Journalism as a practice is deeply embedded in local and global dynamics that are constantly in flux. Major new issues and challenges emerge almost every year, raising important debates about journalism's practices, social roles, and professional ethics. This course will cover one theme or topic of contemporary relevance for students to study. The precise topic will change periodically in order to keep up with local and global developments, and in line with instructors' expertise. Illustrative examples include: "Media and Climate Science Denial"; "Media and Deglobalisation"; "Whistleblowers and Leaks"; and "Platformisation of News Consumption".

This is a conceptual course. It will relate the chosen topic to relevant theories and concepts in the academic literature, drawing from media/communication studies and other fields. It will thus equip students with the best available analytical tools and bodies of knowledge to help them understand the topic in question. In addition, it will sharpen their critical reasoning skills, encouraging them to see beneath the surface of issues in the news.