Journalism, Media, and Public Discourse

Overview and Contact Information

Many departments, including English, history, sociology, and politics, offer hands-on and theory-based courses in journalism and public media. Students learn to examine the world with an educated, critical eye; to collect material from a wide range of sources; and to analyze and communicate information clearly and concisely. MHC’s approach reflects the reality of the job market: employers in journalism and media want students who are knowledgeable and articulate across a wide array of subjects in the liberal arts, who are creative, flexible thinkers with superior writing and analytical capabilities. The Nexus in Journalism, Media, and Public Discourse encourages students to explore journalism and media through many venues. In the classroom, students can master the nuts and bolts of reporting and fact-checking a news story, examine the history of the New York Times, or analyze the role of media in contemporary society.

Faculty

This area of study is administered by the following Nexus track chairs:

Eleanor Townsley, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Sociology and Director of Nexus

Kenneth Tucker, Helen P. Bibbero Professor of Sociology

Requirements for the Nexus

A minimum of 18 credits:

Additional Specifications

• Nexus students will develop a brief proposal outlining their specific area of focus and provide a course outline for approval from the track chair. A Plan of Study form must be returned to the Nexus Program office.

• The sequence of a Nexus is part of what makes it unique:

  • In preparation for the summer internship or research, students complete courses chosen in consultation with the track chair. If seeking funding through LYNK UAF, students will additionally complete orientation and advising, and online training (stages 1 and 2).

  • COLL-211 is taken after the internship or research project and culminates in a presentation at LEAP Symposium.

Courses Counting toward the Nexus

Courses other than those listed below may count toward the Nexus. Students should consult the Nexus track chair for consideration of courses not on the list.