JOMC 191.1 - Database Journalism

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INTRODUCTION TO DATABASE JOURNALISM

This is a combination lecture and laboratory course. If you have never used a computer for anything but word processing, you will find some exciting new applications in this course. Applications will involve retrieval of information from computer databases and, to a limited extent, creation of your own database. You will also discover how to collect and analyze data in computer spreadsheets. The wide world of the Web, e-mail, gopher, Veronica, Archie, ftp, via Internet will be opened to you.

This course will feature online instruction with commercial, low-cost and free databases. Searching census data, polling results and government documents are included in the course. Practice with data in CD-ROM format is offered. Self-directed computer tutorials (for Nexis/Lexis and the Internet)are an integral part of the learning experience. There will be two class sessions devoted to new technology emerging in journalism such as The News & Observer's Nando.Net. One session will focus on the uses of multimedia/hypertext and the other will demonstrate GIS (geographic imaging system) applications.

All of the course work will be done on IBM-PCs. Database searching and management programs as well as statistical packages exist for Macintosh computers, but this class will work on PCs. The class is limited to 20 students so that each student can have his/her own computer work station. The number of computers with modems is limited to 10, so students will work in teams when instruction necessitates database access with phone lines.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Both graduate and undergraduate students will find this course valuable. While the primary focus is directed toward news/editorial sequences in print and broadcast, advertising and public relations majors will find this course useful as well. The instructors will make every effort in appropriate areas to tailor the course to the anticipated professional and scholarly needs of the students enrolled in the class. Basic word processing skills are essential for this class. An understanding of basic math skills as well as fundamental statistical concepts (mode, median, and mean) as well as how to figure "percent change" is becoming increasingly important for journalists and mass communicators.

COURSE GOALS

This course deals with information gathering and analysis. Finding facts, organizing data, making analyses and writing research results is the focus of this course. The purpose is to enable students to discover how journalists and others in mass communication undertake research necessary for the full, fair and accurate presentation of their work. From the theoretical to the practical, we will explore each phase of information gathering. The focus in the computer lab will be on selected commercial online database systems such as NEXIS/LEXIS and Dialog. We will also use UNC- CH's Online Data Network (including gopher://UMSLVMA.UMSL.EDU:70/00/LIBRARY/INDEXES/CARL/CARL1">CARL Uncover) and selected CD-ROM products. Spreadsheet activities will focus on Excel. E-mail, gopher and ftp instruction via Internet will be offered along with using Internet's News Groups, mail lists and other services. Boolean search logic and Venn diagrams will be part of the theoreticaql introduction to online searching. There will be instruction and exercises in basic statistics.

Specifically, instruction will focus on:

1. selecting appropriate databases
2. learning selected database, e-mail, gopher and ftp (Internet) protocols
3. planning search strategies
4. executing searches
5. evaluating and analyzing search results
6. understanding file and record structure of databases and spreadsheets
7. utilizing computer spreadsheets to organize data
8. analyzing data from spreadsheets
9. displaying data in appropriate graphical format
10. creating one's own database from selected data sources

DOS, which stands for "Disk Operating System," is the most widely used microcomputer operating system in the world. We will introduce you to the basic commands and the file structure in DOS. Understanding of the file structure, i.e., how files are organized in DOS, and how to manipulate them is critical to understanding DOS-based computers. Extensive hands-on training in DOS will help you better use database applications and manage your computer files. This increased competence will also serve to enhance your comfort level with computers.

ONLINE SEARCHING STRATEGIES:

Online searching techniques are based upon theoretical elements including Boolean search logic and Venn diagrams. An introduction to these theories as well as practical experience in online searching will be part of this course.

Online searching is very detailed, demanding careful attention to unique search protocols. Commercial online databases and CD-ROM products vary considerably in search and retrieval techniques and results. Understanding database architecture and file/record structure is important. Ability to follow database documentation, select appropriate files, create suitable search statements, modify search strategies, determine search recall and precision, and analyze search results are part of the course.

