jrn350 | undergraduate

Controversial Issues In Journalism

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This course examines the rise of social media and the immediacy in which controversial issues are communicated in journalism. This course focuses on developing the writer/reporter’s ability to critically examine and react to specific media elements, including public opinion, trends, celebrity commentary, and the public’s need to know.  Emphasis is placed on understanding the nature and characteristics of thought-provoking mass media occurrences. Concepts of idea generation and storytelling in an ethical and personally responsible manner are highlighted.


Course details:

Credits: 3
Continuing education units: XX
Professional development units: XX
Duration: 5 weeks

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    • Analyze specific cases of libel, slander, and other common legal and ethical controversial issues in journalism.
    • Identify ethical and legal considerations within controversial issues in the field of journalism.
    • Describe the importance of ethical and legal compliance as pertaining to controversial issues in journalism.

    Introduction to Controversial Issues

    • Define the characteristics of controversial issues in journalism.
    • Explain the role of controversial issues in journalism.
    • Identify examples of controversial issues.
    • Analyze controversial Issues in journalism and their characteristics.

    The Roles and Responsibilities of the Journalist

    • Define the role of the journalist responsibility and accountability in responding to controversial issues.
    • Determine the relationship between the journalist and responsible delivery of information to the general public.
    • Assess the effects of persuasion between a journalist and the consumer.
    • Analyze the role that conflict plays in reporting controversial issues.

    Technology Access to Information

    • Identify the availability of information on the internet.
    • Explain the significance of immediate news media delivery on culture.
    • Explain how technology has influenced the field of journalism.

    Trends in Reporting Controversial Issues

    • Identify the current trends in social media (i.e. social networking, blogging, etc.) with respect to controversial issues.
    • Describe impact of Social media’s influence on the role of the journalist and news information.
    • Analyze how journalists and media organizations cover controversial issues using social media.

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