The 1000-word reflection is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of news processes from a semester of critically analyzing current news as well as themselves “doing” news. Students will be marked on their insights into the way the media functions and their own news practices. We are not seeking a breakdown of what was covered each week, rather what aspect of news most interested you? Why? Students might consider the following:

What surprised you about the process?
What did you learn about journalism or journalists?
What did you learn about the news process from the stories that you followed in the print and online media this semester? Did any ethical concerns arise, either for you or the media you observed?
What does “balance” mean to you now? Objectivity?
What did you learn about the process of news through observing it and through “doing” it?

Sample Solution