Journalism in the Public Interest

Professors Hersh (Chair), Branch, Crowley, Keeley, Ribeiro, B. Slote

Journalism in the Public Interest (“JPI”) is an interdivisional minor that combines practical training in journalism with an exploration of the evolving socio-political role journalism has played in the development of modern societies. The minor aims to foster an understanding of: 1) the notion that journalism is fundamental to the vitality of democracy and civil society in this country and globally; 2) the complexity of knowledge and assertions about knowledge as they pertain to the practice of journalism; 3) the relationships of power embedded in journalistic practice; 4) the historical development of journalism; and 5) what it means to be responsible citizens in a journalistic context—locally, nationally, and internationally.