NYU SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES CENTER FOR PUBLISHING & APPLIED LIBERAL ARTS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS (PALA/CE)

Continuing Education Programs in Publishing, the Humanities, Arts, Producing, Design, Writing, and Translation.

Victoria Oluwole

Love, Laughter, and Wordle: Cora Frazier Chronicles a Unique Union in The New Yorker

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It’s quite common for people with active imaginations to attribute human traits to inanimate objects. This theme is humorously explored in a compelling fictional piece about a character named Melanie Anne Donoghue, crafted by our very own adjunct instructor, Cora Frazier.

NYU Adjunct Professor, Cora Frazier
NYU Adjunct Faculty, Cora Frazier

In her article for The New Yorker, Cora explores Melanie’s whimsical relationship with the popular word-puzzle app, Wordle, through an imaginative narrative. Crafted with a playful tone, the story is constructed in such a relatable way that it resonates with anyone who appreciates creative storytelling, though those with dating experience might find it particularly engaging. You can read the article here.

Interested in exploring creative writing? Cora Frazier has an upcoming online summer course on Fiction Writing. You can click here to register for more information on the course and registration.

For more information about our writing courses, click here.

How to Make Your Writing Stand Out with ‘Writing That Gets Noticed’

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Are you ready to elevate your writing and carve out a space for your voice in the crowded world of publishing? Our eight-week online course, led by the expert instructor Estelle Erasmus—a former magazine editor-in-chief, host of Freelance Writing Direct, and creator of PALA’s Editor-on-Call Series—is designed to transform aspiring writers into storytelling maestros. Under Estelle’s guidance, you’ll learn how to craft compelling narratives that not only engage readers but also impress editors and open doors in the literary world.

Now, let’s hear directly from Estelle in this brief video. She’ll share insights into the powerful tools and strategies you’ll gain from the course, aimed at launching your writing career to new heights.

This course isn’t just about honing your skills; it’s about creating opportunities, making an impact, and leaving with a ready-to-publish piece that marks the beginning of your success story. Whether you’re a blogger, journalist, essayist, or memoirist, this journey is your first step towards becoming the writer you’ve always dreamed of being.

‘Writing That Gets Noticed’ begins March 7th, 2024.

To learn more about the course, click here.

For more information about our courses in Media, Writing and Communications, click here.

Revolutionizing Journalism: How ChatGPT and AI Tools Are Shaping the Future of Reporting at NYU

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It’s no secret that society has witnessed a huge uptick in the utilization of Artificial Intelligence. In this day and age, technology is integrated into nearly every aspect of life, including art, music, and schoolwork. Most of us have interacted with it in some way, shape, or form. ChatGPT, one of the leading AI programs as of late, is nothing short of incredibly compelling.

The OpenAI ChatGPT Logo

An image of the OpenAI ChatGPT logo

Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a cutting-edge artificial intelligence model designed to understand and generate human-like text. It’s capable of answering questions, engaging in conversation, offering explanations on various topics, and even assisting with creative writing. Whether used by students, professionals, or enthusiasts, ChatGPT is transforming the way people interact with and leverage technology, providing an innovative tool that bridges the gap between human understanding and machine capability.

The programming team behind the software, OpenAI, has done an excellent job developing something that has become so popular so quickly. I’ve spoken with people who have interacted with it and use it frequently. Because of its efficiency, I find myself including it in my workflow almost daily. Recognizing this impact, NYU’s Center for Publishing and Applied Liberal Arts has decided to create a course dedicated to learning more about how ChatGPT has played a major role in continuing to morph the journalism industry for the foreseeable future. We asked Professor John Biggs, who will be the instructor for the course this Fall, some questions in relation to AI in general and how this will be covered. More insight below.

Q: How does using AI Tools like ChatGPT in Journalism fit into the modern media landscape?
JB: I always point to the Centaur model of AI. The human part of the Centaur is carried by the strong – but fairly dumb – horse’s legs below it. In the case of AI, journalists must embrace the Centaur model or be lost. There will be no content creation or journalism without AI in the future and the more we augment our skills the less likely we’ll be left behind.

Q: Based on the recent uprising of AI use, how can this revolutionize journalistic practices?
JB: I write about ten to fifteen blog posts a day using AI. It ingests press releases and even reporting notes and lets me 10X my efforts. We’ve long seen AI-generated text as weird, goofy, or even spooky. Now it’s just another tool in our toolbox.

