JOUR 432: Sports Commentary
4 Units
Fall 2015 – Monday – 6:30-9:50pm
Section: 21261D
Location: ANN 211
Arash Markazi
Office: ANN 306
Office Hours: Monday, 5-6pm
Contact Info: [email protected], 818-262-7620
I. Course Description
The ability to write clearly and persuasively is the core of sports commentary and will be the central element of
this class. There will be weekly written columns (usually on a topic of the student’s choice) as well as in-class
written exercises. Each week the class will analyze at least one student’s work; one of the requirements of issuing
criticism on a regular basis is the ability to handle it in return. We will focus on writing compelling, well-researched
columns that grab the reader’s attention and give an unambiguous take. We then will utilize those skills while
working on the presentation that is so crucial to television and radio commentary.
Students will be expected to read sports news sites daily and be prepared to discuss the issues of the day and how
the media analyzes them. Each week they will choose a story that grabs their attention and be ready to share it
with the class. The professor will also distribute noteworthy stories in class or via Blackboard.
While keeping up with current events, students will learn the historic context of all forms of sports media so they
can appreciate and build upon the groundwork laid by the pioneers of the field. Students will also hear from
current working professionals to learn their techniques and advice for advancing in the business. Students will be
quizzed bi-weekly on their knowledge of current sports news, course content and the information from the guest
speakers.
II. Overall Learning Objectives and Assessment
The only thing fans like better than watching sports is arguing about sports. Who’s the best? What team got the
better of the trade? Should the coach be fired?
Even today, when every game can be watched or listened to somehow, somewhere, and every statistic is available
online for all to see, fans still hunger for more analysis. The challenge is to have a distinctive voice that stands out
from the cacophony of opinions, to create commentary that is informative, thought-provoking and entertaining.
Another crucial skill is the ability to adapt the message for delivery across multiple media platforms: print, Internet,
television, radio and podcasts.
Sports are more than just home runs and touchdowns. Collectively, they’re part of a $200 billion industry. And
within this realm all of the elements of our society are displayed: heroism and failure, racial harmony and
discrimination, drugs, religion and crime. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of all current issues, not just the
latest sports results.
Students will learn to coalesce their observations, opinions and experiences into compelling arguments that reflect
the essence of the sports column: “I’m right, and this is why.”
The course objectives are to develop the ability to present logical, well-informed, entertaining sports columns,
develop the ability to write columns on deadline, be able to convey these opinions on radio and television and
approach games and news events with a critic’s eye.
III. Description of Assignments
There will be weekly quizzes and column assignments as well as a midterm, which will have multiple choice and
short-answer questions based on class/speaker discussions and an essay question based on the book Jim Murray:
The Last of the Best. The final will be cumulative, covering all class discussions and guest speakers, in addition to a
column on a timely topic.
IV. Grading
a. Breakdown of Grade
Weekly Assignments
40%
Quizzes
10%
Midterm
15%
Final
20%
Participation
15%
Grading scale (out of 100):
b. Grading Scale
Sample grading scale provided below:
93 to 100: A
77 to 79: C+
60 to 62: D-
90 to 92: A-
73 to 76: C
59 and below: F
87 to 89: B+
70 to 72: C-
83 to 86: B
67 to 69: D+
80 to 82: B-
63 to 66: D
c. Grading Standards
All assignments will be edited on a professional basis and you will be judged first on the accuracy, fairness and
objectivity of your stories. You will then be evaluated for broadcast style, editing, production value, originality and
the ability to meet deadlines.
“A” stories are accurate, clear, comprehensive stories that are well written and require only minor copyediting
(i.e., they would be aired or published). Video work must also be shot and edited creatively, be well paced and
include good sound bites and natural sound that add flavor, color or emotion to the story.
“B” stories require more than minor editing and have a few style or spelling errors or one significant error of
omission. For video, there may be minor flaws in the composition of some shots or in the editing. Good use of
available sound bites is required.
“C” stories need considerable editing or rewriting and/or have many spelling, style or omission errors. Camera
work and editing techniques in video stories are mediocre or unimaginative, but passable. Sound bites add little or
no color - only information that could be better told in the reporter’s narration.
“D” stories require excessive rewriting, have numerous errors and should not have been submitted. Camera work
is unsatisfactory or fails to show important elements.
“F” stories have failed to meet the major criteria of the assignment, are late, have numerous errors or both. Your
copy should not contain any errors in spelling, style, grammar and facts. Any misspelled or mispronounced proper
noun will result in an automatic “F” on that assignment. Any factual error will also result in an automatic “F” on the
assignment. Accuracy is the first law of journalism. The following are some other circumstances that would
warrant a grade of “F” and potential USC/Annenberg disciplinary action:
• Fabricating a story or making up quotes or information.
• Plagiarizing a script/article, part of a script/article or information from any source.
• Staging video or telling interview subjects what to say.
• Using video shot by someone else and presenting it as original work.
• Shooting video in one location and presenting it as another location.
• Using the camcorder to intentionally intimidate, provoke or incite a person or a group of people to elicit
more “dramatic” video.
• Promising, paying or giving someone something in exchange for doing an interview either on or off
camera.
• Missing a deadline.
V. Assignment Submission Policy
Late assignments will not be accepted without prior consent from the instructor. Any late or missed assignment
will result in an automatic F.
There will be in-class assignments with deadlines and other assignments that will take place out in the field. It is
very important that you establish contacts with campus and outside agencies and publicists when you are assigned
to cover events. Again, the deadline is the deadline and deadlines are not negotiable.
VI. Required Readings and Supplementary Materials
Jim Murray: The Great Ones, Los Angeles Times Books, 1999, 322 pages.
VII. Laptop Policy
All undergraduate and graduate Annenberg majors and minors are required to have a PC or Apple laptop that can
be used in Annenberg classes. Please refer to the Annenberg Virtual Commons for more information. To connect
to USC’s Secure Wireless network, please visit USC’s Information Technology Services website.
Add/Drop Dates for Session 001 (15 weeks: 8/24/15 – 12/4/15)
Friday, September 11: Last day to register and add classes for Session 001
Friday, September 11: Last day to drop a class without a mark of “W,” except for Monday-only classes, and receive
a refund for Session 001
Tuesday, September 15: Last day to drop a Monday-only class without a mark of “W” and receive a refund for
Session 001
Friday, October 9: Last day to drop a course without a mark of “W” on the transcript. [Please drop any course by
the end of week three (or the week three equivalent for short sessions) to avoid tuition charges.]
Friday, November 13: Last day to drop a class with a mark of “W” for Session 001
*For shortened/condensed courses (e.g.: seven-week courses), please find your course on the Fall 2015 Schedule
of Classes and click the “Info” button for different add/drop dates.
VIII. Course Schedule: A Weekly Breakdown
Important note to students: Be advised that this syllabus is subject to change - and probably will change - based on
the progress of the class, news events, and/or guest speaker availability.
WEEK ONE - AUG. 24
Course Overview and Introduction
We will have an introduction to the course with an overview
and the logistics. We will start with a discussion of the core of
this course, the sports column. What makes a compelling
column? What should it set out to accomplish? How to write a
lead paragraph that captures the reader’s attention, drawing
him or her into the rest of the story.
We also will review some cautionary tales from the real world,
with examples of simple mistakes, lapses in judgment or
ethical shortcomings that can afflict even the nation’s best
columnists.
Reading assignment for next class:
“If You’re Expecting One-Liners, Wait, a Column by Jim Murray
http://articles.latimes.com/1998/aug/18/sports/sp-14305
The 500: “Gentlemen, Start Your Coffins” by Jim Murray
http://espn.go.com/classic/s/2001/0521/1202226.html
Written assignment for next class: Column one.
WEEK TWO – AUG. 31
Research and Resources
The foundations of any great
columns are ideas and information.
This week the students will learn
what information is useful and
relevant for sports arguments and
where to find it. We also will discuss
practical tips for gleaning
information the old fashioned way:
from interviews.
Reading assignment for next class:
“Her Blue Heaven” by Bill Plaschke
http://articles.latimes.com/2001/au
g/19/sports/sp-35951
Written assignment for next class: Column two.
