Course description:
This course will teach students how to navigate contentious discussions concerning race in the age of Trump. We will explore how media are handling and mishandling the use of race in the current political environment, how to honestly contend with the issue of race across political lines, and compare and contrast the coverage of race during the Trump era to contentious eras from the mid-20th century to early 20th century. The class is being designed for a mix of liberal, conservative and independent-minded students.
This is a hybrid-learning environment, meaning a mix of in-person and virtual learning. You do not have to be physically present in class to do well. But you will have to conduct interviews with sources that might have to be done in-person, over email or the phone, depending on the circumstances. Journalists don’t have the option of not doing interviews and other necessary research because of uncertain times, including a pandemic. One of the goals of the class is to help students how to continue doing top-notch journalism during times like these while balancing safety and excellence.
Note: There will be multiple ways for students to participate in this course, interact with classmates and the professor. In-person classes will be held twice a week. There is enough room in the classroom for every student to participate in person during every session. The sessions will be available live via Zoom, and they will be available as a recording. There will also be weekly discussions on Moodle, where pertinent class material will be housed. If a student needs any other accommodations as the semester develops, such arrangements can also be made. The course is designed to be flexible.
- Teacher: Ike Bailey