I'm lecturing or our guest speakers
are talking.
• How to succeed? Write clearly, simply and accurately. Use basic grammar and punctuation rules and
simple sentence structure: craft every sentence. It worked for Hemingway, who was a pretty good sports writer
in his day. It can work for you! Turn in your work on deadline. Late work WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED unless
previously cleared by the instructor. You will be penalized one full grade for every day your work is late. In
other words, on the second class day you missed an assignment, you will start with a 90 and then points will be
taken off from there for grammar, deadline, accuracy, etc. . The third day, it’s an 80, and so on.
•We will review and practice basic editing skills, reporting and interviewing techniques, quoting and
paraphrasing. You will learn how to write a game story in this course.
•Keep your Associated Press Stylebook with you for every class and use it for every
assignment. Also, you may want to the AP Sports Writing Handbook featured here on
the left. Good journalists also carry a dictionary with them. I also used to carryWebster's
NewWorld Speller with me and recommend it to you (how else do you think I
know there is one "c" and two "m's" in recommend?). Another great reference: The
Associated Press Sports Style Book, which is a recommended book. Also, we have a
copy of The Sports Dictionary in our Comm-TA office. You may borrow it but can
not check it out. You are also encouraged to buy The Best American Sports Writing 2007. Look for them online.
. All these books are available at most bookstores in San Antonio and Corpus Christi (like Barnes & Noble and
Half Price Bookstores), in used bookstores, or online at Amazon.com and other sites for a very reasonable fee.
• There will be selected readings. Be ready to make a presentation on a sports book. More on this later.
SUPPLIES: You must bring some kind of portable media (like a flash/jump drive) with you to every class without
exception to save in-class work. You cannot store work on the hard drive of classroom computers. You may
need a laptop computer.
GRADING and CRITERIA:The final grade for this course will be based on the quality of your work and your
classroom participation. You'll be evaluated on each assignment, which will be given the following weights:·
•Writing assignments (4, average) - 20%
• Assigned Game coverage/feature (2, averaged) - 20%
• Book review/movie review (1 of each averaged) - 20%.
• Super Bowl Team Coverage/Special Edition for South Texan - 20%
• Sports Column, Publication Requirement, Class Participation - 20%
NOTE: There are no tests. However, there will be two sports style statistics quizzes and a Sports IQ notation
that will be used as a class participation grade.
GAME COVERAGE: You will cover four iive sports events. Kingsville students have the Javelina athletics program
to attend. San Antonio students are asked to go online and get schedules for IncarnateWord Academy, St.Mary’s University or Texas-San Antonio. You may also add professional sports such as minor league baseball and hockey and if there is arena football, we will consider that, too.
Also, you may substitute a high school sports even (not middle
school) for all assignments if cleared by me. In other words, if you live in, let’s say Pearsall or Freer and you
can cover a basketball game or baseball game there, it will be okay. You are responsible for securing your own
press credentials and permission to talk to coaches and players before and after the game. You may have to pay
for admission if you don’t have press credentials. I will try to help all of you secure press credentials.
If you participate on a team, you should not write about that team. Let’s say you’re a member of the Javelina
men’s basketball team. If so, you cannot cover a men’s basketball game. You will have to either cover a boys’
high school basketball game or double-up by doing two women’s basketball games.
Great Sports Quotes
I could have been a Rhodes
Scholar, except for my grades.
-- Duffy Daugherty and several
students I know.
On this team, we are all united in a
common goal: to keep my job.
-- Lou Holtz and me when I address
the staff of The South
Texan
If hockey fights were fake, you
would see me in more of them.
-- Rod Gilbert & CC Ice Rays
The first coverage is a basketball game, one each for men and women.
Below are the scheduled TAMUK
home games.
San Antonio students, please go online and see schedule for the universities I mentioned earlier.
TAMUK Men’s Basketball
01/17/09 Midwestern State University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
01/21/09 Abilene Christian Kingsville, Texas 8 p.m.
01/31/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
02/07/09 Angelo State University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
02/18/09 Eastern New Mexico University Kingsville, Texas 8 p.m.
02/25/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 8 p.m.
