Overview of Course

This course will train students in the art and science of writing compelling feature stories that offer meaningful information about the countries, peoples and cultures we visit on our voyage. The journalistic method of verification and engaged, ethical multimedia storytelling will be emphasized. Factual accuracy is vital, but feature reporting and writing also must adhere to high ethical standards. Early in the voyage, students will read examples of great feature writing and learn fundamental lessons that can be applied as they develop their own voices. Students will background themselves while at sea in the culture, politics, economics and social life of countries where we make ports calls. They will develop story ideas while at sea, with the ability to focus on areas of their own particular interest, from music to technology and from food to travel, to name just a handful of topics. They will report on stories in selected ports, write and present their stories in class.