Medill Investigative Lab (475-0-20)

Instructors

Debra Cenziper

Meeting Info

Washington, DC Bureau: Mon 10:00AM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

For generations, investigative reporting has proven to be one of the highest and most impactful forms of journalism. It sheds light on wrongdoing, exposes rampant incompetence and calls to account powerful people and institutions, from presidents to banks to schools. Over two quarters, you will focus on social justice reporting - exploring some of the policies, programs and public and private agencies that promise to provide a safety net to tens of millions of vulnerable Americans. You will study budgets, court cases, crime logs and government institutions, do interviews with powerbrokers and the constituents they are supposed to serve, probe critical data and trends and ultimately produce a groundbreaking investigative story from the ground up.

You are expected to work regularly outside of class. You will make cold calls, dig for information and cultivate sources and investigative findings. Consider your classmates team members and allies. Consider your instructor a collaborator, editor and guide.

Investigative reporting is hard. Expect to confront roadblocks and anticipate spinning your wheels. But along the way, you will learn to think, research and write like an investigative reporter. If you are successful, your work could potentially make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people from coast to coast.

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Notes

This is the second half of the Medill Investigative Lab for 2023. It's not open in the spring to new students.

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Course meets in Washington DC