ABOUT THIS COURSE
This course (ENWR 2700) served as an introduction to the age-old work of news writing, now facing new challenges in the twenty-first century. Students studied foundational ideals and practices in current news journalism, with an emphasis on (a) careful, time-sensitive information-gathering; (b) clear and accurate reporting; and (c) creating worthwhile and accurate feature pieces for selected audiences.
Students worked through writing for local, regional, and national audiences. They practiced straightforward reporting, short human interest stories, and feature writing. Throughout, we explored the unique challenges of 2020 (and later, 2022)—both in terms of business models and negotiating issues of trust and civic literacy—as we confronted multiple social crises in the context of Covid.
By the course’s end, students demonstrated publishable writing skills appropriate for an entry-level journalist. Students were also able speak and write thoughtfully about both writing and reading “the news” as responsible citizens.
Offered Summer 2020 and Summer 2022