Shaking it Up: From Journalism to New Media

REVISED

Fall 2012 and Winter 2013 quarters

Faculty

Nancy Parkes creative writing, sustainability, public policy

Fields of Study

communications, community studies, media studies, political economy and writing

Description

Students will learn many foundational aspects of journalism over two quarters including interviewing techniques, news reporting, and investigative techniques. We will study the history, present, and future of journalism, including its role or failure as a watchdog of government and advocate for community. In addition to producing portfolios of written work using traditional journalistic techniques and story modes, we will engage in blogging, advocacy writing, literary journalism, and community-based journalism tied to independent media as well as techniques for electronic publishing. We will also examine the history of journalism and media, including questions such as who has controlled or owned various mediums. Finally, we will consider the political economy of new media and traditional media, and examine possibilities that will work for independent and underrepresented voices.

Questions we will consider include the following: Why is journalism regarded as the "fourth estate?" Is this still true as readership of print diminishes? What level of training do today's electronic journalists have, and how does this affect the role of investigatory journalism? What are the differences between "straight" news/analysis and advocacy journalism, and where do each work best? As more journalists become unpaid reporters, does this set up a system where more privileged people become the purveyors of information because they can afford to donate time? How can the United States have both trained journalists and independent media? What role will the power of social media play in shaping the future of media? In the future, what will be the role of corporate sponsored media, and what will be the role of independent media?

In winter, students may also apply for in-program media internships and seek faculty approval for an additional 4 or 8 credits. This will allow students to be enrolled for 8, 12, or 16 credits in winter. Fall quarter participation is a prerequisite for winter internships.

 

Advertised Schedule

6-9:30p Wed, 9:30a-5p Sat (fall: Oct. 6, 20, Nov. 3, 17, Dec. 1; winter: Jan. 19, Feb. 2, 16, Mar. 2, 16)

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Internship Required

Students registering for 12 or 16 credits in the winter quarter must arrange an internship for the additional credits beyond the 8-credit program.

Offered During

Evening and Weekend

Program Revisions