This course will examine how editorials and other opinion pieces are conceived and constructed, how they aim to shape the debate on international issues, and whether they are successful. It will look at a panoply of current foreign-policy topics and how they have been treated in editorials by various publications. Students will learn to do the reporting and fact-checking that bolsters credible editorials, and will develop the critical-thinking and writing skills required to effectively convey their points of view. Over spring break, we will do in-field reporting from Hungary on threats to democracy posed by illiberalism, xenophobia, and hate.
Rising seniors, juniors, and sophomores may apply to enroll in this course, which is limited to 12 students. Applicants must be available for a mandatory international spring-break reporting trip to Hungary. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, November 15, 2019. Admission decisions will be returned to applicants as soon as possible.
Email Margo Bresnen, Journalism Program Manager, at mbresnen@princeton.edu with any questions.
