Description
This course introduces students to the major events, ideas, policies,
institutions, technical innovations and personalities that have shaped
journalism in the United States. These issues are examined in the
context of broader historical changes in American society and
government. Understanding the history of journalism is the necessary
first step in developing a critical sense of the impact of mass media
on American culture. We will also explore the ways in which the
American historical experience has given rise to principles that guide
the practice of journalism today. And we will discuss contemporary
media issues to better understand the news business of today.
We believe that it is essential for journalists, and therefore journalism students, to understand the origins and development of our craft. A journalist is, after all, someone who writes what has been called the first rough draft of history. A journalist is a kind of historian, as well as a source for the historians who will one day examine our era. On a daily basis, journalists keep a record -- a journal -- of the passing scene, of the large and small events that define our time. Without a knowledge of history, a journalist is helpless, unable to put today's events into a context that makes them meaningful and useful.
The practice of journalism has a colorful and fascinating history, full of innovation and invention, and a cast of characters rivaling those in fiction: flawed Shakespearean monarchs, Dickensian scoundrels, and Hemingwayesque adventurers. These publishers, editors, reporters and broadcasters have amused us, informed us and disgusted us. Their achievements have ranged from the noble to the tawdry, leaving a record that shows both the costs and the benefits of a free press.
The work of journalism is important and essential to democracy. That is why the free press has been called the fourth estate of society, a watchdog for the people over the legislative, executive and judicial powers. The work of journalists has toppled governments, sent criminals to prison, spared innocents from execution, exposed corruption in public office, and recorded moments of human suffering and triumph. In one famous formulation, journalism has served to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Journalism has given us all front-row seats at the inaugurations of presidents, the presentation of medals to Olympic champions and the tragedies of assassination, war and disaster. The writing of great journalists has enriched our literature while adding to our knowledge and understanding. Along the way, journalists have been scorned, jailed and even killed.
At its best, journalism is a noble calling -- to find the truth and bring it to the public. We welcome you to the field and to this course. Use this class to discover the work that journalists have done before you. Study the history. Learn to love the language. And begin the life-long learning that is the happy lot of the journalist.
Required Readings
1. Voices of a Nation, (4th Ed.), by Jean Folkerts & Dwight L. Teeter Jr.
2. The Elements of Journalism. By Bill Kovach and Tom Rosensteil.
3. Coursepack for JO357. Chris Daly, ed.
4. The New York Times and The Boston Globe.
Contacts
Prof. Daly can be reached by phone at 3-4295.
E-mail: cdaly@bu.edu
Office: Alden Hall (704 Comm. Ave.), Room 306A.
Office Hours
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Exams and Assignments
There will be four tests. Tests cover lectures, guest lectures, reading and
videos. Each test will also include a section that will allow you to demonstrate
your knowledge of current affairs. A missed test scores zero.
One optional paper is allowed and will be counted as a fifth grade. The paper
is a five-page analysis of a topic in journalism, based on additional research.
All topics must be approved in advance. The deadline for papers is one week
before the last class. Students may not submit a paper that is substantially
the same as work submitted in another class.. See Coursepack for more details.
Each test counts 25%. If you write a paper, it will count 20%, and other scores
will be adjusted accordingly. Test scores are not “curved.”
Attendance
Attendance at all classes is mandatory. It is also educational. Tests will cover
material from lectures not available elsewhere. It is impossible to do well
in this class unless you: 1. do the reading, 2. attend class, and 3. read the
newspapers.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism -- the deceitful presentation of another’s work as your own
-- is an abomination and will not be tolerated. In journalism, truth and candor
are the bedrock of our work. Plagiarism will result in failing this course and
possible further penalties. Never do it, and never tolerate it in others.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Section one: 1704-1866
Readings: Voices of a Nation, chaps 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7.
Coursepack: Pages to be announced.
The New York Times and The Boston Globe.
Week 1 Prof. Daly
--Introduction.
--Colonial period (Franklin)
Week 2 Prof. Daly
--Independence/First Amendment (Jefferson)
--The partisan press
Week 3 Prof. Daly
--The Penny Press (1833- )
--Reporting the Civil War
VIDEO: Excerpt from “The Civil War”
TEST #1 -- FEBRUARY 3
Section two: 1866-1917
Readings: Voices of a Nation, chaps 8, 9, 11.
Coursepack: TBA
The New York Times and The Boston Globe.
Week 4
--The Press Lords, Part I Prof. Daly
--Pulitzer and Yellow Journalism
VIDEO: Excerpt, “Nellie Bly”
Week 5
--The Press Lords, Part II Prof. Daly
--William Randolph Hearst
VIDEO: Excerpt, “Citizen Kane”
--The Great Gray Lady (The NYTimes) Week 6
--Origins of photojournalism Prof. Mills
--Muckraking and reform Prof. Daly
Week 7
--The Great War (and censorship) Prof. Daly
TEST #2 -- MARCH 2
Section three: 1917-1959
Readings: Voices of a Nation, chaps 12, 13, 14, 15.
Coursepack: TBA
The New York Times and The Boston Globe.
Week 8 Prof. Daly
--The origins of radio
--VIDEO: “Empire of the Air”
Week 9 Prof. Daly
--The American magazine.
Henry Luce and Harold Ross
--World War II (censorship again)
Week 10 Prof. Daly
--WWII (cont.)
--The Cold War/Civil rights
--VIDEO: “Dateline Freedom”
Week 11 Prof. Daly
TEST #3 -- APRIL 1
Section four: 1960-2003
Readings: Voices of a Nation, chaps 16, 17, 18.
Elements of Journalism (all)
Coursepack: TBA
The New York Times and The Boston Globe.
Week 12
--Birth of Television Prof. Lord
Week 13
--Vietnam (The credibility gap) Prof. Daly --VIDEO: CBS’ “Chronicle
of a War”
Week 14 Prof. Daly
--The Pentagon Papers
--VIDEO: Excerpt, “Watergate: The Series”
--Watergate
--VIDEO: Excerpt, “All the President’s Men”
Week 15 Prof. Daly
--Media conglomeration & diversity
--Law, ethics and verification
TEST #4 (Finals period)
--30--