NNS 510

This course will introduce students to the context, professional values and basic disciplines of religious representation by news media. Among the practical topics to be discussed: how to spot a religion story, how to cover familiar and new religions, dealing with the 'hot button' issues and how reporters find religious experts. Issues to be explored include media use by religious groups, the role of the media in globalized religion and the importance of representation to the negotiation of religious and civil spheres. Assignments may include assessment of works in this field of journalism and their context.