This news-literacy course will help you make sense of a world that is fast overheating, figuratively and literally. Lectures will examine how the media cover conflicts in different parts of the world. As tower of babble with a catchall label, the news media can confuse us as much as it informs. While delivery systems are evolving at an accelerating rate, the essence has not changed since Caesar’s letters from Gaul. What matters is the message. Despite wondrous new ways to disseminate information, we often get it wrong at the speed of light.
Video clips will be included to show exemplary televised reportage, and our class lectures will include lively discussion. We will also have guest appearances—in person or via Skype—of seasoned reporters working abroad as well as talks with unsung, underpaid “locals” who risk their lives to get the story straight.