Since there are more than 7,000 online databases in this country, this course cannot begin to cover them all. What we plan to do is help students understand the basics of a few databases well enough to increase their ability to successfully learn others as needed.

While many news organizations rely upon their news research librarians to undertake more complicated, esoteric online database searches, reporters are increasingly required to tackle the basic online searches. Awareness of and basic competence in searching online databases is becoming an integral part of the savvy journalist.

SPREADSHEET BASICS:

Spreadsheets make it easy to collect, store, manage and analyze data. Popular spreadsheet applications such as Lotus and Excel can also produce files that are ready to be incorporated into more sophisticated statistical packages such as SPSS-PC. Spreadsheet programs are based on a system of rows (running across your computer screen) and columns (running up and down). Users can sort data and make reports by directing the computer how to arrange the selected information.

Spreadsheet programs are essential tools for news reporters. This introduction will include examples of published newspaper and magazine stories that made use of spreadsheet technology, as well as readings that discuss the manner in which newsrooms and news research libraries work together on computer-assisted journalism (CAJ) projects. Options for fulfilling students' term project requirements will be provided.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Basic computer, word processing, math and statistical skills are essential.

Lecture and lab attendance is vital. If you miss a class, please get in touch with Mrs. Semonche so that you can get the appropriate handouts and assignments. You will be expected to turn in assignments on time. Further, you will be responsible for material covered in the lectures and labs. This material will be a part of the exams.

Preparation prior to class will improve your understanding and efficiency. In addition to familiarizing yourself with the readings and handouts, come prepared with questions on the topic(s) to be presented.

You will need a notebook with pockets or dividers to accommodate the additional materials you will be getting during the labs and special demonstrations. Each student should bring at least one DS, HD 3.5" disk for IBM PCs.

While there is no required text for this course, there is a course packet containing most, but not all, of the required readings. In addition there is one inexpensive, brief handbook/guide required. Both of these source materials are available from Student Stores.

COURSE ORGANIZATION

This course will consist of both lectures and labs during our twice-weekly sessions. Group discussion and individual participation is not only invited, but it is strongly encouraged. Students will also need to spend additional time in the computer lab (room 107) completing assignments and practicing database searching. Outside readings are required. Instructors expect students to have basic word-processing computer skills and math skills before undertaking this course.

The course instructor and three teaching assistants, each with special skills in several areas of database journalism, will lead the class. Additional lecturers will participate. These specialties cover:

DOS basics
Internet protocols
Online database searching
Spreadsheets and statistics
Database construction

While room 107 has 23 computers, only ten of them are equipped with modems. If class enrollment exceeds that number, students will have to share the equipment for certain online searching exercises.

A field trip to The News & Observer in Raleigh to observe that newspaper's computer-assisted journalism operation will be optional. A mutually-agreed time will be selected.

Office hours for the instructor and teaching assistants will be posted.

ASSIGNMENTS

All online database exercises in class will be done individually or with a partner, if the class size exceeds the number of modems (10) available in the JoMC 107 lab. Out-of-class assignments for online and CD-ROM searches must be done independently. We will use the Davis Library CD- ROMs and GIS programs. Consult posted schedules for non-class lab hours. Library computers with modems are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other lab exercises not requiring access to a modem (spreadsheets and DOS exercises) will be done individually in room 107 or the JoMC library. Computer tutorials will be available both in room 107 and in the JoMC library.

Assignments are to be turned in when due. Penalties will accompany late work. For example, one full letter grade will be assessed for each calendar day late. See the SCHEDULE OF CLASSES for specific assignments and due dates. Some assignments will be added as appropriate. As we will be discussing the particular exercises in class, timeliness is especially important.

Assignments may consist of written work, search output, or completed forms. Written work should be typed or produced by a word processor.

