Truth and Consequences: Problems in Contemporary American Journalism

4 units · Undergraduate upper division (100-199)

Lecture, three hours. American journalism faces multiple crises such as fake news, alternative facts, false equivalence, the Big Lie, fast-spreading disinformation, and relentless economic pressures, all of which predated the presidency of Donald Trump but were exacerbated by him. Public trust in the media is at near-record lows. Consideration of how this happened, what can be done about it, and the duty of citizenship when concept of truth is disputed. Examination of American media by a veteran New York Times correspondent and editor, with regular guest lectures from senior media and polling figures. Readings drawn from current books and publications; regular short writing assignments culminate in a final essay diagnosing the media ills and make concrete suggestions for improvement. Letter grading.