Ethics & History of Journalism
Spring 2023
Taught By: Anjali Khosla
Section: A
CRN: 2710
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 (LLSJ)
Campus: New York City (GV)
Course Format: Seminar (R)
Modality: In-Person
Max Enrollment: 18
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: 7:08pm 7/2/2022 EDT