01/17/09 Midwestern State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
01/21/09 Abilene Christian Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
01/28/09 Eastern New Mexico University Portales, New Mexico 6 p.m.
01/31/09 West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/04/09 Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas 6 p.m.
02/07/09 Angelo State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/10/09 Abilene Christian Abilene, Texas 6 p.m.
02/18/09 Eastern New Mexico University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/21/09 West Texas A&M University Canyon, Texas 6 p.m.
02/25/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/28/09 Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls, Texas 6 p.m.
03/05/09 Lone Star Conference Tournament
Women’s Basketball
01/17/09 Midwestern State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
01/21/09 Abilene Christian Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
01/31/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/07/09 Angelo State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/18/09 Eastern New Mexico University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/25/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/05/09 Lone Star Conference Tournament TBA
Good, better, best. Never let it
rest. Until your good is better and
your better is best.
-- Tim Duncan
of the San Antonio Spurs
The second game coverage assignments involves baseball and softball games.
The home schedules for both TAMUK sports are listed
below:
Baseball
02/04/09 UH-Victoria Corpus Christi, TX - CCWhataburger Field 6 p.m.
02/10/09 St. Mary's University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/13/09 East Central University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/14/09 East Central University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
02/17/09 University of the IncarnateWord Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
02/24/09 UH-Victoria Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/06/09 Central Oklahoma (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
03/07/09 Central Oklahoma (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
03/13/09 Eastern New Mexico University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
03/14/09 Eastern New Mexico University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
03/17/09 Texas A&M International Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/24/09 St. Edwards Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
04/03/09 Tarleton State University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
04/04/09 Tarleton State University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
04/10/09 Cameron University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
04/11/09 Cameron University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
04/24/09 Angelo State University (2) Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
04/25/09 Angelo State University (2) Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
Softball
02/01/09 Texas A&M International Kingsville, Texas 1 pm
02/01/09 Texas A&M International Kingsville, Texas 3 p.m.
02/04/09 St. Edwards Kingsville, Texas 3 p.m.
02/04/09 St. Edwards Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/10/09 St. Mary's University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/10/09 St. Mary's University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
02/27/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
02/27/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
02/28/09 Tarleton State University Kingsville, Texas 11 a.m.
03/10/09 Lincoln University Kingsville, Texas 4 p.m.
03/10/09 Lincoln University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/13/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 6 p.m.
03/14/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 11 a.m.
03/14/09West Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas 1 p.m.
03/16/09 Newman University Kingsville, Texas Noon
03/16/09 Newman University Kingsville, Texas 2 p.m.
04/03/09 TexasWoman's University Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
04/03/09 TexasWoman's University Kingsville, Texas 7 p.m.
04/04/09 TexasWoman's University Kingsville, Texas Noon
04/14/09 IncarnateWord Kingsville, Texas 3 p.m.
04/14/09 IncarnateWord Kingsville, Texas 5 p.m.
The third coverage is a track and field meet.
We will cover the Cactus Cup at Javelina Stadium and do advances for LSC Championship Meet.
03/21/09 Cactus Cup Kingsville, Javelina Stadium (This is during TAMUK Spring Break - Extra Credit for coverage.
We will try to cover a high school meet to make up for this).
The fourth coverage is a soccer game.
We can also have professional ice hockey.
TAMUK has a club soccer team. However, we will probably cover area
soccer playoffs in March. More on this later.
NOTE: You will have a deadline on all these stories. . More on this later.
BOOK AND MOVIE REVIEWS: You will review a sports-related book and movie of your choice, choosing from
Sports Illustrated lists of the top 100 sports books and the top 20 sports movies of all-time. Also, because there
are few “great” books or movies about women in sports, an auxiliary list has been added. You may choose from
that list, also. The two-page reviews (about 500-700 words) are due April 2 (book) and April 9 (movie). Here
are some suggested titles for books and movies to choose. There can be no duplications. You are expected to secure
the books and movies on your own. You will be making presentations to the class.
