Peace Journalism: A Foreign Perspective
Course Description:
Peace Journalism has emerged as an alternative approach in the reporting of war and other conflicts. The theory behind it is that by expanding coverage of war beyond the principal combatants -- often thought of in terms of "us" and "them" -- a context will be created that may offer nonviolent options for resolving such conflicts. Peace Journalism does NOT ignore the need to report on war. But it does call for war reporting that seeks a wide range of voices among those involved in and influenced by war. It does NOT advocate peace, but it does recognize the importance of just peace to the the advancement of civilization. Students is this course will have the opportunity to consider its possibilities in the company of journalists from many countries as they work in their respective media.
We will work closely with Lisa Schnellinger, who has lived in the United Arab Emirates with her husband since 2004. Author of ICFJ's Free and Fair: A Journalist's Guide to Improved Election Reporting and two other journalism manuals, Lisa has been a media trainer since 1996, taught journalism in 17 countries and managed training projects in Egypt, Afganistan, Cambodia and Armenia, including a stint as an editor on the news desk of Integrated Regional Information Network, the United Nation's humanitarian news agency, during the Lebanon conflict and since. Her career as a reporter, editor, and essay writer spans 26 years, including 14 years with the Seattle Port-Intelligencer where she was a news editor and foreign-desk editor.
Course Objectives:
- Learn principles and promise of peace journalism.
- Become familiar with media practices in the Middle East.
- Discuss concepts of press freedom and responsibility in a culture in the process of adopting them.
- Consider US media influence in a global perspective
- Learn Arab perspectives on reporting conflicts.
Course Credit:
COMA 392: Communication Abroad (4 credits)
Program Fee:
$5,500. Includes airfare, lodging, program related transportation. Meals are not included.
Application Deadline:
April 18, 2008. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application. A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum 20 students.
Faculty Leader:
Clifford Rowe, Professor of Communication
253-535-7632 or rowecg@plu.edu