Q: What are some ethical considerations journalists must be aware of when utilizing AI in their work? How does this course address those concerns?
JB: Just as cloud computing is just other people’s computers, AI is other people’s brains. We need to be very careful when we use AI to edit and control for plagiarism and even idea theft. That said, given most journalism these days is either event reporting or (gasp) aggregation, using these tools can help build organizations that don’t have to spend cash on piddling news stories and can instead focus on real reporting.

Q: Who would benefit the most from taking this course? Is it geared more towards experienced journalists or newcomers to the field?
JB: I want everyone to take this course. Journalists are afraid of new tools. I want to make them comfortable with AI. A friend of mine called using AI “building his own guillotine.” That’s accurate as long as journalists hide from the truth: AI is here, AI works, and their publishers are champing at the bit to use it. Head them off at the pass!

Q: How does this course equip journalists to adapt to the rapidly changing world of media and technology?
JB: I’ve been trying to add tech to reporting for most of my career. My goal is to share what I learn and where I failed. I also want us to work together to build a more tech-savvy group of journalists in the future.

Q: Can you expand on the ways this course explores data analysis and summarizing documents through AI? How might these skills be applied in daily journalistic work?
JB: There are a number of tips and tricks journalists can use to do anything from turning simple notes into a real story to summarizing important points in a piece. One of the coolest things? ChatGPT can give you code to process data that you can then use in your reporting. It’s an amazing tool.

Q: Does the course balance the technical aspects of AI with the creative aspects of journalism? How are students encouraged to harness both in their work?
JB: Journalism is an art. Painters don’t need to know how cadmium blue or burnt umber is made to use it. Somewhere, in the wilds of New Jersey, I’m sure there’s a massive plant producing these pigments. But artists benefit from technology all the time and those that ignore it are doomed. I want to show journalists how to use these tools to further journalism and keep it alive.

Q: With AI continually evolving, how will this course stay relevant and up-to-date with the latest tools and practices in the field?
JB: Oddly, AI is currently stagnant. The massive boom of ChatGPT took everyone by surprise but except for step-changes in the technology, don’t expect your computer to write a moving ballad or discover the meaning of life any time soon. Basically we’re living in a world where AI is strong and popular because compute power got cheaper. That’s something to celebrate.

Q: Do you think ChatGPT could become a standard tool in the workflow of journalists in the future?
JB: Absolutely. Anyone who is arguing the opposite is lying. It’s as important – if not more important – than the rise of the web.

Q: What message would you like to send to potential students considering this course, and how do you envision it shaping the future of journalism?
JB: Let’s create this weird new world together. Don’t be afraid. Let out your inner Centaur!

Don’t miss out on your chance to take the ChatGPT Journalism course this Fall!
In addition, please take a look at the Certificate in Journalism offered here at the NYU SPS Center for Publishing and Applied Liberal Arts.
For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email at sps.pala.ce@nyu.edu, or call us at 212-998-7289.

Student Spotlight: C.A. Barrow’s Journey in Screenwriting

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carlos a barrowC. A. Barrow

As the 2023 Writers Guild of America labor dispute is in full swing, it is heartening to see our students pursuing screenwriting careers, with great gusto and success, during this ever-changing landscape for motion picture and television writers. Without a script, we’d be bereft of dialogue, devoid of settings, and lost on plots. You probably wouldn’t have your favorite TV specials without the creativity of dedicated writers. Entertainment, in its myriad forms, is essential to us all, irrespective of the medium through which it’s consumed. Some of the most common conduits are through the media. Whether that’s through motion pictures, video games, or various forums on the internet, writing always plays a pivotal role. However, today, our focus shifts specifically towards the art of writing for the screen.

Introducing C.A. Barrow, a candidate for the NYU SPS Certificate in TV and Film Producing, ambitious screenwriter, and engaged student here at NYU through the Center for Publishing & Applied Liberal Arts. He  A lifelong lover of reading and writing, Barrow has chosen to aspire higher by applying to the prestigious New York Screenwriting Fellowship Program through the Writers Guild of America East, to which he has been accepted! This program is fiercely competitive, and a talent like Barrow’s merits recognition. We’ve had the pleasure of corresponding with him, gaining insight into his personal journey and his adventures in this exciting field. Read on to learn more.

What inspired you to become a screenwriter? 

CB: Books. I’ve always loved reading from a very young age. Then I started watching films and fell in love with the medium. Once I discovered that writing also happened in film I immediately knew that I would be a screenwriter.  

How has your approach to writing been influenced by the TV and Film Producing courses you’ve undertaken as part of the PALA Certificate program?

CB: The certificate course sharpened my understanding of what goes into the different types of producing and what executives and investors are looking for when they read screenplays. Having this knowledge allows me to really tailor my stories and make them as attractive as possible to potential funders/distributors. Having that business understanding increases the potential for creative success.