Sports Illustrated Top Movies That I Recommend
Movie and Student Assigned to Review
"Bull Durham" 1988
"The Natural" 1984 - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK
"Jerry Maguire" 1996
"Bad News Bears" I 1976
"Hoosiers" 1988 - Jacque Hutton, TAMUK
"North Dallas Forty" 1979
"Field of Dreams"1989 - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK
"Rocky" 1976
"Fat City" 1972
“Damn Yankees!” 1958
“Slap Shot” 1977
“Raging Bull” 1989
"Bang the Drum Slowly" 1973
"Breaking Away" 1979
"Friday Night Lights"
“Requiem for a Heavyweight”1962
"Tin Cup" 1996 - Joe Hamon, TAMUK
“The Hustler” 1961
“Chariots of Fire” 1981 - Alissa Reynolds, TAMUK-SCSA
Sports Illustrated Top Books That I Recommend
"Paper Lion" (George Plimpton)1965
"Fever Pitch" (Nick Hornby) 1991
"Cosell" (Howard Cosell) 1973
"Season on the Brink" (John Feinstein) 1986
"The Fight"(Norman Mailer) 1975
"When Pride Still Mattered"(David Maraniss) 1999
"Muhammad Ali: Life & Times" (T. Hauser) 1991
“The Boys of Summer” (Roger Kahn) 1971
"The Sweet Science" 1951
"Veeck as in Wreck" (Bill Veeck) 1962
"The Natural" (Bernard Malamud)1952
"Ball Four" (Jim Bouton) 1970
"Everybody’s All American"(Frank DeFord) 1981
"No cheering in the press box" (Holtzman) 1973
"The Glory of Their Times" ( Ritter) 1966
"Friday Night Lights" (H.G. Bissiner) 1990
"Semi-Tough" (Dan Jenkins) 1972
"A season on the brink"(John Feinstein) 1986
“You Know Me Al,” (Ring Lardner) 1914
“The Game” (Ken Dryden) 1983
Auxiliary List of Movies That I recommend
"Rudy" 1993 - Mary Beth Cleavin, TAMUK
"White Men Can't Jump" 1992 - Mark Molina, TAMUK
"Prefontaine"1997
"We Are Marshall" 2006 - Lorraine Rodriguez, TAMUK
“League of Their Own” 1992 - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
“61*” 2006
“Victory” 1981 - Greg Stelfox, TAMUK
“Cool Runnings” 1993
“Grand Prix”1966
“National Velvet” 1944
“Enter the Dragon” 1973
“Lady Bugs” 1992
“Caddyshack” 1980 - Andrew Harper, TAMUK
“MajorLeague” 1989
“HoopDreams” 1994
“The Longest Yard” 1974 - Katrina Alejandro, TAMUK
“Remember the Titans” 2000
“Brian’s Song” 1971
"Invincible" 2006v- David Mendez, TAMUK
Auxiliary List of Books That I recommend
“Always Dream” (Kristi Yamaguchi) 1998
“Amazing Women Athletes” (Jill Bryant) 2002
“Babe Didrikson: Athlete of Century”( Knudson) 1985
“Big Girl in the Middle” (Gabriellle Reece) 1997
“Game Face” (J. Gottseman, Penny Marshall) 1998
“The Girls of Summer” (Jere Longman) 2000
“Go for the Goal!” (Mia Hamm) 2000
“In These Girls, Hope Is a Muscle”(Madeline Blais) 1995
“LetMe Play: The Title IX Story” (Karen Blumenthal) 2005
“Living the Dream” (Dot Richardson) 1997
“Mighty Jackie” (Marissa Moss) 1998
“Still Kicking” (Katie Hinda) 2006
“A Whole New Ball Game” (Sue Macy) 1995
“Raising our Athletic Daughters” Zimmerman & Russell)1998
“Brian’s Song” (William Blinn) 1972
“The Frailty Myth” (Collette Dowling) 2000
“Games Girls Play” (Caroline Silby, Shely Smith) 2000
“Superwomen” (Jodi Buren,Donna Lopiano,Billie Jean King) 2005
"Good Enough to Dream," (Roger Kahn) 1985
A LEAGUE OF YOUR OWN
YOUR CLASSROOM ETHIC: Regular attendance, timeliness, participation and attentiveness are expected.
Progress is important. Classes will begin and end on time. It is rude to your classmates, our guest speakers and
me to come to class late. Active participation in class is worth 5 percent of your final grade and should not be
assumed as automatic.
