Emerging Voices: A History of Journalism and Social Change

This course introduces students to the renegades, heroes and history of some of North America s most effective social justice movements, and the ways in which journalism was used to advocate for societal change in the areas of race, gender, class and sexuality. Using case studies of historic leaders in the abolitionist, feminist, labour, gay and lesbian, and native peoples movements, students explore and discuss the issues and strategies of these movements publications and the emerging voices of the communities that worked outside the mainstream to break down society s barriers and injustices. Students describe the impact and contribution of this social justice journalism as well as the responses of society and mainstream media. They also explore connections and reflections of the movements in current news events and analyse the state of diversity in today s news media.