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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores journalism as a profession and its relevance in a digital age

Covers core journalism skills, such as news writing, interviewing, and information verification

Instructors have extensive experience in journalism, bringing practical insights to the course

Engages in a mock investigation, providing hands-on experience in applying journalistic principles

May require additional time and effort from students to complete the assessments

Reviews summary

Journalism basics with practical application

According to learners, Journalism Skills for Engaged Citizens receives a largely positive reception, particularly praised for providing a strong foundation in journalism basics. Students highlight the practical skills taught, such as news writing, interviewing, and understanding media law and ethics. A frequently mentioned highlight is the immersive Newstown project, which allows learners to apply concepts hands-on. While providing a comprehensive introduction, students suggest the course is best suited for beginners or those looking for an overview, and may be too basic for experienced journalists. Overall, it's seen as a well-structured and engaging course.

May be too basic for experienced learners.

"As someone with a little prior background, some parts felt a bit introductory."

"Would have liked more depth on advanced reporting techniques or niche legal areas."

"Good starting point, but perhaps not challenging enough for those already working in journalism."

Includes law, ethics, and practical skills.

"Found the sections on media law, especially defamation, particularly helpful and relevant."

"The ethics discussions were thought-provoking and necessary for citizen journalists."

"It covered a good range of essential skills needed for reporting."

Course is logical and easy to follow.

"The course was very well organized week by week, making it easy to keep up."

"Lecturers explained complex concepts clearly and concisely."

"The overall structure felt logical and built skills progressively."

Provides clear basics for beginners.

"It provided a really solid introduction to the fundamentals of journalism."

"I finally understand the basics of news writing, attribution, and verification thanks to this course."

"Great course if you're completely new to the subject and need a starting point."

Hands-on simulation is highly valuable.

"The Newstown simulation was incredibly useful, really bringing the lessons to life."

"Applying the lessons in the Newstown scenarios made everything click."

"Working through the mock investigation in Newstown was the highlight of the course for me."

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Community Involvement

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Interviewing Techniques

Show steps

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

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Provide feedback on peers' news articles

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Peer Review

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on News Writing

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Media Law

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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:

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

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Content Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Analyst

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Affairs Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor