Class Discussion Guide for April 13

Here is a discussion guide Deb Sprong has created for our class on Monday, April 13. Please print this off and, having read the story (on the portal), come prepared to discuss these questions.

Literary Journalism

Thoughts for discussion

In Rosa Lee’s Story
1. As you read the story, imagine you are Leon Dash. What traditional techniques do you think he used to gather information for the story?
2. How does Dash make the characters in his series come alive?
3. What literary techniques does Dash use in telling Rosa Lee’s story? Give examples.
4. Does Dash cross the line between journalist and storyteller? If so, when? What impact does this have on his work as a journalist?

In general
1. How do you see the relationship between literature and journalism?
2. What dangers might a journalist run into with a more creative approach?
3. How much freedom should a journalist have in crafting his work?
4. How might literary journalism appeal to readers when traditional reporting does not?