Religion in the News

Knowledge-Values Courses: World Religions

This course will examine the power of news media to shape public opinion, major topoi (themes) in news depictions of religious groups and movements, and specific examples of news reporting about religions, so students will become informed about religions and learn to analyze depictions of religions in the news. Students will learn about the criteria for good religion news stories. The course will consider content of reporting on religions in international contexts and America. The course educates students in becoming informed consumers of news reporting on religion, and critical consumers of reporting in general. It is good preparation for students considering becoming reporters, including religion news writers.