Journalism 322: History of American Journalism

About this course

Journalism has often been referred to as the first draft of history, so it is natural the two fields have been closely aligned in our diverse society. Modern historians examine past articles and reports for information, while journalists refer to historical sources for contextual information about an issue or story. Regardless of era, mass communications shape public opinion and inform the public.

These basic concepts -- understanding and researching history -- are the focus of our three-hour weekly meeting. We will examine critical historical events and consider each in terms of contemporary communication.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this course will learn:

How individuals have used journalism to promote democracy in our diverse society
How journalism as a craft and profession have evolved during the past three hundred years
The relationship between technology and journalism through history
The characteristics of the major eras of journalism in American history
How individual journalists and the craft of journalism have impacted American history
The relationship between American politics and journalism since the colonial era
The origins of public relations

Texts

There are two required texts for this course.

The first is a course packet that can be purchased at Mister Kopy Downtown (119 Main St.). It is the primary text of this course.

The second book is chosen by yourself from the below list of (mostly) non-fictional journalistic texts. You must read the text during the semester and be prepared to discuss its historical relevance in a group presentation. From this list, you are assigned one book:

1. The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test, Tom Wolfe
2. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Hunter S. Thompson
3. All the President's Men, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein
4. In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
5. For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway
6. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Frederick Douglass
7. Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut

Requirements

First, you must attend class to succeed. While attendance will not be formally taken, graded activities will occur during our weekly three-hour meeting. Because we only meet once a week, this should not be an issue for any student expecting a passing grade.

Second, plagiarism in this course will not be tolerated. There is no excuse for unauthorized reproduction of another's work, especially in a journalism course. Likewise, if a test is not taken or another deadline not met, a doctor's note is required for an extension to be considered. Without a legitimate doctor's note, a missed exam, research paper or presentation will result in a grade of zero.

Third, I expect proper preparation. Students will be expected to intelligently discuss assigned readings during class. Be ready to address issues raised and historical events discussed.

In other words, come to class, do the readings and participate. A passing grade is highly likely if you do all three.

Plagiarism & lateness

To repeat: Plagiarism in this course will result in the student's course grade being an "F." Here is how another professor describes plagiarism -- please do not make this an issue. Avoid being late; it is disruptive.

Dropping the class

You may drop classes via the Portal without restriction until Sept. 1. After that date you must document (i.e. provide written evidence) a "serious and compelling reason" to drop and obtain the signature of the course instructor and the department chair on a Change of Program (COP) form. After the fourth week of classes, the signature of the college dean is also required. After the fifth week, you will be required to pay the Records Office a $10 fee to process a COP form. For details, see the University Catalog .

Disabilities

If you have a disability and require special accomodations, please see me after class to discuss possible arrangements.

HISTORY OF AMERICAN JOURNALISM