Introduction to Investigative Journalism

Acquire tools to uncover secrets and shine light on the truth: discover the tenets of investigative journalism and learn how to apply techniques, whether working on-the-scene or from afar.

Central to the mission of any topflight media outlet, investigative journalism is reporting on something that someone is trying to keep hidden.

Police brutality and corruption, structural racism, school segregation, sexual harassment and political abuses of power are just a few examples of the recent issues covered by investigative journalists.

The best investigative journalism goes beyond day-to-day reporting to uncover systemic injustice and hold the powerful to account.

Steeped in primary sources such as court documents and other public records, investigations usually take months – if not years – to hit the front page. When they do, their impact can be world- and life-changing for individuals and profound for specific communities.

In this course, students will apply basic investigative principles such as understanding news value, finding and exploring primary sources documents, cultivating and protecting confidential sources, fact checking and working within the law.