This class examines the theory and practice of (local) journalism, engaging with (local) communities and exploring the idea of a “community” to teach students the foundational tools for news writing and reporting and to obtain a more panoramic sense of how the news media operates today, the role of the free press in a democratic society, the vicissitudes of journalism in an age of rising skepticism, and the ethical dilemmas that beset many journalists as they try to navigate an increasingly digital, global, frenetic news cycle.

In this hands-on, experiential course students will conduct in-depth reporting and practice telling stories of a range of local and (inter)national topics in a range of journalistic styles. The core activities of news gathering and production will be supplemented with lectures, readings, in-class activities and discussions, and guest speakers. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with and pitch their work to professional news outlets. The course will culminate with an intensively reported enterprise project that exemplifies how local journalism can serve as a paradigm for exploring the global issues of the day. We will also turn a critical eye on journalistic norms and received wisdoms. 

As this is a hands-on, collaborative, writing- and reading-intensive class, students will be expected to actively participate and commit time in and out of class to reading, research, writing, and editing.

Timetable

All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Registration

Registration is possible students participating in an Honours programme. The registration for the Honours courses will start on June 5, 10 am -  June 11, 11.59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)

Please note: There is no guarantee for placement if you register after June 11, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before June 30. 

For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl

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