Medill Investigative Lab (373-0-20)
Instructors
Debra Cenziper
Meeting Info
Washington, DC Bureau: Mon 10:00AM - 12:50PM
Overview of class
The president of the United States is forced to resign. Evidence of genocide is unearthed. Tax money meant for the poor is pocketed by the people entrusted to help. In each case, investigative reporting has played an essential role, and over the years, it has proven to be one of the highest forms of journalism: shedding light on wrongdoing and exposing corruption at the highest levels. In this dynamic course grounded in real-time investigative reporting, students will expose a problem of significant national or international importance and chronicle its effects on the lives and livelihoods of those most impacted, particularly those in disenfranchised communities. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, students will take on one critical subject using the tools honed by investigative reporters: documents, data and sources. Students will dig deep and learn on the go, reporting on a complicated topic, synthesizing findings and writing or producing a compelling, long-form investigative story suitable for publication. In the past six months, students at the Medill Investigative Lab have published more than 15 stories in The Washington Post, focused on the impact of COVID-19 in America's nursing homes. The stories have prompted calls for investigations by members of Congress. The winter course is a primer: Working remotely, students will devote a tremendous amount of time digging for information and framing stories. In the spring, students will report out stories on the ground, traveling when necessary and if possible. This course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students; students will work as a team and with the professor to report, write and produce stories. Find out more about the Medill Investigative Lab online: https://mil.medill.northwestern.edu/
Registration Requirements
Junior standing, instructor consent
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
Juniors/Seniors Only
SDG Reduced Inequality
SDG Peace & Justice
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: This section is currently closed to registration. Please contact the department directly with any questions.
Add Consent: Instructor Consent Required