Journalism

Outline

Introduction to Journalism examines the business and practice of print, broadcast and internet journalism in Britain, the US, Japan and elsewhere. The course complements other media-related courses at SILS, with a useful emphasis on the practicalities and dilemmas of the profession. This focus involves looking at how a newspaper actually works and discussing common ethical issues. We’ll discuss the work of mavericks like Claud Cockburn and the lone operator Matt Drudge and examine the impact of powerful bloggers like Arianna Huffington. All being well, our interest and effort will be rewarded with a guest lecture by a member of the Tokyo press corps.

There is no course text book. Weekly downloads, for students to look through before each class, will be provided on the course homepage. The website will also hold information about essay requirements, worksheets and useful links.

Students will be assessed along these lines: attendance, class participation and worksheets 30%, assignments 35%, examination 35%. 

NB. Examination success and satisfactory assignments and worksheets demand close attention to course content as well as initiative and interest: students are advised to take NOTES.

READING

BEHR, EDWARD (1985) Anyone Here Been Raped and Speaks English? (New English Library)
CHIPPINDALE, PETER and CHRIS HORRIE (1990) Stick It Up Your Punter: the Rise and Fall of The Sun (Heinemann)
WAUGH, EVELYN (2004 [1937]) Scoop: A Novel About Journalists (Penguin Modern Classics) 

DELANO , ANTHONY (1975) Slip-up ( London : Quadrangle) (about the competition among journalists to interview train-robber Ronnie Biggs – highly recommended).