LLSJ
2010

Ethics and History of Journalism

Eugene Lang College Lib Arts: Journalism + Design

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Degree Students
Ethics & History of Journalism
Fall 2023
Taught By: Anjali Khosla
Section: BX

CRN: 3261

Credits: 4

Starting with the publication of its very first colonial newspaper, U.S. journalism has actively promoted -- and even organized and led -- identity-based discrimination and violence in our country. This reading-intensive course outlines this history, and situates contemporary U.S. journalism within this historical context. Through readings, guest visits, and in-class presentations, this course also grounds students in the fundamental ethical principles of the journalistic discipline, examines capitalist and technological influences on news organizations and news practitioners, studies the relationships between policy makers and media makers, interrogates concepts such as "objectivity" and "truth", and makes room for readings and discourse that challenge some of the industry's most venerated norms. Students will examine the role that journalism plays as a check on power in a democratic system, looking at times when the profession has succeeded or failed in that goal, with the understanding that from its beginnings, U.S. journalism has not so much opposed power as a concept as it has attempted to hold power to account. Readings and discussions will focus on critical episodes in media history, ranging from the Zenger trial to the expansion of the telegraph to the publication of The Black Panther to the demise of Gawker.com. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to impactful writers, reporters, editors, data journalists, historians, and media critics such as Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. DuBois, Joan Didion, Alexandra Bell, Gabe Schneider, Juan González, and Jay Rosen. Close attention will be paid to alternative and ethnic press, media literacy, and a range of issues that are currently being challenged within contemporary beat practices such as food writing, travel writing, and foreign reporting.

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Journalism + Design (JND)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Add/Drop Deadline: September 11, 2023 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 19, 2023 (Sunday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Closed*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 5:30am EST 12/6/2023

Meeting Info:
Days: Thursday
Times: 9:00am - 11:40am
Building: Academic Entrance 63 Fifth Ave
Room: 205
Date Range: 8/31/2023 - 12/14/2023
Ethics & History of Journalism
Fall 2023
Taught By: Terrence Golway
Section: CX

CRN: 14034

Credits: 4

[subject]This course situates contemporary U.S. journalism in its historical context and grounds students in the fundamental ethical principles of the discipline. Students will examine the role that journalism plays as a check on power in a democratic system, looking at times when the profession has succeeded or failed in that goal. Readings and discussions will focus on critical episodes in media history, from the Zenger trial and the rise of professional news-gathering to the Pentagon Papers and current challenges to a free press. Students will also examine the impact of disruptive technologies like radio, television and the Internet, and will be introduced to some of the profession’s greatest American practitioners, including Edward R. Murrow, Woodward and Bernstein, Ida B. Wells, and Ida Tarbell. Case studies involving ethical dilemmas in journalism will be presented for class discussion and debate, such as concepts like objectivity and independence and addressing biases based on factors like gender, religion, political party, or race.

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Journalism + Design (JND)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Add/Drop Deadline: September 11, 2023 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 19, 2023 (Sunday)

Seats Available: Yes

* Seats available but reserved for a specific population.

Status: Closed*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 5:30am EST 12/6/2023

Shared Capacities Critical Analysis
Meeting Info:
Days: Thursday
Times: 4:00pm - 6:40pm
Building: Johnson/Kaplan 66 West 12th
Room: 510
Date Range: 8/31/2023 - 12/14/2023
Ethics & History of Journalism
Fall 2023
Taught By: Pervaiz Shallwani
Section: AX

CRN: 3067

Credits: 4

This course situates contemporary U.S. journalism in its historical context and grounds students in the fundamental ethical principles of the discipline. Students will examine the role that journalism plays as a check on power in a democratic system, looking at times when the profession has succeeded or failed in that goal. Readings and discussions will focus on critical episodes in media history, from the Zenger trial and the rise of professional news-gathering to the Pentagon Papers and current challenges to a free press. Students will also examine the impact of disruptive technologies like radio, television and the Internet, and will be introduced to some of the profession’s greatest American practitioners, including Edward R. Murrow, Woodward and Bernstein, Ida B. Wells, and Ida Tarbell. Case studies involving ethical dilemmas in journalism will be presented for class discussion and debate, such as concepts like objectivity and independence and addressing biases based on factors like gender, religion, political party, or race.

