JOUR 409 - How to Use Public Records Laws for Accountability Reporting

(1 unit)

In this workshop, students will develop their reporting skills using state and federal public records laws. They will develop a project that relies on public records, learn how to file requests for those records, and use the information they gather to formulate a story pitch on an issue touching on government accountability.

Maximum units a student may earn: 1

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 1
Offered: Every Fall and Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate understanding of state and federal public records laws, including their applications and limitations in investigative reporting.
2. file a variety of requests for records related to investigative reporting projects developed in class, follow up in the form of narrowing requests, appealing rejections and requesting more relevant records.
3. develop strategies and techniques for reporting on records, including using tools to process and incorporate data into your reporting.
4. create a “story pitch” based on records requested and received relevant to a personal project idea.

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