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.

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.

The foundation of ethics in journalism rests upon principles of truthfulness, integrity, and accountability in reporting and storytelling. In the course, students will explore the historical context of mass media, one that has upheld racial, political, and socio-economic inequalities in America. Students will examine the continuum and the current crises in commercialized news media, including issues of bias, equity, local news, and the single narratives, and develop practices to navigate media as news consumers. Students will analyze higher functions for news media, its forms, and journalism at its highest ideals as a public good for the needs of our collective society. Students will learn about media law and make ethical decisions on deadline. Students will read works by past and present revolutionary voices; identify best practices for news storytelling; and create media visions for paths forward in journalism excellence.

The foundation of ethics in journalism rests upon principles of truthfulness, integrity, and accountability in reporting and storytelling. In the course, students will explore the historical context of mass media, one that has upheld racial, political, and socio-economic inequalities in America. Students will examine the continuum and the current crises in commercialized news media, including issues of bias, equity, local news, and the single narratives, and develop practices to navigate media as news consumers. Students will analyze higher functions for news media, its forms, and journalism at its highest ideals as a public good for the needs of our collective society. Students will learn about media law and make ethical decisions on deadline. Students will read works by past and present revolutionary voices; identify best practices for news storytelling; and create media visions for paths forward in journalism excellence.

Starting with the first colonial newspaper, U.S. journalism has actively promoted, organized, and even led identity-based discrimination and violence in our country. This reading-intensive course outlines this history and situates contemporary U.S. journalism in this historical context. Through guest visits, group discussions, and in-class presentations, this course also grounds students in fundamental ethical principles of journalism, examines capitalist and technological influences on the field, interrogates concepts such as "objectivity" and "truth," and challenges some of the industry's most venerated norms. Students read the work of Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. DuBois, Joan Didion, Alexandra Bell, Gabe Schneider, Juan González, Ryan Christopher Jones, and Jay Rosen, among others. Close attention is paid to alternative and "ethnic" press, Native American journalism, gender, and practices that are being challenged within beats such as food, travel, and foreign reporting.