Mini-Project Clarification - I Hope

Let me see if I can clear up the confusion about the mini-projects:

1: Next week's visit to the Reporters Committee website should have been labeled "in-class." The only thing you have to prepare (and hand in) is the memo to John Ashcroft in which you describe your reaction to the changes in FOIA-Land. This memo should be based on your reading, your conversation with a FOIA official, and your own opinions. The memo should run between 1-2 pages. It can also take the form of a letter.

2. In the syllabus, where you see the words, "For Week 3" or "For Week 4," follow the instructions as if you were preparing a mini-project.

3. Where you see the words "In Class," we're talking about an idea or a question that we'll try to answer -where else - in class. If we don't get to the question, please feel free to try to answer it during the week and post your answers here.

4. Finally: while I would love it if you could complete every mini-project I've listed (and will throw at you in class when you least expect it), I know that time is, among other things, of the essence.

So here's the rule: the mininum number of mini-projects you are required to complete is 10 - that's right, 10. Each is worth 2 points. The "Find a Friend" project, even though it wasn't listed on the syllabus is hereafter known as "Mini-Project 1."

5. Finally finally: Bring with you to next week's class your example(s) of investigative stories, and your analyses of these stories - we'll start off with a discussion of them, and of examples I will bring to class.

I want to apologize for the confusion - as you've probably guessed by now, I really enjoy teaching this stuff, and helping you to understand it. I sometimes let my enthusiasm get the best of me.

So again: 10 mini-projects, 20 points. That's ANY 10 mini-projects. If you have any questions, please post them or email me. Have a great week.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.