FIELD RESEARCH:
In consultation with instructors, students develop their own research topic early in the semester based on their interests and the viability of pursuing the topic in the context of Maine social life. Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior with their subjects and to develop a collaborative working relationship with their research partner(s). Students present their field research on a weekly basis and discuss their goals and challenges with fellow students and instructors. The Field Research course is fundamentally integrated with the Advanced Documentary Skills course, which culminates with final projects that are specific to each of the three tracks of writing, photography, and radio.

ADVANCED DOCUMENTARY SKILLS, NONFICTION WRITING:
Students in the Salt writing program are introduced to the process and crafting of narrative nonfiction writing, from the conception and research of story ideas to the editing, lay-out and publication of final written projects that incorporate elements of multimedia to round the written work. Utilizing collaborations with Salt photography students, student writers master the documentary techniques of interviewing, field observation, and background research to write timely, compelling, scene-based stories about life in contemporary Maine. Through a process of drafting and intensive workshops, writers produce two finished, publishable articles -- one magazine feature of 1000 words and a longer 3,000 word spread. Final pieces are submitted for publication in print and are published online in Word Press blogs that incorporate the multimedia elements of sound and photography taught to writers as part of their professional toolkit. During their weekly workshops, student writers are
 also introduced to professional skills essential for breaking into the field such as submission guidelines, publication research, story pitching, and formal meetings with local editors and professional writers at print and online publications that regularly feature short and long form nonfiction writing. Graduates of the writing program leave Salt with a portfolio of their work, tear-sheets, two online publications and portfolio samples that showcase their comprehensive understanding of how to research and tell stories with words, image and sound.