Advanced Topics in Social and Cultural Analysis (303-0-24)

Topic

Critical Studies in Journalism

Instructors

Helen Cho

Meeting Info

University Hall 118: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This advanced level course examines how journalists produce and circulate meaning within and across societies. We consider the structural and institutional factors that influence the production of news, the practice of journalism norms, values, and routines, and the influence of real and imagined news audiences in journalistic knowledge production. Along the way, we pay careful attention to journalist positionality and the affective labor of journalists of color, including newsroom DEI initiatives and transnational identities in foreign correspondence. We explore ways to address the issues we discuss, including local or community reporting, ethnic media, and solutions journalism. Students will apply their learning to a community-based journalism project.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize and articulate reciprocal relationships between societal forces (e.g., norms, laws, organizational
structures), psychological forces (e.g., traits, motives, attitudes), and the behaviors of individuals and
groups
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social science theories related to the influence of culture
and power on the behavior of individuals, interpersonal relationships, and/or group dynamics
• Reflect upon the way in which theories and research from the social and behavioral sciences help
elucidate the factors underlying contemporary social issues, social problems, and/or ethical dilemmas in
the US and/or abroad, as well as inform potential solutions to societal problems

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be available on Canvas.

Class Notes

Attendance at first class mandatory.

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area