TERM PROJECT

One way to judge your progress in learning search skills is to put them to use. The term paper provides just such an opportunity. Term papers may be either:

1. A mass communication research paper. (Suitable for publication in an academic or trade journal.)
   
2. A news article. (Also suitable for publication in a newsletter or newspaper.)
   

DETERMINATION OF COURSE GRADE (student evaluation)

Lab assignments: 20 percent
Mid-term: 20 percent
Final Exam: 30 percent
Project/paper: 30 percent

The mid-term and final exams will be short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and matching concepts type tests covering the lectures, readings and demonstrations. The final exam will cover the entire semester's work. A portion of the final will be an individual demonstration of each student's online search capabilities with Mrs. Semonche. Lab assignments may be completed individually or with a partner, and cover online databases, CD-ROMs or computer tutorials. The project / paper assignment is described above.

Note well: Students should arrive the first day of class with:

* the JoMC 191.1 Database Journalism course pack available at Student Stores
* a required-reading booklet also at Student Stores Computer Assisted Research: A guide to Tapping Online Information
* one formatted DS,HD (double-sided, high-density) 3.5" diskette
* your personal e-mail address

Mon. Jan. 9 COURSE INTRODUCTION and DOS BASICS (B. Semonche & R. Singh)
Introduction to course and instructors. Student computer skills inventory. Create a database student directory.Introduction to personal computers and DOS. Discussion of basic commands in DOS and a look at files and diskettes.

Wed. Jan. 11 DOS BASICS (R. Singh)
File management commands in DOS and their usage. Introduction to the tree-like file structure and practice of related DOS commands. Demonstration on how to manage your diskettes and fixed disk. In-class exercise on using various DOS commands.

Mon. Jan. 16 (NO CLASS. Martin Luther King, jr. birthday)

Wed. Jan. 18 INTERNET (R. Singh and B. Semonche)
Introduction to INTERNET, the computer network interconnecting computers in over 40 countries. Discussion about issues related to INTERNET, the services available and what it means to you. Demonstration and practice on how to connect with INTERNET using dial-in modems or "telnet". Primary Unix commands. Introduction to e-mail. Readings will be assigned.

Mon. Jan. 23 INTERNET (R. Singh and B. Semonche)
Introduction to Network News and the editor on Pine. Discussion of "netiquette." Demonstration with WAIS and SWAIS, gophers, veronicas, and other searching tools. More surfing the 'Net.

Wed. Jan. 25 INTERNET (R. Singh and B. Semonche)
Demonstration of listservs. Review and further practice on the 'Net. Practice with FTP (file transfer protocol).

Mon. Jan. 30 ONLINE SEARCHING (B. Semonche)
History of online databases; basic online file and record structures. Database terminology. Introduction to modems and Procomm telecommunications software. Introduction to and practice with PAC (UNC's Public Access Catalog and Data Network). Introduction to CD-ROM resources. Assignments include readings, CD-ROM and PAC searches.

Wed. Feb. 1 ONLINE SEARCHING (B. Semonche)
Introduction to DIALOG online files, record formats, and search protocols. Presentation of Venn Diagrams and Boolean Logical Operators. Planning online search statements. Online search demonstration and practice. Evaluation of search strategies and search output. Introduction of CD- ROM search protocols. Additional search guides will be provided. Assignments include readings and DIALOG online searching.

Mon. Feb. 6 ONLINE SEARCHING (B. Semonche)
Continuation of Dialog searching. Assignments include readings and NEXIS/LEXIS offline tutorials.

Wed. Feb. 8 ONLINE SEARCHING (B. Semonche)
Introduction to NEXIS/LEXIS database, file organization, and search protocols. Planning online NEXIS/LEXIS searches, executing searches, and evaluating results. Focus of searching will be on political/campaign/legislative database files. Discussion on different types of databases for news media. Compare and contrast searching one newspaper on two different databases, e.g., The Los Angeles Times on DIALOG and NEXIS/LEXIS. Assignments include readings and searches.

Mon. Feb. 13 ONLINE SEARCHING (B. Semonche)
Continuation of NEXIS/LEXIS search strategies. Practice searching in selected database files. Focus will be on business/company/market, science/medicine, people/biographical, international, and legal files. Assignments include readings and NEXIS/LEXIS online searches.

Wed. Feb. 15 ONLINE SEARCHING (B. Semonche)
Introduction to polls and polling in online sources. Practice searching these topics in DIALOG, NEXIS/LEXIS and IRSS polling data files. Introduction to U.S. census and demographic data sources online. Practice using DIALOG's Cendata files, NEXIS/LEXIS files. Handouts will be provided. Assignments include readings and searching polling data online. Students will select a NEXIS/LEXIS database of their choice for oral presentation and online demonstration to the class. Time limit: three minutes. Students will provide class with documentation handouts.

Mon. Feb. 20 ONLINE SEARCHING (B. Semonche)
Student oral presentation and online demonstrations. Wrap-up of NEXIS/LEXIS online databases. Review and compare with Dialog. Discuss CD-ROM. Assignments with selected CD-ROM products in Davis Library reference department.

Wed. Feb. 22 SPREADSHEETS, STATISTICS and COMPUTER-ASSISTED JOURNALISM (J. Bare)
Math skills inventory. Discussion of ways to incorporate information into news stories/research once data has been retrieved from databases. Introduction to various methods of establishing CAJ (computer-assisted journalism) projects. Assignments include reading journal articles.

Mon. Feb. 27 SPREADSHEETS, STATISTICS and COMPUTER-ASSISTED JOURNALISM (J. Bare)
Introduction to basic statistical concepts and their uses in CAJ. Students will read examples of published CAJ projects demonstrating uses of statistics and statistical methods. Complete a statistics quiz designed to gauge students' level of statistical knowledge. Introduction to entering data into a spreadsheet program. Students will practice using EXCEL and work with N.C. Crime Statistics and/or another data set from a targeted subject area. Assignments will include readings from Prof. Phil Meyer's The New Precision Journalism.

Wed. March 1 MID-TERM EXAM
The exam will cover all lectures, readings, handouts, and lab assignments to date. The format will be in two parts: the first part will be a series of short-answer and matching questions done in class; the second will be an online database search which will be done independently outside of class. The results of the search must be printed, annotated and analyzed and turned in to Semonche by Friday noon, March 5. The mid-term will represent 20% of your final grade.

SPRING BREAK: March 3 - 13

Mon. March 13 SPREADSHEETS, STATISTICS and COMPUTER-ASSISTED JOURNALISM (J. Bare)
(Note: Mid-term exams will be returned and discussed during first of this class period.) Continuation of spreadsheet work with EXCEL and N.C. Crime Statistics. Additional instruction in managing and analyzing the data. Assignments will include readings and practice work with spreadsheets.

Wed. March 15 SPREADSHEETS, STATISTICS and COMPUTER-ASSISTED JOURNALISM (J. Bare)
Continuation of spreadsheet work with EXCEL and selected data sets. Additional instruction in managing and analyzing the data. Assignments will include readings and practice work with the spreadsheets.

Mon. March 20 SPREADSHEETS, STATISTICS and COMPUTER-ASSISTED
JOURNALISM (J. Bare) Introduction to LINC database and instruction in going online, making reports and downloading data on North Carolina. Assignments include report on county characteristics from 1980 to 1990.

Wed. March 22 SPREADSHEETS, STATISTICS and COMPUTER-ASSISTED JOURNALISM (J. Bare)
Review of EXCEL, LINC, and statistical concepts and vocabulary. Discussion of student project ideas.

Mon. March 27 NEW TECHNOLOGY ISSUES AND TRENDS (B. Semonche)
Identification and discussion of the problems and promises of the "new media." What is our nation's information policy, if any? What role does the media play in the "electronic democracy?" Is there an "electronic bill of rights?" If not, should there be? What are the lawyers and legislators doing with interactive media? Where do professional journalists stand on encryption, copyright and privacy on the Internet? Does "database marketing" invade citizens' privacy by developing electronic clones of them? Who or what is the "great byte hope?" How is the Internet coping with incursions from commerce? What are the guidelines for quoting people on the 'Net? What are the standards of database quality control? Is there an "enforcer" of online database accuracy? If not, what can we do to reduce errors? And while this is under discussion, where are the rules of copyright for online services? Can people be libeled on the 'Net? Does this have anything to do with "flaming?" Who is providing the ethical leadership for journalists in this new media? Isn't it about time to retire the phrase "information superhighway? Where is the media in the "new media?" Is there a profit in it? How will advertising embrace the 'Net? Will the netizens embrace advertising in cyberspace? Will there be war to defend freedom in cyberspace space? Stay tuned.

