Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/journalism-skills
In today’s digital age, the ability to publish news and information is no longer confined to traditional journalists. With just a few clicks, anyone can share their thoughts and findings with the world. However, this democratization of publishing raises an important question: what constitutes journalism? The course ‘Journalism Skills for Engaged Citizens’ on Coursera seeks to answer this question while equipping participants with essential journalism skills.
This course is designed for anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of journalism, whether you’re a budding citizen journalist or simply someone who wants to engage more critically with the news. The syllabus is structured into several weeks, each focusing on different aspects of journalism.
**Week 1: What is a Journalist, and What is News?**
The course kicks off by defining journalism and exploring the role of journalists throughout history, particularly in light of technological advancements. Participants are introduced to the fictitious town of Newstown, which serves as a case study throughout the course. This week sets the stage for understanding the principles of news writing and the nature of news itself.
**Week 2: Attribution, Verification, and News Writing Structure**
In the second week, the course delves into the critical skills of attribution and verification. Understanding how to properly attribute information and verify facts is essential for any journalist. The structure of news writing is also explored, providing participants with a solid foundation for their writing exercises.
**Week 3: Finding Things Out**
This week focuses on the practical skills of journalism, including how to gather information from various sources. Participants learn to navigate the Newstown site for relevant information, which is crucial for their first news writing exercise.
**Week 4: More on Interviews**
Interviewing is a key skill for journalists, and this week provides insights into effective interviewing techniques. Participants analyze both good and bad interview examples, enhancing their understanding of how to conduct interviews that yield valuable information.
**Week 5: Contacts, Confidential Sources, and Organizing Material**
The complexities of dealing with off-the-record sources and long-term contacts are discussed in this week. Participants learn how to organize their material and formulate questions based on public documents, culminating in a comprehensive news story.
**Week 6: Media Law and Impartiality**
The final week addresses important legal aspects of journalism, including defamation and contempt, as well as the concept of journalistic impartiality. The course wraps up by revisiting key principles and discussing the public nature of journalism.
Overall, ‘Journalism Skills for Engaged Citizens’ is an invaluable course for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of journalism in the modern world. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises makes it a well-rounded experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in becoming a more informed and engaged citizen journalist. Whether you’re looking to publish your own stories or simply want to better understand the news you consume, this course provides the tools you need to navigate the evolving landscape of journalism.
Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming an engaged citizen journalist!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/journalism-skills