USC Annenberg’s Knight Program in Media and Religion and The Poynter Institute’s e-learning project, News University, are launching a new e-learning course on religion coverage designed for general assignment reporters, independent journalists and others who do not primarily cover religion as a beat.
The course, "Religion, Culture and Society: Getting Beyond the Cliches," is offered free of charge, thanks to a grant from the Ford Foundation. The class answers the need to integrate informed and intelligent writing about religion into all areas of news coverage, as demonstrated by recent hot-button stories on Glenn Beck and the growth of the Tea Party movement, revisions to the social studies curriculum in Texas public schools, the debate over Park51 and renewed tensions around Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
As specialty beats such as religion are cut back in mainstream news media – and as online news and opinion websites grow – there is an increased need for savvy and sensitive treatment of religious ideas, trends and personalities by journalists across the board, said Diane Winston (pictured), USC Annenberg’s Knight Chair in Media and Religion.
In addition to editors, producers and reporters, the course also will serve journalism educators who want to integrate modules about religion into reporting and writing classes. The course includes interactive learning, best practices and online resources. It specifically addresses the intersection of religion with such subjects as politics, science, the environment and foreign affairs.
The self-directed, interactive class is the ultimate in e-learning flexibility and allows users to work on their own schedules. They can start and stop and return to the material for a review at any time, while they’re enrolled.
The need for enhanced understanding of religion’s role has never been greater, Winston said. “The recent Pew Forum survey revealed that Americans’ religious knowledge is poor to middling," Winston said. ”The e-course is an effective way for reporters to enhance what they know and make an impact on listeners, viewers and readers.”
Howard Finberg, director of interactive learning at Poynter, said the course is an important addition to the curriculum of Poynter's NewsU. “It’s imperative that all journalists and journalism students know something about religion in today’s world," he said. “This course addresses a key need for continuing education.”
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About Poynter’s News University
Poynter’s News University (www.newsu.org) offers training to journalists, journalism students, teachers and the public through more than 150 interactive e-learning modules and links to other journalism education and training opportunities.
About The Poynter Institute
The Poynter Institute trains journalism practitioners, media leaders, educators and citizens in the areas of online and multimedia, leadership and management, reporting, writing and editing, TV and radio, ethics and diversity, journalism education and visual journalism. Poynter's website is the dominant provider of journalism news, with a focus on business analysis and the opportunities and implications of technology.
