<p>Lecture, three hours. American journalism faces multiple crises such as fake news, alternative facts, false equivalence, the Big Lie, fast-spreading disinformation, and relentless economic pressures, all of which predated the presidency of Donald Trump but were exacerbated by him. Public trust in the media is at near-record lows. Consideration of how this happened, what can be done about it, and the duty of citizenship when concept of truth is disputed. Examination of American media by a veteran New York Times correspondent and editor, with regular guest lectures from senior media and polling figures. Readings drawn from current books and publications; regular short writing assignments culminate in a final essay diagnosing the media ills and make concrete suggestions for improvement. Letter grading.</p>

Public Affairs

Meyer and Renee Luskin School of Public Affairs

Public Affairs Schoolwide Programs

PUB AFF 177 - Truth and Consequences: Problems in Contemporary American Journalism

Truth and Consequences: Problems in Contemporary American Journalism

Learn to understand the media ecosystem or systems each of us inhabits. What are our sources of information and how do we categorize them on a spectrum from “straight” news to disinformation and propaganda? How does media polarization affect public debate and policy outcomes?

Come to a deeper understanding of the obligations of citizenship in the era of the Big Lie.

Study and debate what “objectivity” means in the context of current American journalism, and whether that is a realistic and achievable – or even desirable – stance for news organizations.

Learn how to judge the trustworthiness of what they read. Are they being misled or lied to, by whom and to what purpose?

Explore the concepts of and recognize examples of false equivalence and "both-sidesism" in reporting. What is journalistic “balance” and how is it abused?

Learn and practice various types of journalistic writing and argument. Students will develop and sharpen their writing and persuasion skills through short exercises and a longer op-ed type essay at the end of the course. Clear thinking and clear writing will be emphasized.

Become more sophisticated readers of political polling employed by news organizations and learn the difference between measuring public opinion and handicapping political contests.

Become more critical and discerning consumers of mass media.

What does the New York Times vow to report the news “without fear or favor” mean today?

Through class discussions and writing assignments demonstrate an ability to recognize bias and other flaws in media coverage and present a succinct and persuasive argument on critical issues facing the media and public.

General Catalog

Truth and Consequences: Problems in Contemporary American Journalism

PUB AFF 177

4 units