WEEK THREE – SEPT. 7
Labor Day – NO CLASS
WEEK FOUR – SEPT. 14
DODGERS GAME
We will attend the Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies game at Dodger Stadium, getting a behind-the-scenes look at
game operations and interviewing a member of the media and team staff before the game.
Written assignment for next class: Column three off the Dodgers game.
WEEK FIVE – SEPT. 21
In-game tweeting of Monday Night Football
Brief lecture on in-game Tweeting.
We will watch the Jets-Colts game on TV and live tweet as game
progresses and prepare to write a column off the game.
Reading assignment for next class:
“Digging JFK Grave was his honor” by Jimmy Breslin
http://www.newsday.com/opinion/digging-jfk-grave-was-his-honorjimmy-breslin-1.6481560
“Frank Sinatra Has a Cold” by Gay Telese
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a638/esq1003-oct-sinatra-rev/
Written assignment for next class: Column four off the Monday Night Football game.
WEEK SIX – Sept. 28
Podcasting
Sometimes the difficulty is how to make more out of less –
distilling your arguments to bite-sized pieces that best fit the
format of podcasts or parting shots/closing thoughts on TV
shows.
In-class assignment: Students will prepare and perform oneminute “podcasts.”
Reading assignment for next class:
“Pure Heart” by William Nack
http://www.si.com/longform/belmont/index.html
Written assignment for next class: Column five.
WEEK SEVEN – OCT. 5
Social Media
We will discuss “the rules” of Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat and how it’s
much easier to lose than to win on social media.
Review for the midterm exam next week
WEEK EIGHT – OCT. 12/13
MIDTERM EXAM (Oct. 12)
The midterm will have multiple choice and short-answer questions based on class/speaker discussions and an
essay question based on the book Jim Murray: The Great Ones.
KINGS GAME (Oct. 13 – Optional)
We will attend the Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks game at Staples Center, getting a behind-the-scenes
look at game operations and interviewing a member of the media and team staff before the game. This is an
optional class but attendance must be confirmed before the midterm exam.
WEEK NINE – Oct. 19
LAKERS GAME
We will attend the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trailblazers preseason game at Staples Center, getting a behindthe-scenes look at game operations and interviewing a member of the team afterward.
Reading assignment for next class:
“The Sound And The Fury” by Alex French and Howie Kahn
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8016912/don-imus-mike-mad-dog-fall-rise-first-all-sports-talk-station-wfan
Written assignment for next class: Column six off the Lakers game.
Oct. 24
You are invited to the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation’s 3 rd Annual Day at the Races and
Monte Carlo Night at Santa Anita Park where we will honor Tommy Lasorda. (Optional)
WEEK 10 – Oct. 26
ESPNLA 710 STUDIOS
We will meet and have class at the ESPNLA 710 studios, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the “Max & Marcellus”
show and talking to the on-air personalities and program directors that make up the station. There might be only
one subject coaches and columnists can agree: sports talk radio has changed the nature of the industry. Now every
bad decision is grounds to fire the coach and every fan stuck in traffic with a cell phone feels qualified to act as a
team’s general manager. However, talk radio also has become a lucrative way for columnists – as well as former
coaches, and former players – to get paid to talk about sports. We will discuss the history of sorts in this medium,
including a look at one of the unique voices in L.A. radio history: Jim Healy.
Mock Radio Shows
Students will be given topics and take turns hosting 12-minute radio show segments, with the other students
serving as callers. Remember, in audio or visual media, presentation is just as important as content.
Reading assignment for next class:
“Lawdy, Lawdy, He’s Great” by Mark Kram
http://www.si.com/boxing/2014/08/11/si-60-thrilla-manila-muhammad-ali-joe-frazier
“The String Theory” by David Foster Wallace
http://www.esquire.com/sports/a5151/the-string-theory-0796/
Written assignment for next class: Column seven.
WEEK 11 – NOV. 2
Review radio shows
The Evolution of Sports on Television
With the use of extensive video examples we will study the
growth of the TV sports industry, including how the NFL used
television to become the most popular sport in the country, the
one-of-a-kind sports journalist Howard Cosell, and the growth of
sportswriters giving their opinions on television from round-table
discussions in smoky rooms to graphic-oriented productions.
Reading assignment for next class:
“Death of a Racehorse” by W.C. Heinz
http://www.bloodhorse.com/pdf/DeathofaRacehorse_Heinz.pdf
“The Making of a Goon” by Johnette Howard
http://grantland.com/features/michael-maccambridge-revisits-johnette-howard-classic-making-goon-national/
Written assignment for next class: Column eight.
WEEK 12 – NOV. 9
CLIPPERS GAME
We will attend the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies preseason game at Staples Center, getting a behindthe-scenes look at game operations and interviewing Clippers coach Doc Rivers before or after the game.
Reading assignment for next class:
“Crime and Punishment: The Saga of Richie Parker” by Gary Smith
http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/09/17/si-60-crime-and-punishment-richie-parker-gary-smith
“Raised by Women to Conquer Men” by Frank DeFord
http://www.si.com/vault/1994/08/22/131825/raised-by-women-to-conquer-men-in-this-1978-si-classic-jimmyconnors-struggles-to-regain-the-confidence-he-learned-as-a-pampered-child-this-is-one-of-40-classic-sportsillustrated-stories-to-be-presented-during-1994-as-a-special-bonus-to-our-readers-in-celebration-of-sis-40thanniversary
Written Assignment for next class: Column nine off the Clippers.
WEEK 13 – NOV. 16
FOX SPORTS STUDIOS
Mock Television Shows
We will meet and have class at the Fox Sports studios, getting a behind-the-scenes look at “Fox Sports Live” and
talking to the on-air personalities and executives that make up the network. Students will be given topics and then
prepare for a rapid-fire television debate show. We will videotape them for review. Points of emphasis include
hitting key facts, on-air presentation and how and when to interrupt another speaker.
Reading assignment for next class:
“The Mourning Anchor” by Rick Reilly
http://www.si.com/more-sports/2014/08/25/si-60-mourning-anchor-rick-reilly-bryant-gumbel-olympics
“Holy Ground” by Wright Thompson
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=fathersday
Written assignment for next class: Column 10.
WEEK 14 – NOV. 23
Breaking News
Nothing is more stressful than having to form an instant, educated opinion on trades, hirings, firings and “sudden
change” while on deadline. And in the 24-hour news cycle, it’s always deadline. This class will discuss how to zero
in on the key elements of a news story and translate that to sharp analysis.
Reading assignment for next class:
“Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu,” by John Updike
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/articles/hub_fans_bid_kid_adieu_article.shtml
“What do you think of Ted Williams Now” by Richard Ben Cramer
http://www.esquire.com/sports/a5379/biography-ted-williams-0686/
Written assignment for next class: None. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
WEEK 15 – NOV. 30
Course Review
Summary of course lessons and guest speaker discussions in preparation for final exam.
WEEK 16 – DEC. 7
No Class: Study week
WEEK 17 – DEC. 14
7-9 p.m.
FINAL EXAM
A cumulative exam covering the entire semester, consisting of multiple choice/short answer questions based on
lectures and guest speakers, plus a column on a topic to be given at exam time.
IX. Policies and Procedures
Additional Policies
Because the class only meets once a week and will be the basis for most of the course material, attendance is a top
priority. Religious holidays and medical/family emergencies will be excused with advance notice and/or
verification. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and ask questions of the guest speakers.
Internships
The value of professional internships as part of the overall educational experience of our students has long been
recognized by the School of Journalism. Accordingly, while internships are not required for successful completion
of this course, any student enrolled in this course that undertakes and completes an approved, non-paid internship
during this semester shall earn academic extra credit herein of an amount equal to 1 percent of the total available
semester points for this course. To receive instructor approval, a student must request an internship letter from
the Annenberg Career Development Office and bring it to the instructor to sign by the end of the third week of
classes. The student must submit the signed letter to the media organization, along with the evaluation form
provided by the Career Development Office. The form should be filled out by the intern supervisor and returned
to the instructor at the end of the semester. No credit will be given if an evaluation form is not turned into the
instructor by the last day of class. Note: The internship must by unpaid and can only be applied to one journalism
class.