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Journalism + Design (JND)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Add/Drop Deadline: September 11, 2023 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 19, 2023 (Sunday)

Seats Available: No

Status: Closed*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 5:30am EST 12/6/2023

Meeting Info:
Days: Wednesday
Times: 9:00am - 11:40am
Building: Eugene Lang 65 W11th
Room: 465
Date Range: 8/30/2023 - 12/6/2023
Ethics & History of Journalism
Spring 2024
Taught By: Kia Gregory
Section: AX

CRN: 2710

Credits: 4

The foundation of ethics in journalism relies on truthfulness, integrity, and accountability in storytelling. In class, students will discuss the history of mass media, one that is rooted in upholding racial, political, and socio-economic inequality in America. In that continuum, students will examine the current crises and reckonings in commercialized news media that include objectivity, equity, local news, and single narratives. Students will analyze higher functions for news media, its forms, and journalism as a public good for the needs in society. Students will learn about media law and make ethical decisions on deadline. Students will read works by revolutionary voices; identify best practices for news storytelling; and create media visions for paths forward.

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Journalism + Design (JND)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Add/Drop Deadline: February 4, 2024 (Sunday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 16, 2024 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

* Seats available but reserved for a specific population.

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 5:30am EST 12/6/2023

Meeting Info:
Days: Monday
Times: 9:00am - 11:40am
Building: Fanton Hall 72 5th
Room: 713
Date Range: 1/22/2024 - 5/13/2024
Ethics&History:Facts/AltFacts
Spring 2024
Taught By: Liesl Schillinger
Section: BX

CRN: 3034

Credits: 4

This course tracks milestones in political thought and media history that affect journalistic practice, using the methods of the New Yorker’s checking department. While learning how to check and defend facts, students explore how “fake news” differs from real news; what determines which “facts” are recognized as true, and how journalists can ensure the accuracy of their writing. Each week explores a different theme: from Jefferson’s and Tocqueville’s visions of American press freedom to Orwell’s insights into fact erasure; from the influence of telegraph, radio, and television on democracy to the convulsions of the Civil Rights Era and Watergate; and from the reemergence of partisan news, the rise of the internet, the spread of the alt-right and conspiracy theories, and the threats of misinformation and information warfare. Each student follows a different publication throughout the term to give them a sense of the priorities and biases of each media outlet. Journalists, historians, podcasters and fact-checkers visit the class to share their expertise. The course aims to deepen students’ understanding of the power of fact and opinion in society while strengthening their ability to read and report the news effectively as press freedom, democratic institutions, and truth itself are under attack.

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Journalism + Design (JND)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Add/Drop Deadline: February 4, 2024 (Sunday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 16, 2024 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

* Seats available but reserved for a specific population.

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 5:30am EST 12/6/2023

Meeting Info:
Days: Friday
Times: 12:10pm - 2:50pm
Building: Eugene Lang 65 W11th
Room: 464
Date Range: 1/26/2024 - 5/10/2024
Ethics & History of Journalism
Spring 2024
Taught By: Kia Gregory
Section: CX

CRN: 13518

Credits: 4

The foundation of ethics in journalism relies on truthfulness, integrity, and accountability in storytelling. In class, students will discuss the history of mass media, one that is rooted in upholding racial, political, and socio-economic inequality in America. In that continuum, students will examine the current crises and reckonings in commercialized news media that include objectivity, equity, local news, and single narratives. Students will analyze higher functions for news media, its forms, and journalism as a public good for the needs in society. Students will learn about media law and make ethical decisions on deadline. Students will read works by revolutionary voices; identify best practices for news storytelling; and create media visions for paths forward.

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Journalism + Design (JND)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Add/Drop Deadline: February 4, 2024 (Sunday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 16, 2024 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 5:30am EST 12/6/2023

Shared Capacities Critical Analysis
Meeting Info:
Days: Wednesday
Times: 9:00am - 11:40am
Building: Johnson/Kaplan 66 West 12th
Room: 716
Date Range: 1/24/2024 - 5/13/2024