WRITING STYLE: The Associated Press Stylebook applies for spelling, accuracy, style, attribution, etc. Don't
lose sight of solid, accurate, fair reporting.
DEADLINES: Adherence to deadlines plays an important role in this course. Journalists meet deadlines; their
job is on the line if they don't. Deadlines set for stories in this course are final; assignments turned in late without
an excused absence will not be accepted. You must e-mail or call the instructor if you miss class because of
illness or emergency. I consider this communication class participation.In-class assignments cannot be made up
unless cleared by me. If you think class may be cancelled because of bad weather, check our department, or the
TAMUK website, watch TV, listen to the radio.
JOURNALISM AND ACADEMIC ETHICS: Honesty is a given for those who engage in journalism.When
you violate the trust of your readers or audience, you lose your most important commodity: your credibility.
Please review the TAMUK Student Code of Conduct on the tamuk.edu website.
PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism means using the exact words, opinions or factual information from another person
without giving that person credit. Plagiarism is the equivalent of intellectual robbery and cannot be tolerated in
an academic or journalistic setting. It is cutting and paste from an internet site or a book without giving proper
credit. Don’t do it. You w ill get a Zero
SPECIAL SERVICES: If you have special needs in the classroom, please provide a letter from Disability Support
Services confirming and describing your special needs at the start of the semester. You may have Disability
Support Services contact me directly. This information will be kept in confidence.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
This schedule is subject to change depending on speaker availability during the semester
and class progress. You will receive notice of any schedule changes by e-mail and/or in class.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
(Note: The following schedule is subject to change. It is intended as a guide to help the student keep up
with readings and the flow of the class. You are responsible for any reading assignment posted on this syllabus.)
Thursday, Jan. 15 –The Kickoff: Meet and Greet. Discuss concept of class, course descriptions. Some expectations.
Assignments: Read Part 1: The Kickoff – The Writer’s Arena and What You Owe Your Readers. Go online
and see Sports Illustrated’s and other “The Top 100 Sports Books of All Time,” and “The 50 Great Sports
Movies.” Let’s Play Sports Trivia.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Meet with TAMUK-SCSA students and review material discussed with TAMUK students
on Thursday, Jan. 15
Thursday, Jan. 24 – Sports Banter. Start the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Game Time: The sports writer and
broadcaster in the arena. What these professionals owe the reader. Review assignments for Super Bowl coverage
special for TAMUK student newspaper, The South Texan. Assignment:What is COSIDA?What is APSE?
What is AWSM? Be ready to discuss on Thursday. Read Part 2: Blocking and Tackling: Strong Reporting.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 –Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Possible Guest Speaker: Fred Neusch,
long-time member of COSIDA speaks about gathering and disseminating sports on info about the Javelinas and
details how sports information is an important part of the sports scene. Assignments:Write a 1-page reporting
three important elements you learned from Mr. Neusch’s presentation. Review data on sports stats.
Thursday, Jan. 29 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a football game.
The Advance, the game, the AP Style stats, the story. Possible Guest Speaker: Javier Becerra, sports reporter
Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Finalize Assignments for Super Bowl coverage. Assignment:Write a 1-page reporting
three important elements you learned from Mr. Flores’ presentation. Read: Part 3: Making the Writer’s
Muse Work.
Sunday, Feb. 1 - Special Assignment for Super Bowl coverage for special 2-page spread in the next issue of
The South Texan.
Assignments and Students Assigned
(1) Actual Super Bowl Game - Jaime Gonzalez, TAMUK
(2) Winner’s Locker Room - Shaun Springfield, TAMUK-SCSA
(3) Loser’s Locker Room - Jacque Hutton, TAMUK
(4) The Fan Reaction in Kville (cover BHB?)- Noe Longoria and Joe Hamon, TAMUK
(5) The Fan Reaction in SA - Alisa Reynolds & Christina Garza, TAMUK-SCSA
(6) Student Reax at both campuses - David Mendez, TAMUK
(7) Select a Feature (MVP) - Andrew Harper, TAMUK
(8) Photos of people watching game either at backyards or at bars. Get Ids of people. Preferably students - Greg Stelfox, TAMUK
(9) The typical women’s view (a column?) of the Super Bowl - Lorraine Rodriguez & Katrina Alejando, TAMUK(10) The Ads…which ones did people really like.
