This course examines the changing role of journalism, the impact of the Internet and social media and the emergence of alternative news sources. To develop critical faculties, students will study the evolution of the American media, focusing on changes in audiences, ownership, regulation and technology. Students will learn to assess the credibility of information provided by: traditional news organizations, Web sites, social media such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as information provided directly by sources, as in news releases from corporations and political campaigns and reports from nonprofit and governmental agencies. Formerly ENG 2500. Students will receive credit for JRN 2500 or ENG 2500. Please note: Unless otherwise specified, JRN courses may not be used within the English major or minor.
Prerequisite: ENG 2100 completed and has passed writing skills either by exemption or passed CATW exam and passed reading by exemption or ACT reading test.