J298 Climate Story Lab

How can we innovate to transform the public’s understanding of climate change, inspiring positive action and holding power to account? This interdisciplinary production class is an experimental laboratory for developing exceptional works of climate journalism, in all its forms. It is intended primarily for second year J-School students who want to pursue a capstone project related to some facet of climate change, biodiversity or the environment.

Additionally, the Lab welcomes select graduate students from other programs across the University, who add expertise in environmental science and policy, or add creative and technical skills, and gain experience in climate journalism.

Depending on student interest, the Lab may include several projects or a larger collaboration on a theme — and can involve documentary films, multimedia packages, social video series, podcasts, narrative writing or media startups. Over the course of the semester, students will meet weekly to develop their projects – in addition to guest speakers and lectures. Each selected project is eligible for seed funding, and we’ll seek to connect student projects with additional funders and publishers.

The Lab is designed to complement work in other production classes, including the Documentary Workshop (students would enroll in both classes and produce one capstone project). This year’s class will also complement the ESPM/Journalism seminar: American Keystones and Their Stories. Admission is by application.