Journalism in Practice (301-0-22)
Topic
Covering Asian American Stories
Instructors
Mei-Ling Hopgood
Meeting Info
McCormick Foundation Ctr 2107: Tues, Thurs 9:00AM - 11:20AM
Overview of class
Asian Americans comprise the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. More than 20 million Asians live in the U.S. and trace their roots to 19 groups in Asia. The Chicago region is home to an Asian American population that is ethnically, racially, culturally and economically diverse. South Asian businesses on Devon Avenue sell paratha and saris, and community centers support newly settled families. Shops in Chinatown on Cermak Road sell traditional herbal cures and non-profits focus on immigrant rights and health concerns. A volunteer-run school in the suburb of Des Plaines offers weekly Mandarin lessons to first, second and third generation Chinese-American families who hope their American-born children will stay connected to their roots. A Chicago improv troupe called Stir Friday Night, made up of up-and-coming Asian American comedians, has performed for more than 25 years.
In this course, we will explore and produce stories of Asian Americans at a pivotal time in history. Asian American cultural, social and political influence is on the rise. Kamala Harris is the first Black and South Asian American candidate on a major party's presidential ticket. Last year, Minnesota native Sunisa Lee became the first Hmong American to participate in the Olympics and the became the first Asian American to win an all-around gymnastics gold medal. Still, while Marvel featured Shang Chi and K-Pop tops U.S. Billboard charts, anti-Asian rhetoric, discrimination and attacks rose. Asian Americans are confronting their own bias and racism, as well. We will study journalistic work that explore the complex histories of Asians who have settled in the United States since before this nation's founding, the discrimination people faced and the opportunities they pursued. We will hear from and about Asian American journalists, activists, artists and leaders.
This class is for anyone who wants to better understand the role of media and journalists covering communities of color. We will explore issues of identity, race and ethnicity, nationality and class. We will learn to report in and about communities with sensitivity, address cultural and language differences and practice journalism of empathy. We produce stories in a variety of media.
Registration Requirements
Pre-reqs: JOUR 301-0; can't have taken this class as a 301
Class Materials (Required)
Materials provided. Some access to stories and documentaries though the Northwestern library may be required.
Class Attributes
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Medill Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors