Journalism

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” - Thomas Jefferson. The belief in a free press is one of the essential pillars of a democratic society and makes the study of journalism so important. We are witnessing a transformational moment in the history of journalism when the entire media industry is being challenged by rapidly emerging technologies, and the blurring of lines between legitimate news and "fake news" is more pronounced than ever. In this course, you will develop a deeper understanding of and ability to be part of a free press in this era of rapid change and great controversy. You will study journalistic styles for presenting news, features, opinion, entertainment, and sports – each of which has its own set of rules. In developing original stories, you will explore issues and personalities in your school and community, study and practice interviewing techniques, and learn how to identify, verify and fact check sources. You will consider the difference between "real news" versus "fake news," the role of investigative reporters and whistle-blowers. And you will practice techniques that help you more effectively present news stories through text, images, and other media. If you are thinking about a career in journalism, or if you are simply a "news hound" who is fascinated by how news is created and disseminated in society, this course will provide a fascinating perspective and solid foundation for your exploration.

Acknowledgements

Please Note: This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Students will recognize the conventions of various news genres (news, features, opinion, sports, entertainment) and use those conventions in their own reporting and writing.
Students will respond to readings about a free press and report on how they get news and how they regard the media.
Students will identify ways that journalism has changed over time and will evaluate the impacts of those changes.
Students will develop and share opinions about how journalism impacts their lives and the role of student voice in journalism.

Additional Requirements

Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or other media player.
Links to online readings and other resources will be provided.
Students will benefit from access to a still or video digital camera, and a digital recording device.
Students will need to watch videos and listen to podcasts so a device with a speaker is required. Access to headphones is suggested.