Journalists and documentary filmmakers have an important role in upholding democracy, uncovering corruption, and reporting the truth, which often means going to areas of conflict. The Padua Conflict & Crisis Reporting program will prepare students to begin covering conflicts, crisis and hostile environments smartly, ethically and with greater safety. Based at BU’s Padua Academic Center, the program will take advantage of unique opportunities in Padua including engagement with the IMP Festival (International Month of Photojournalism). Students will participate in hands-on activities and learn from expert guest lecturers. Padua Conflict & Crisis Reporting program is a 4-week, one course program. Students will earn 4 BU credits. The course will be taught in English.
Requirements & Considerations
- Prior Italian language study is not required
- Open to rising Juniors and Seniors, Graduate students in the BU Journalism program
- Pre-requisites: undergraduate Boston University Journalism Students are expected to have completed COM JO 205 and COM JO 200
- Permission of instructor for those not in enrolled in a BU Journalism program
- Admissions requirements for all programs.
Curriculum
- COM JO 551 Conflict & Crisis Reporting: Covering Hostile Environments Smartly, Safely & Ethically (4 credits)
- Pre-requisites: undergraduate Boston University Journalism Students are expected to have completed COM JO 205 and COM JO 200
- Participants are required to submit an existing longer-form project, in any medium, that they are still working on or have completed. This work will be presented to their peers during the first week of the program.
- Journalism, documentary film students and others will learn applied skills in advanced conflict storytelling for breaking news and long form (text, audio, stills). Students will be trained in danger & trauma amelioration and awareness, understanding self-medication/social drinking, first aid, online digital security, operational security risk assessment and dealing with the acute ethical issues that arise. There will be studies in understanding and overcoming disinformation and fake news as well as learning social media skills and digital safety.
- Syllabus
Housing & Student Services
University Dormitory
The Collegio Mazza Residence is a private dorm and has 3 main residence halls in close proximity to each other.
- All students live in furnished double rooms with en suite bathroom
- Students will room with another student from the program.
- Partial board included: 5 dinner meals a week (Monday – Friday)
- Communal coffee rooms and possibility to use communal kitchen for breakfast preparation
- Weekly cleaning service
- Wi-Fi, study halls with air conditioning, library, conference room, information center, music room, newspaper and TV room, gym for residents only.
- Irons and coin operated laundry facilities
- Limited single rooms may be available, if for medical needs, for an additional charge.
Program Dates
- Summer Term: late May to late June
Application Timeline
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Summer Semester
- Applications Open December 1
- Applications Deadline March 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
