Course A
Media History:
Power, Protest, and Passion
Jon Marshall, Associate Professor, The Medill School of Journalism
Tuesdays, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Beyond our own observations and conversations, much of what we know – or think we know – about the world comes through the media, which has a long and colorful history. Ever since a Boston bookstore owner boldly decided to print a newspaper critical of the colonial government, the press in America has challenged authority and provided information essential to democracy and our daily lives. The story of U.S. journalism is filled with acts of great courage and skill along with examples of greed, partisanship, bigotry, and sensationalism. This nine-week course will explore the politics, economics, technology, demographic trends, and individual personalities that have shaped U.S. journalism over time so that we can better understand our current tumultuous media environment.
