In this class, students learn about the form and ethos of cultural criticism by reading famous (and notorious) reviews and gain hands-on experience by writing reviews to be workshopped in class. The course addresses at least four separate areas of criticism (e.g., books, film, art, food, music, dance, television, theater), and critics and editors visit the class to discuss their expertise. Readings include a broad selection of essays reflecting a range of voices. For the first class, students should come prepared to describe one of their favorite (or least favorite…) critics, books, restaurants, et al. After that students read an unfamiliar book, watch a new movie or series, dine at a restaurant, attend a play or a concert, et al. before writing critical drafts. For the midterm, students revise one practice review, with the goal of making it publishable. The final project involves writing a review from scratch, in whichever discipline appeals to you most. This course satisfies the Reporting + Craft elective requirement for the Journalism + Design major.

In this class, students learn about the form and ethos of cultural criticism by reading famous (and notorious) reviews and gain hands-on experience by writing reviews to be workshopped in class. The course addresses at least four separate areas of criticism (e.g., books, film, art, food, music, dance, television, theater), and critics and editors visit the class to discuss their expertise. Readings include a broad selection of essays reflecting a range of voices. For the first class, students should come prepared to describe one of their favorite (or least favorite…) critics, books, restaurants, et al. After that students read an unfamiliar book, watch a new movie or series, dine at a restaurant, attend a play or a concert, et al. before writing critical drafts. For the midterm, students revise one practice review, with the goal of making it publishable. The final project involves writing a review from scratch, in whichever discipline appeals to you most. This course satisfies the Reporting + Craft elective requirement for the Journalism + Design major.