Course Description
A free press plays an essential role in any democracy. It’s no accident, after all, that the press is the only industry specifically protected in the US constitution. And yet few industries have suffered more disruption in the digital era than news media. Business models have collapsed. Trust has evaporated. Partisanship has run rampant. And once trusted media institutions have been eclipsed by a cacophony of podcasters, YouTubers and TikTok influencers. The forces shaping our information environment are, quite literally, the forces that will shape our democracy.
Taught by award-winning journalist and media executive Eric Schurenberg, this 8-week lecture course features interviews with special guest speakers who are experts in the fields of journalism, social media, information warfare, alternative business models, and artificial intelligence. Speakers will include Norman Pearlstine, Former Cheif Content Officer of Time Inc and Bloomberg News, Editor in Chief of the LA Times and Wall STreet Journal; Jessica Sibley, CEO of Time Magazine; Cindi Leive, former Editor in Chief of Glamour Magazine, current CEO The Meteor and Fellow, Annenberg Center on Media Leadership at USC; Michael Dimock, President fo the Pew Research Organization; Mackenzie Warren, Director of Local News Initiative at Northwestern University’s Medill School; Dannegal Young, Professor of Communications and Author of “”Wrong!””; Taylor Lorenze, User Mag; Sam Denby, Wendover Productions; Kate Bacon, Whats’ Shakin Bacon?; Jessica Chan, Head of Publisher Partnerships, previously Meta and LinkedIn; Tom Rosensteil, Eleanor Merrill Scholar on the Future of journalism at University of Maryland; and Richard Gingras, Director of Google News Initiative . Each week we’ll focus on a different aspect of information ecosystem, providing first-hand experience and perspectives on the new media landscape. You’ll learn how the press has evolved, grasping the interplay of business models, social media algorithms, and the incentives driving the increasing fragmentation of the news ecosystem. By the end of this journey, you’ll have the insights you need to find your path to reliable news, resist manipulation and grasp the inescapable link between the future of our information landscape and the future of American democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review common questions about our courses. You can also contact us for more information.
Do we take assessments in these courses?
Graham School non-credit courses are not graded and therefore have no tests. They focus on nourishing a love of learning, allowing you to immerse yourself in topics and discussions you find interesting.
How can I best prepare for class?
Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion. While not required, we offer an optional course to prepare students to engage with challenging works: How to Read Classic Texts. While this is presented as an introductory course for the Basic Program, students in other programs or open enrollment courses are also welcome to participate and grow their skills.
Do I have to complete an application?
Applications are not required for our open enrollment courses.
Who is best suited to take a course at the Graham School?
Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in these topics and engaging in deep discovery with others is welcome to take part in this course.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their academic background.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
Our online classes are recorded and shared with the registered students through the Canvas site for the course. For in-person courses, you can ask a fellow student to take notes for you if you have to miss a session.
What is your withdrawal/cancellation policy?
You can find our withdrawal and cancellation policy with other registration issues here. Most drop or transfer requests can be made through your student account.
Will this course be offered online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course section specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
What happens if I miss a class?
While our courses are driven by live discussions, we do record the online sessions. If you miss a class, you can watch the recording to catch up. Please note that students may only access recordings for the sections in which they are registered. In-person classes are not recorded.
I can no longer participate in a course I registered for. Can I get a refund?
If you need to drop a course, please email us at graham@learningplatform.support to process your request. When reaching out, please include your full name, the course name and the section. If you made a donation during your course purchase, please confirm if you would like the donation refunded as well.
Courses dropped before the first day of class are eligible for a full refund. Courses dropped after the first class are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. No refund will be issued for courses dropped after the first week of classes.
How do I access my course after registration?
Your course will be available on the Graham Learning Platform three weeks before the start date. You’ll log in using the same credentials you used during registration. If you need help accessing your course, check out our helpful video tutorial.
I have a question about the course registration process, who should I reach out to?
If you have a question about how to register for a course, watch the helpful videos on our registration tips page. You can also email our support team at graham@learningplatform.support. You will receive a response within 24 hours.
Where have Graham School programs been featured?
Graham School programs have received national and international attention, with coverage in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, The Atlantic, and other leading publications.