J219 MINI Business Leadership and Design Thinking (5 weeks)

Business Leadership and Design Thinking introduces students to the strategic mindset and creative problem-solving skills essential for modern journalism and media innovation. Through case studies, collaborative activities, and hands-on design thinking exercises, students explore how leaders in news organizations drive change, foster experimentation, and build sustainable business models. The course emphasizes audience-centered product development, ethical decision-making, and the integration of entrepreneurial thinking into newsroom practices. By the end, students will understand how to lead teams, navigate industry challenges, and design impactful solutions that support the future of journalism.

This class meets five times in the middle of the semester:

• Week 1 – Wednesday, Feb 25
• Week 2 – Wednesday, Mar 4
• Week 3 – Wednesday, Mar 11
• Week 4 – Wednesday, Mar 18
  (spring break, no classes week of Mar 23-27)
• Week 5 – Wednesday, Apr 1