J260 Investigative Reporting Seminar

This class is both an introduction to the theory and practice of investigative reporting, as well as an opportunity for students to gain practical experience working collaboratively on a major in-depth reporting project. The seminar is both a place for students to be exposed to potential sources and practitioners of the craft as well as a venue to discuss and debate what we mean by “investigative reporting.”

Students should submit a statement [500 words] explaining why they want to learn investigative reporting and how this will relate to their masters or their area of interest.If your goal is to improve your masters project, please identify your advisor and in one or two sentences describe the focus of the project. Preference will be given to second year students.

Proficiency in a foreign language preferably Spanish, Chinese or Russian is a consideration.

All applicants should indicate in their statement their concentration in narrative writing, radio, multi media or documentary/long form television and should self evaluate their ability to conduct interviews, work with public records and handle complex narratives. If you think you have done a story relevant to why you want to be in this class, please attach it to your response.

Recommendations from other instructors or working journalists will be considered.

To learn more about the Investigative Reporting Program, please visit its website.