J298 Democracy & Inequality

Inequity is sown into the bedrock of the American experiment and affects how we individually experience our democracy. In this course students will explore how policies at the local, state, and federal level perpetuate and express inequity. Students will be tasked with considering personal identity as we analyze how historical policies and current events shape the ways in which different communities experience society. Throughout the course students will consume examples of journalism effectively reporting on issues of justice—from health, education, housing, environment, the legal system and beyond. Students will spend several weeks researching, pitching, and producing a report on an issue of their choosing. There will be considerable time in class to workshop ideas and refine reporting.