This document provides information and instructions for students in a Sports Literature course regarding their final assignment. It states that the major paper on a selected book is due on May 9th and must analyze the work in the context of course categories and compare it to an anthology story. Students are advised to choose a book that interests them from the updated syllabus list, closely read it, include a professional review in their citation, and write in a formal style befitting graduate students. The goal is to enhance focus and show the depth of research and writing required to pursue in-depth sports stories.

1. JRN 573 - Sports Literature
Rich Hanley, Associate Professor
Spring 2015/ Week Fourteen

2. JRN 573 - Sports Literature
Week Fourteen - 1
● There are no more response papers due this semester.
● One assignment to go: the major paper on a book,
which is due May 9, 2015, at 11:59 p.m.
● The updated list of books is posted in the Syllabus.
Make sure to check this list if you haven’t of late.

3. JRN 573 - Sports Literature
Week Fourteen - 2
● The book choices include factual and fictional subjects.
● Please select one that matches your interests.
● Also note that it’s important to closely read your
selection to get a sense of both the subject and, most
importantly, the writing.

4. JRN 573 - Sports Literature
Week Fourteen - 3
● Analyze the work in the context of Messenger’s
categories and compare it to at least one story from
anthology.
● Also, find a professional review of the work or
assessment of in the Bernhard Library database.
Search on the title to find one.

5. JRN 573 - Sports Literature
Week Fourteen - 4
● Please reserve an appropriate amount of time to revise
your work to make sure it is completed at the level
expected of graduate students.
● That means the language must be formal, the citations
must be accurate and the conclusion drawn from the
evidence presented in the work.

6. JRN 573 - Sports Literature
Week Fourteen - 5
● The point of the assignment is to enhance an
overlooked skill: focus.
● The capacity to focus on a long-form work of journalism
and then to analyze it in a mature, measured fashion
will serve you well.

7. JRN 573 - Sports Literature
Week Fourteen - 6
● Importantly, the assignment ought to show you the
depth of research and caliber of writing required to
pursue stories of this depth and length.
● Sports writing isn’t about just a game or simply a
transcript of what works on sports talk radio.

8. JRN 573 - Sports Literature
Week Fourteen - 7
● The finest sports writing is that people perceive as
literature.
● Your goal ought to be to stretch your skills to this area,
and that begins by closely reading a work that is
challenging.