Community Journalism

Journalism and trained journalists are essential to an informed citizenry. Often, the best way to engage readers and viewers is to create community-based stories that connect to more global themes.  Students will gain skills in writing with authenticity and engagement, learning skills in conducting interviews and research skills for scaffolding stories. Students will write news based on actual events, and a longer piece that  explores a complex theme. This course is useful for those who will write as a journalist, in academics, or in any professional or personal capacity to educate and engage a public audience. A central question will be: how do community-centered stories create national dialogue and consideration of critical issues? Students will be encouraged to submit a piece for publication. We will also consider this question: How do we join various energized efforts seeking to revitalize journalism in ways that engage the public in truth and knowledge? We will review the basic history of journalism, and gain a foundation in key aspects of journalism practice.