Understanding the role of the free press in America helps us to be better informed and more able to analyze media. In this course, students will explore the history of journalism in the United States from its inception in the colonies and its key role in the first amendment, all the way up to present day issues regarding “right to know” and the changing landscape of journalistic media in the 21st century. Students will acquire the skills and information needed to actively participate in the consumption, analysis, and creation of news media and will have the opportunity to investigate the constantly evolving career opportunities within the field of journalism.