Journalism Skills for Engaged Citizens from Coursera

This is a course in basic journalism skills, designed for the many people who are now taking advantage of new media to publish news, views and information. For five hundred years, the privilege of being able to publish was enjoyed by very few people – those who had access to a printing press or a radio microphone or a television camera. Now, almost anyone can publish to the world within minutes of being able to do so. But is it journalism?

How does a citizen journalist find things out, so they can report facts and news - moving beyond merely braying opinion? And what are the legal and ethical pitfalls to publishing facts that some people might prefer remain secret?

Over six weeks, this course teaches the basics of news writing, how to interview people to gain crucial information, how to develop and manage your sources and how to use your legal rights to access public information - and stay on the right side of the law when you publish. We discuss the ethics behind journalism practice, and conduct a mock investigation into local government. This course aims to empower engaged citizens to better participate in the news ecology.

View the MOOC promotional video here: http://tinyurl.com/jj46rxw

What's inside

Syllabus

What is a Journalist, and What is News?

This week we will discuss what journalism is, what journalists do, and how this has been affected over time by technology. We'll think about the exciting changes of our own time – the first in human history when the means of publication are in everyone's hands. We will then talk about the principles of news writing, and the nature of news. Finally, we will introduce Newstown, a fictitious place in Victoria, Australia. We also attend a news conference held in the Newstown Council Chambers. We will be using Newstown as the basis of our skills based exercises in this MOOC, so please take the time to become familiar with the town and its issues by following the link to Newstown in the course resources.

Attribution, Verification and the Structure of News Writing

This week we discuss some more core skills of journalism, particularly the very important concepts of attribution of information, and verification. We explore the structure of news writing in some more detail. Finally, make sure you take a close look at the Newstown site, and keep looking at it from now on as the course develops. Some new information has been posted that you will need to use in this week's first assessable news writing exercise.

Finding Things Out: Places, Paper and People

Engaging and informative journalism skills course

Learners say that Journalism Skills for Engaged Citizens is an engaging and informative course. They particularly enjoy the interactive nature of the course. One learner notes, "I enjoyed participating in this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Journalism Skills for Engaged Citizens with these activities:

Compile a list of reputable news sources

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Develop your critical thinking skills by evaluating and compiling a list of credible news sources.

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Identify criteria for evaluating news sources
Research and analyze different news outlets
Create a curated list of reputable sources

Volunteer for a local news organization

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to your community by volunteering with a local news organization.

Browse courses on Community Involvement

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Identify local news organizations that offer volunteer opportunities
Inquire about volunteer positions and express your interest and skills
Fulfill your volunteer responsibilities with dedication and professionalism

Conduct mock interviews

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Sharpen your interviewing skills by practicing with peers or seeking out opportunities to interview experts.

Browse courses on Interviewing Techniques

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Identify potential interviewees and prepare a list of questions
Conduct mock interviews in pairs or small groups
Record and review interviews to identify areas for improvement

Five other activities

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Provide feedback on peers' news articles

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Strengthen your critical thinking skills and enhance your understanding of journalistic principles by providing feedback to peers.

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Offer to review articles written by classmates
Provide constructive feedback on the content, structure, and writing style

Write a news article based on a local event

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Apply your knowledge of news writing by drafting an article that covers a local event.

Browse courses on News Writing

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Identify a newsworthy event in your community
Gather information from multiple sources, including interviews and research
Structure the article according to journalistic standards (e.g., inverted pyramid)
Edit and proofread the article carefully before sharing

Follow online tutorials on advanced reporting techniques

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Enhance your reporting skills by following guided tutorials that cover advanced techniques such as data analysis and investigative journalism.

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Identify online tutorials or courses on advanced reporting techniques
Follow the tutorials carefully and complete the exercises
Apply the techniques learned to your own reporting projects

Attend a workshop on media law and ethics

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Enhance your understanding of the legal and ethical considerations in journalism by attending a workshop led by experts.

Browse courses on Media Law

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Research and identify relevant workshops in your area
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions

Start a blog or online publication

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Gain practical experience by starting your own platform for publishing news and commentary.

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Choose a niche or topic for your publication
Design and set up a website or blog
Create and publish original content regularly
Promote your publication through social media and networking

Career center

Learners who complete Journalism Skills for Engaged Citizens will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reporter

A Reporter is the individual responsible for gathering and verifying information to produce news stories for print, broadcast, or online media. This course may be useful to those who want to become reporters because it teaches how to find out information, including places, paper, and people. The course also delves into the art of interviewing and how to structure your material.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reporter

News Writer

A News Writer writes news stories for print, broadcast, or online media. This course may be useful for those who want to become news writers because it teaches the basics of news writing, including principles of news writing, the nature of news, and the structure of news writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for News Writer

Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist is responsible for managing the public image of a company or organization by building and maintaining relationships with the media and other key stakeholders. This course may be useful to those who want to become public relations specialists because it teaches how to write news releases, how to interview people, and how to use legal rights to access public information.

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Editor

An Editor checks over the work of writers, reporters, and other content creators. They help ensure accuracy, correct grammar, and adherence to a publication's style guide. This course may be useful for those who want to become editors because it teaches the basics of news writing, including principles of news writing, the nature of news, and the structure of news writing.

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Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst conducts market research to identify and analyze consumer needs and trends. This course may be useful to those who want to become market research analysts because it teaches how to find information, including places, paper, and people. It also teaches how to write engaging and informative content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Journalist

A Journalist writes news stories based on facts and various sources. This course may be useful for those who want to become journalists because the course teaches how to find out information, interview people, develop and manage sources, and how to use legal rights to access public information. It may also be useful to learn a bit about media law and the ethics behind journalism practice.

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Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager is responsible for developing and executing social media strategies for businesses, organizations, and individuals. This course may be useful to those who want to become social media managers because it teaches how to write engaging and informative content. The course also teaches how to use legal rights to access public information.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies for organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to become marketing managers because it teaches how to write engaging and informative content. The course also teaches how to use legal rights to access public information.

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Content Creator

A Content Creator is responsible for planning, writing, editing, and publishing content for websites, blogs, social media, and other platforms. This course may be useful to those who want to become content creators because it teaches the basics of news writing, including principles of news writing, the nature of news, and the structure of news writing. Additionally, it teaches how to use legal rights to access public information.

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Copywriter

A Copywriter develops and writes marketing and advertising materials, such as brochures, website content, and social media posts. This course may be useful to those who want to become copywriters because it teaches the basics of writing in a clear and concise way that is engaging to the reader.

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Media Analyst

A Media Analyst interprets and evaluates media data to provide insights and recommendations to clients. This course may be useful to those who want to become media analysts because it teaches how to find information, including places, paper, and people. The course also delves into the art of interviewing and how to structure your material.

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Web Content Manager

A Web Content Manager is responsible for planning, creating, and publishing content for websites. This course may be useful to those who want to become web content managers because it teaches the basics of news writing, including principles of news writing, the nature of news, and the structure of news writing. Additionally, it teaches how to use legal rights to access public information.

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Public Affairs Specialist

A Public Affairs Specialist is responsible for managing the public image of organizations and governments. This course may be useful for those who want to become public affairs specialists because it teaches the basics of news writing, including principles of news writing, the nature of news, and the structure of news writing.

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Public Policy Analyst

A Public Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and evaluates public policies and programs. This course may be useful for those who want to become public policy analysts because the course teaches the basics of news writing, including principles of news writing, the nature of news, and the structure of news writing.

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Communications Manager

A Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies for organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to become communications managers because it teaches how to write news releases, how to interview people, and how to use legal rights to access public information.

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