1. Overview of Journalism:
- Definition and history of journalism.
- Role and functions of journalism in a democratic society.
- Different types of journalism, including news reporting, investigative journalism, feature writing, etc.
2. Journalistic Ethics and Standards:
- Ethical principles and practices in journalism, such as accuracy, balance, fairness, and transparency.
- Codes of ethics for journalists.
- Ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by journalists.
3. News Gathering and Reporting:
- Techniques for gathering information, including interviews, observation, document research, and data analysis.
- Writing news stories and headlines that adhere to journalistic standards.
- The inverted pyramid structure of news writing.
4. Sources and Media Law:
- Evaluating and verifying sources of information.
- Privacy laws and issues related to confidentiality.
- Freedom of the press and limitations on journalistic freedom.
5. Digital Journalism and Multimedia:
- Impact of digital technology on journalism.
- Online journalism, citizen journalism, and participatory media.
- Multimedia storytelling using text, images, audio, and video.
6. Investigative Journalism:
- Techniques for in-depth investigations.
- Data journalism and using data for storytelling.
- Investigative reporting on sensitive topics and public accountability.
7. News Media and Society:
- Relationship between journalism and the public.
- Influence of media ownership and economics on journalistic practices.
- Coverage of diversity, representation, and underrepresented voices in journalism.
8. Interviewing and Reporting:
- Preparing and conducting effective interviews.
- Writing profiles, feature stories, and human interest pieces.
- Techniques for capturing quotes and anecdotes.
9. Public Relations and Media Consumption:
- Role of public relations in news production.
- Media literacy and critical analysis of news content.
- Understanding media effects and audience perspectives.
10. Careers in Journalism:
- Various job roles and opportunities in journalism.
- Educational and professional pathways to becoming a journalist.
- Challenges and opportunities in the contemporary media landscape.
Understanding these basic topics of introduction to journalism equips aspiring journalists with essential knowledge and foundational skills for practicing journalism with integrity and responsibility.