DIGI 106 - Media Studio: Information Gathering

1.5 Credit(s)

Most journalists would say that the toughest - but most exciting - part of the job is finding the story. Stories are the result of locating, verifying, and expertly assembling individual facts, voices and pieces of information. This course develops digital journalists’ research muscles by focusing on: differentiating between primary and secondary sources; designing and executing interviews; public records and legal access issues, structuring and teasing out narrative tension, and developing a credible voice. Students will also advance their understanding of follow-up inquiry; analysis of numeric data; ethics; and attribution. Seven-week course.

Course Frequency: S

Grading Method: Student option.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the difference between primary and secondary sources.
Practice ethical interviewing techniques for information gathering.
Understand the parameters of the Freedom of Information Act, Clery Act, HIPAA and FERPA laws for privacy and access issues.
Appropriately cite all sources using journalistic style.