Statement on Academic Conduct and Support Systems
a. Academic Conduct
Plagiarism
Presenting someone else’s ideas as your own, either verbatim or recast in your own words - is a serious academic
offense with serious consequences. Please familiarize yourself with the discussion of plagiarism in SCampus in
Section 11, Behavior Violating University Standards https://scampus.usc.edu/b/11-00-behavior-violatinguniversity-standards-and-appropriate-sanctions/. Other forms of academic dishonesty are equally unacceptable.
See additional information in SCampus and university policies on scientific misconduct,
http://policy.usc.edu/scientific-misconduct/.
USC School of Journalism Policy on Academic Integrity
The following is the USC Annenberg School of Journalism’s policy on academic integrity and repeated in the
syllabus for every course in the school:
“Since its founding, the USC School of Journalism has maintained a commitment to the highest standards of ethical
conduct and academic excellence. Any student found plagiarizing, fabricating, cheating on examinations, and/or
purchasing papers or other assignments faces sanctions ranging from an ‘F’ on the assignment to dismissal from
the School of Journalism. All academic integrity violations will be reported to the office of Student Judicial Affairs &
Community Standards (SJACS), as per university policy, as well as journalism school administrators.”
In addition, it is assumed that the work you submit for this course is work you have produced entirely by yourself,
and has not been previously produced by you for submission in another course or Learning Lab, without approval
of the instructor.
b. Support Systems
Equity and Diversity
Discrimination, sexual assault, and harassment are not tolerated by the university. You are encouraged to report
any incidents to the Office of Equity and Diversity http://equity.usc.edu/ or to the Department of Public Safety
http://capsnet.usc.edu/department/department-public-safety/online-forms/contact-us. This is important for the
safety of the whole USC community. Another member of the university community - such as a friend, classmate,
advisor, or faculty member - can help initiate the report, or can initiate the report on behalf of another person. The
Center for Women and Men http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/cwm/ provides 24/7 confidential support, and
the sexual assault resource center webpage https://sarc.usc.edu/ describes reporting options and other resources.
Support with Scholarly Writing
A number of USC’s schools provide support for students who need help with scholarly writing. Check with your
advisor or program staff to find out more. Students whose primary language is not English should check with the
American Language Institute http://dornsife.usc.edu/ali, which sponsors courses and workshops specifically for
international graduate students.
The Office of Disability Services and Programs
http://sait.usc.edu/academicsupport/centerprograms/dsp/home_index.html provides certification for students
with disabilities and helps arrange the relevant accommodations.
Stress Management
Students are under a lot of pressure. If you start to feel overwhelmed, it is important that you reach out for help. A
good place to start is the USC Student Counseling Services office at 213-740-7711. The service is confidential, and
there is no charge.
Emergency Information
If an officially declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible, USC Emergency Information
http://emergency.usc.edu/ will provide safety and other updates, including ways in which instruction will be
continued by means of Blackboard, teleconferencing, and other technology.
X. About Your Instructor
Arash Markazi is a staff writer for ESPN and a regular contributor to ESPN Radio 710 and KABC Radio 790 in Los
Angeles. He has covered everything from the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals to the World Cup and the Academy
Awards
Markazi, who has also written for Sports Illustrated, Slam, King, Vibe and Playboy, is an adjunct professor at the
University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism and is on the board of
directors for the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation.
After graduating from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif., Markazi attended the Walter Cronkite
School of Journalism at Arizona State University and later the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism
at the University of Southern California. He wrote a regular column for the Daily Trojan and also had his work
published in several magazines and newspapers while at USC, including the Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles
Daily News. He graduated with a degree in Print Journalism from USC in 2004.
Markazi was hired by Sports Illustrated out of college and appeared on the cover of the March 31, 2005 issue of
Sports Illustrated on Campus. He soon began writing a weekly column for Sports Illustrated's website, SI.com.
Markazi's intimate and quirky portraits of Wayne Gretzky, Ronaldo, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush prompted the
Los Angeles Times to name him one of the "Faces to Watch" in 2006.
After five years as a staff writer at Sports Illustrated, Markazi joined ESPN to help launch ESPNLA.com in 2009.