Special Courses

JOUR 4300 – Specialized Journalism: Story Telling with a focus on Podcasting

Instructor: Nana aba Duncan

Podcasting is a media format where difficult, complex social problems are being explored through narrative storytelling. In this class, we will listen critically to podcasts to understand how this format engages audiences on challenging topics. We will discuss how the process of centering historically marginalized voices is changing the nature of how we do journalism. How can we handle stories in an intentional, trauma-informed way? What are the ethics of handling sensitive, personal stories?

JOUR 4308 – Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sports Culture

More than play-by-play – you’ll cover live sporting events and learn to look beyond the field to find stories. You’ll read some of the greatest works of sports journalism and analyze some not-so-good sportswriting in order to spot the difference. You’ll meet real athletes and sportswriters and dive into discussions about how best to master the craft.

JOUR 4311 – Specialized Journalism: Justice and The Supreme Court of Canada

The courts and the legal system have an enormous effect on our everyday lives, routinely making decisions on our rights, how governments spend money, freedom of speech, healthcare, criminal justice, religious freedom, immigration, diversity and other pressing issues of our time. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the law and the courts intersect with almost every area of journalism at one time or another. In this course, you will cover the Supreme Court of Canada, the highest court in the country. You will sharpen key journalistic skills, such as understanding and explaining complex court documents, finding the human-interest angle in any story, attending court hearings and writing with accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity.

JOUR 4314 – Specialized Journalism: Political Reporting

Instructor: Allan Thompson

This course on political reporting is designed to equip students with some of the skills and knowledge required to navigate Parliament Hill and other Canadian political institutions and produce solid works of journalism. Every class will be held on or near Parliament Hill to blend hands-on field experience with academic theory. Week by week, the course will introduce students to some of the key actors and institutions on Parliament Hill and in Canadian politics. This on-site, experiential course will be enriched by a roster of guest speakers representing various aspects of life on the Hill (politicians, journalists, press gallery staff, public servants, lobbyists, and so on). There will be opportunities for students to independently cover the House of Commons and Senate, committee meetings, caucus, press conferences and other events on the Hill. High ethical standards are strictly enforced, with a particular focus on original writing and limited use of AI tools. The course is grounded in the belief that the purpose of political reporting is to serve the public and provide citizens with the information they need to participate in civic affairs and make important decisions.