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Journalism in Practice (301-0-30)

Topic

Environmental Reporting in a High Stakes Climate

Instructors

Abigail M Foerstner

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 308: Tues, Thurs 12:00PM - 2:30PM

Overview of class

Tackle what's at stake as our communities confront climate change, lead leaching from water mains, outdated oil pipelines, drought, flooding, and health risks resulting from contaminants and environmental injustice. You will learn to apply solutions journalism, social equity considerations, and technological advances to the mix. The accelerating environmental news stories are expanding the need for reporters trained to cover them. This class will teach you how to report on environmental issues and uncover environmental disruptions with investigative strategies, on-site reporting, discussions with experts, diverse interviews and a deep dive into research. A focus on multimedia reporting techniques will enable you to report on stories with a choice of text, video, audio, photo-essays and infographics. You will produce compelling stories for general audiences that provide clear access to the science, politics, economic impacts and community concerns. You will have some opportunities to publish your work. You participate in developing the learning experiences for this class through press conference-style discussions, role playing and peer sharing. You participate in field research trips in the Chicago area as part of this class. Some of our class sessions will be devoted to your individual reporting.

Registration Requirements

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

Class Materials (Required)

Required course materials include research readings, databases, segments of books and online tools for producing dynamic interactive graphics and maps. All these materials and resources) will be provided at no cost to you.

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.