(11) Other assignments to be developed by class (Halftime Show)- Mary Beth Cleavin, TAMUKWe will assign two leaders, probably from the staff of The South Texan, to coordinate this class effort. NOTE:
(12) Analytical Column - J.C. Reyes, TAMUK
(13) Edgerin James, Kurt Warner or other athlete feataure depending on game - Mark Molina, TAMUK
(14) A Small Town in Texas and the Super Bowl - Lisa Lane, TAMUK
(15) Super Excitement at the Dorms - Emmanuel Dixon, TAMUK
Stories are due at 10 a.m. on Monday after The Super Bowl.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a basketball game.
Review AP Style stats, game coverage, etc. Possible speaker: Rolando Flores, sports reported for Alice Publishing
Co. Stats and stuff. Assignment: Read Part 4: Covering the majors – football, baseball, basketball.
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Discussion on selecting a basketball
game cover. Make sure we have press credentials. Techniques on covering basketball.
Saturday, Feb. 7 – TAMUK students will staff Javelinas basketball games against Angelo State University. SA
students pick a high school or college game in their areas to staff or cover that weekend. Prefer a college game.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 – No class. Make up for Super Bowl and basketball coverage.
Thursday, Feb. 12 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Review list of movies and
books and make final selections. Continue to review covering basketball. Assignment: Read Part 5: Covering
the “Others.” TheWiderWorld of Sports
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Make final assignments on
books and movie review, which will be due in March and April. The student is expected to secure copies of the
books and movies on his or her own. Prepare for Sports IQ Quiz and Test.
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Sports IQ Quiz and Stats Style Test.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Covering baseball games. The
advance, the AP Style Test, the game. Possible guest speaker to be announced.
Thursday, Feb. 26 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. More baseball stats. Baseball
is stats crazy.
Tuesday, March 3 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. More baseball stats. Cover a
portion of a taped game. Assignment: Do a story on baseball stats.
Thursday, March 5 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. How to cover a track meet.
The stats, the game story. Class in Kingsville can cover a baseball game at Nolan Ryan Field and write a baseball
game story.
Tuesday, March 10 – TAMUK-SCSA spring break* Class in Kingsville can cover TAMUK softball game at and
write a softball game story.
Thursday, March 12 – TAMUK-SCSA spring break.*
Tuesday, March 17 – TAMU-Kingsville spring break.*
Thursday, March 19 – TAMU-Kingsville spring break.*
*Note: Because of the inability to have class together, this two-week period will be used to let students in both
campuses finalize their movie reviews. Format and style of reviews will be available.
Tuesdsay, March 31 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Selected students start making
Movie Review presentations. It must be in PowerPoint format and there should also be a class handout.
Thursday, April 2 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Selected students start making
Movie Review presentations. It must be in PowerPoint format and there should also be a class handout.
Tuesday, April 7 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. The Sports Column. Possible
guest speaker: David Flores, columnist San Antonio Express-News sports staff. This class will be from San Antonio.
Assignment: Bring a print or online sports column to class to discuss. Make handouts for the entire class.
Thursday, April 9 – No Class. TIPA convention.
Tuesday, April 14 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Discuss types of sports
columns. Assignment:Write a sports column for the following class.
Thursday, April 16 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game Review columns and all writing
assignments.
Tuesday, April 21 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats Quiz.
Thursday, April 23 – No Class, AAF Convention.
Tuesday, April 28 – Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats Quiz. - Football
Thursday, April 30 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – basketball.
Tuesday, May 5 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – baseball, softball.
Thursday, May 7 - Sports Banter. Continue the Sports IQ Quiz and Test game. Stats quiz – soccer, track, other
sports.
Final Assignment: Portfolio due on day of final. TBA.
Legendary Sports Writers
Grantland Rice
Red Smith
Shirley Povich
Ring Lardner
Jim Murray
Dick Young
Damon Runyon
Frank Deford
Ira Berkow
And remember . . .
Great Sports Quotes
You can observe a lot just by watching.
-- Yogi Berra
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