Topics in Communication Studies (395-0-27)

Topic

Journalism, Free Speech & Democracy

Instructors

Heather Hendershot

Meeting Info

555 Clark B01: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This historical course examines a range of case studies to help students understand how American print, radio, and TV news has resisted, supported, or remained neutral regarding democratic values and institutions. Topics studied may include journalistic coverage of: McCarthyism; advocacy for voting rights; elections; World Wars I and II; Vietnam; and Watergate. Ultimately, the class aims to help students of communication and journalism understand how historical context can elucidate contemporary issues regarding democracy and free speech.