Can you describe the screenplay you submitted to the NY Screenwriting Fellowship program? Why is this story important to you? 

CB: I can’t say too much actually but what I can share is that it is a STEM-based action film that deals with a timely global issue and combines jaw-dropping set pieces with critical social analysis. It’s important to me because the moving image is one of the most powerful artistic mediums. When you use it to educate, entertain and inspire, it can change the world.

What do you hope to accomplish during the fellowship?

CB: I want to finish a couple drafts of my feature screenplay and learn as much as I can about the industry from my mentors. My goal is to be a successful writer and member of the WGA [Writer’s Guild of America] and so I want to soak up everything that their talented members have to teach.

Do you have any advice for other students who aspire to become screenwriters? 

CB: I think it’s just as important to learn about the business of screenwriting as it is to learn the craft of screenwriting. It is a career and you must approach it as such. Understand buyers and financiers, what they’re looking for and why. Learn to pitch. Learn about the value of the work you do. The NYU SPS TV & Film Producing certificate and the WGA can help with both. 
Do write; don’t rush. Screenwriting is one of the rare crafts where success is not synonymous with youth. Life experience is generally the friend of a writer, the more you accrue, the better you write. But you must write. Practice your craft religiously. Live curiously. Write and live.

Thank you C.A. Barrow for your time and answers! Congratulations on receiving the fellowship, and we hope to see your name in credits on the big screen soon! 
For more information on our Certificate in TV and Film Producing, click here.

Congratulations to our 2023 Graduates!

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You can never really get enough work done in a timely manner without the right amount of help. As the academic year comes to a close, we find ourselves bidding farewell to a truly remarkable group of individuals – Mormei Zanke, Noran Morsi, and Stella Mboma. Throughout their time with our team, these students have not only been our colleagues but have also become an integral part of our family.

Mormei Zankemormei!

Mormei Zanke, a beacon of creativity and dedication, has graduated from the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with an MFA in the Literary Reportage program! During her time here, Mormei has served with distinction as our Social Media Graduate Assistant. She has excelled at maintaining a robust connection with the NYU community, ensuring they stay well-informed about our center’s activities over the past year. Her vital contributions to organizing our social media strategies have been invaluable. In addition to her receiving her Journalism degree, she’s all set to begin an exciting communications role at the non-profit Natural Areas Conservancy. This organization champions the protection of urban forests and wetlands in the heart of New York City. As she embarks on this new professional journey, Mormei holds the hope of continuing to weave her storytelling magic in journalism and poetry.

Noran MorsiNoran Morsi

Noran Morsi has graduated from the Graduate School of Arts, where she’s earned an MFA in Journalism, with a concentration in Literary Reportage. A crucial asset to our student team, Noran has showcased her proficiency by expertly handling the marketing emails for the NYU SPS Center for Publishing & Applied Liberal Arts. We are profoundly grateful for her tireless efforts and significant contributions throughout the school year, which have greatly enriched our community. Now, as she looks forward to life post-graduation, Noran is brimming with anticipation for her upcoming internship at the Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert!

Stella Lusankie Mboma
stella

Stella is one of the dedicated student aides in our bustling office. One might assume that answering phones and managing various projects are straightforward tasks, but when situated in a highly active center with a heavy workload, those calls and projects can quickly pile up. With this in mind, we’re incredibly grateful for Stella’s kindness and dedication to our students, and extremely lucky to have her stay with us throughout the summer! She has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Politics, complemented by a minor in Public Health. However, her academic journey isn’t over yet. Stella has plans to further her education with a Masters of Public Health. But before embarking on this new academic adventure, she intends to take a gap year or two, focusing her energy on a diligent job search and her ambition to break into the intriguing field of Regulatory Affairs. As she forges ahead, we eagerly anticipate witnessing Stella’s future achievements!

Their dedication, creativity, and resilience have left a profound impact on the work we do and on the culture we’ve built together. They have risen to the challenges posed to them, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth, and consistently demonstrating their commitment to our shared goals. Their spirit and enthusiasm have added vibrancy to our workplace, making it a truly enjoyable space.

To our 2023 graduates, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations on this significant milestone. While it’s hard to say so, we know that this is not ‘goodbye forever’, but rather a ‘see you later’. We look forward to hearing about your future endeavors and successes, and we hope that you’ll carry the memories of your time here close to you. Remember, you will always be a part of the PALA family.

Congratulations once again, and here’s to your future, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. May the years ahead be filled with happiness, prosperity, and continued curiosity.

Best wishes,

The PALA team

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