Reporting class contributes to election coverage

Two dozen students from the School of Journalism's introductory reporting class, Jour 335, filled a page of The State newspaper's election coverage with bright quotes from real people.

While most USC students were off on Election Day, these reporting students went two-by-two to dozens of polling places across Richland and Lexington counties. Their assignment: Ask voters whom they supported, and why, in four races.

Students also took photos of the voters who shared their opinions. Once back at the paper, State columnist (and USC adjunct instructor) Bertram Rantin helped students get their quotes and photos into the paper's publishing system, and he chose the quotes and photos that ran.

The students' on-the-scene reporting filled six columns — the equivalent of one of the 12 pages of The State's Nov. 8 special section. Their work added color, spice, and a human voice to the politics.

On Monday, hours before going to the polls, the students assembled at The State for last-minute instructions. They also sat in on The State's 3:30 p.m. news meeting and took a tour of the newsroom and printing facilities.

The students who took part are David Adcock, Alexis Arnone, A.J. Bembry, Kelly Bobrow, Caroline DeSanctis, Philip DeVencentis, Lauren Dickerson, Mallory Edwards, Stephen Fastenau, Ashley Hester, Jamie Hudson, Jonathan Jackson, Courtney Luckett, Cheryl Matheson, Marti Mitchell, Jessica Moody, John Murray, James Prince, Caroline Rion, Kati Rudziensky, Greg Slattery, Daniel Terrill, Liz White and Stephen Yusko. Also taking part was Barry Gabay, who is in one of Rantin's classes.

Pat McNeely and Chris Roberts teach JOUR 335.

Read some of the coverage: How the people voted>>