LFU:online

Students will see first-hand — and, by the end of the course, demonstrate a deep understanding of — how today’s journalists and consultants communicate in America and Europe amid growing authoritarianism.

Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

• effectively identify and explain, orally and in writing, current “hot topics” in Western democracies amid the current rise of authoritarian parties, candidates and elected officials;

• discern and convey objectively provable facts from talking points/propaganda;

• navigate the changing media landscape and adapt to its demands on those who practice modern political journalism; and, ultimately,

• draft, revise and publish letters to the editor and op-ed guest columns; produce social media posts that reflect a deep understanding of the issue discussed; and participate in live presentations and discussions.

Students will learn first-hand how today’s journalists cover politics in America and Europe amid growing authoritarianism. Points of discussion will include the rise of authoritarian parties/candidates in today’s democracies, the challenges this has presented to journalists in the U.S. and European democracies, and the changing media landscape.

The University of New Orleans International Summer School program has a mandatory class attendance policy. All students are required to attend class for all morning classes and any required afternoon and/or weekend fields trips and lectures. No unexcused absences are allowed. However, LFU students who have to miss a UNO class due to LFU examinations in the first two weeks of our program, can receive one excused absence for this. Any further unexcused absences will result in an academic penalty. Each faculty member determines the penalty for missed classes. Most professors deduct a letter grade for each additional missed class day. For details, please refer to your course syllabi, which will be distributed on the first day of class. The listed ECTS credits are a recommendation by the University of New Orleans Innsbruck Summer School, based on contact hours, anticipated out-of-classroom requirements such as field trips, and projected workload for readings, assignments, and exam preparation. Mail: Center-New-Orleans@uibk.ac.at