JOUR 2234 Ethical Storytelling
Note to Journalism minors: this course satisfies the requirement for an elective with a " critical orientation." This class examines challenges facing the news business, reporters, and consumers at a time when the profession is undergoing a major transformation and is under attack from several sectors of our society. Using a case-study approach, we will explore topics such as fake news/disinformation, debates about objectivity, the impact of social media, and restoring trust. The industrys core values and professional practices will guide not only our investigations of journalisms purpose in the 21st century, but also our development of frameworks for making ethical decisions in an intensely competitive environment. Students will be expected to do background reading in the general area of each case and be prepared to lead a class discussion.
Course overview
- Department
- Journalism
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Spring
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.59 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.71 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Joseph Bergantino | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 1–3 hrs/week | 7 of 7 |
| Fall 2023 | Joseph Bergantino | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 of 6 |
| Fall 2022 | Joseph Bergantino | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 4 of 5 |
| Fall 2021 | Joseph Bergantino | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 6 of 8 |