Journalism in Practice (301-0-26)

Topic

Police, Politics, Race and Community

Instructors

Peter D Slevin

Meeting Info

McCormick Foundation Ctr 2111: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

This is a workshop designed to tell true stories about some of the most complex and emotional challenges any diverse community faces. We will explore perspectives on politics and policing in Evanston in the wake of the Black Lives Matter era, building our expertise through rigorous reporting and thoughtful interviews with a wide array of sources on all sides of a series of crucial questions. Present-day politics and the city's history alike are central to the equation. Evanston became the first municipality in the country to address its historic racism through taxpayer-funded reparations, and the city is preparing for public funding of elections and a move to ranked-choice voting. Taught by Peter Slevin, a contributing writer for The New Yorker, this workshop that will start with questions, not answers. Be prepared to examine broad social stereotypes as well as your own assumptions. We will pay particular attention to interviewing techniques and the voices that inform and illuminate ambitious journalism. Plan on getting out of the classroom to do plenty of reporting. Interested students will be able to pitch stories to The Evanston RoundTable, which has published pieces produced for this class.

Registration Requirements

Pre-reqs: JOUR 201-1, JOUR 201-2, sophomore standing

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description
No Freshmen

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Medill Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors Pre-req: JOUR 201-1, 201-2, and Medill sophomore, Junior, or Senior Standing.