Search Results

The major challenges faced by journalists as they source and write their stories and how those challenges manifest themselves in coverage will be explored. Topics include how misrepresentation deepens marginalization of social groups, “both sides-ism,” collaborations with public relations professionals on content, the blurred boundary between news and advertising, and how to handle “alternative facts” and conspiracy theories in a supposedly post-truth society. Through readings, critical thinking exercises, and written assignments, we will examine the media’s dominant notion of “objectivity” and the role it plays in perpetuating bias. Students will study how newsroom decisions—what to cover, how to frame a story, and how to correctly source and shape social and political narratives about diverse communities.

College/Department: College of Arts and Sciences
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: COM 160 [Min Grade: D]