Master's Research Project

Course Description

Students complete independent reporting projects within an area of specialization if appropriate. A faculty advisor will oversee weekly meetings among all students to discuss common issues and progress. The goal is to produce a journalistic masterwork (analogous to a thesis) that will be pitched to a professional news organization, creating the foundation for a portfolio of published work. The course is meant as a center for advising and feedback from instructor and peers. While students work independently on a master's project, this course serves as a home base for addressing common questions, concerns and challenges. Students will regularly report progress updates and receive feedback and guidance from the class. The instructor ensures that all students complete the projects in a timely fashion. The master's research project may take many forms. Students should choose a project in consultation with the program director, the instructor of this course, and other advisors as appropriate. Projects must be approved by the program director before beginning work. The master's project may be accomplished using one of the following venues: a longform or otherwise in-depth reporting project; an internship; a study away; an assistantship with Philadelphia Neighborhoods; or a collaboration on a substantial project with third parties, including but not limited to Open Data Philly, Solutions Journalism Network, Philadelphia Media Network, etc. In any case, the goal of the master's research project is to produce a publishable journalistic masterwork. The instructor of this course will work with students choosing study or other work that keeps them away from in-person class meetings to ensure that these students may still participate in giving project updates and providing feedback to peers.

Code

JRN 9995

Credits

3

Subject

JRN