WGST 07.1: Women in Journalism
Women reporters, editors and columnists have changed the field of journalism, from newspapers and magazines to radio and television. This course will examine the historic influence of women on the field of journalism, from Nellie Bly's turn-of-the-century undercover exposés to today's newsroom professionals. How has the growing number of women journalists affected the coverage of women's issues such as welfare, abortion, and health crises such as breast cancer? How do women deal with "objectivity" in covering these issues? We will look at new styles in literary journalism pioneered by women, notably Frances Fitzgerald on Vietnam, Joan Didion on cultural issues in 60s and 70s, Oriana Fallaci on world leaders, and Sheryl WuDunn on China. We will analyze the work of women columnists who have changed the face of political discourse in the U.S., and examine the historical contributions of muckrakers like Ida Tarbell and anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells Barnett. This course will involve critical reading, original reporting and several article-length papers. Students will be expected to produce a publishable, magazine-length article at term's end. Dist: SOC; WCult: W.
Professor Jetter
11 Hour