Wed. March 29 NEW TECHNOLOGY ISSUES AND TRENDS (B. Semonche)
The discussion continues. Students will select a topic in this area for writing an editorial or an opinion-type article suitable for newspapers, magazine, radio or television. Students may wish to assume a media persona such as Chuck Stone, Jim Shumaker, Jim Jenkins, Anna Quindlen, Rush Limbaugh, Andy Rooney, Molly Ivins, Mary McGrory, William Raspberry or David Broder to "get into a media mode mood." If your artistic pen is swift and sure, you may wish to create an editorial cartoon a la Dwane Powell or Jeff MacNelly. Launch your most convincing arguments in an effective writing (or drawing) style to influence your instructors and classmates. Submissions will not only be graded, but prizes awarded based on secret class ballot.

Mon. April 3 GRAPHICS (Prof. Jay Anthony)
This class offers students an opportunity to examine the good, the bad, the ugly in graphic displays accompanying computer-assisted journalism projects. Prof. Anthony will offer prime examples of excellence in the visual communication of information and data. Appropriate selection and careful use of charts and tables is critical to conveying information accurately, comprehensively and attractively. Students will be expected to demonstrate the knowledge gained from this instruction in their course projects. There will be practice assignments.

Wed. April 5 GIS: Geographic Information Systems (Shen Fuyuan)
GIS is an important, powerful computer tool useful in a wide variety of fields. Uses of GIS technology include land use planning, research marketing, resource management, and analyzing demographics. In addition to a class demonstration, students will be assigned readings on how newspapers use "digitized mapping" and a tutorial on Davis Library's GIS software, ArcView.

Mon. April 10 MULTIMEDIA and HYPERTEXT (Speaker to be announced)
A demonstration of interactive media. Nando.Net is scheduled. Mosaic will be demonstrated.

Wed. April 12 SPREADSHEET, STATISTICS, CAJ, and ONLINE SEARCHING
Review and practice with spreadsheets, statistical analysis, online database searching, and Internet. Work on final projects.

[Note: the FINAL EXAM online portion will be scheduled individually with students by Semonche in half-hour sessions during the next two weeks. Students may pick up their assigned 3 online search questions 24 hours before the online test with Semonche and select their time slots from the schedule. Students will be graded on their online skills, innovative use of search protocols, knowledge of database documentation, printing/downloading ability, and final results.]

Mon. April 17 SPREADSHEET, STATISTICS, CAJ, and ONLINE SEARCHING
Review and practice with spreadsheets, statistical analysis, online database searching, and Internet. Continue work on final projects.

Wed. April 19 PROJECTS DUE
Student's individual oral presentations of their work. Oral presentations must be brief, no more than 3 minutes each. Written projects are also due in class this day. A penalty of one letter grade for each day project is late will be assessed. Projects are 30% of students' grades. The projects will be graded and available to students from the instructor in the library by Monday noon, May 1.

Mon. April 24 COURSE REVIEW SESSION
Final practice, review, and demonstration sessions offered. Discussion of final exam included. Student evaluation of course conducted.

Wed. April 26 LAST DAY OF CLASS
Catch-up time!

May 3, 1995 FINAL EXAM
The final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, at 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Howell Hall, room 107. The final will cover the entire semester's lectures, demonstrations, discussions, lab assignments, and readings. The format will be short-answer and matching-type questions. Questions will cover online search strategy, concepts, and terminology. The online portion of the final exam (scheduled and conducted individually with Semonche) will have been completed earlier. The final exam is 30% of students' grades.

Continental breakfast will be served in the JoMC library at 7:45 a.m.