JOUR 2309 Telling Difficult Stories

Note to Journalism minors only: This course satisfies the requirement for an elective with a " critical" orientation. The journalist is offered a unique and personal lens on events that most people can only experience as consumers of media. While many stories are exhilarating to cover, just as many are painful, horrifying, heartbreaking, and extremely difficult to tell. These include such high profile tragedies as the coronavirus pandemic, 9/11, and the Boston Marathon bombing--but also more personal tragedies involving people in our own communities. This course takes a critical look at covering and telling those difficult stories. We will hear from some of the journalists (including but not limited to the instructor) who will share their professional insight into covering the most traumatic stories of their careers, as well as from some of the families and/or victims of these difficult events. Additionally, we will examine the PTSD that often affects journalists and is not limited to first responders and victims. Students should be aware that this course will deal with difficult material including homicide, abduction, suicide, illness, and crime.