Hocbigg - Journalism
🎓 Path to a free self-taught education in Journalism!
Contents
Summary
This roadmap provides a structured, self-paced curriculum equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree in Journalism, condensed into 1–2 years of study at approximately 20 hours per week.
Note: When there are courses or books that don’t fit into the curriculum but are otherwise of high quality,
they belong in extras/courses, extras/readings or extras/other_curricula.
Process. Students can work through the curriculum alone or in groups, in order or out of order.
- We recommend doing all courses in Core, only skipping a course when you are certain that you’ve already learned the material previously.
- For simplicity, we recommend working through courses (especially Core) in order from top to bottom. Some students choose to study multiple courses at a time in order to vary the material they are working on in a day/week.
- The courses in the Advanced section are electives. Choose one track to specialize in and complete all the courses listed under it.
How to contribute
Communities
- Forums:
- Subreddits:
- Other:
- You can also interact through GitHub issues. If there is a problem with a course, or a change needs to be made to the curriculum, this is the place to start the conversation. Read more here.
Curriculum
Introduction
| Subject |
Why study? |
Book |
Videos |
| Introduction to Journalism |
To understand the role of journalism in society, its principles, and career paths, providing motivation and context for deeper study. |
The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel |
Become a Journalist: Report the News! |
| Fundamentals of Writing and Communication |
To develop clear, concise writing and interpersonal skills essential for all journalistic work, balancing theory (grammar rules) with practice (drafting). |
Writing and Reporting for the Media by John Bender |
Good with Words: Writing and Editing |
| Media Literacy and Critical Thinking |
To cultivate the ability to evaluate information sources critically, a foundational skill for ethical reporting and avoiding misinformation. |
The Teacher’s Guide to Media Literacy: Critical Thinking in a Multimedia World by Cynthia L. Scheibe and Faith Rogow |
Making Sense of the News: News Literacy Lessons for Digital Citizens |
Core
| Subject |
Why study? |
Book |
Videos |
| News Writing and Reporting |
To master the core craft of gathering and presenting news, integrating theory (inverted pyramid) with hands-on practice. |
News Writing and Reporting: The Complete Guide for Today’s Journalist by Chip Scanlan |
Journalism Skills for Engaged Citizens |
| Media Ethics |
To explore moral dilemmas in journalism, ensuring responsible practice and understanding accountability. |
Media Ethics: Issues and Cases by Philip Patterson and Lee Wilkins |
Media Ethics & Governance |
| Journalism Law and Regulations |
To learn legal frameworks that protect and constrain journalists, balancing freedom of expression with responsibilities. |
The Law of Journalism and Mass Communication by Susan Dente Ross |
Journalistic Ethics |
| Research Methods in Journalism |
To equip learners with systematic ways to investigate stories, combining qualitative/quantitative theory with practical application. |
Research Methods for Media and Communication by Niranjala Weerakkody |
Understanding Research Methods |
| Multimedia and Digital Tools |
To adapt to modern journalism by learning production tools, balancing technical skills with narrative theory. |
Multimedia Reporting: How Digital Tools Can Improve Journalism Storytelling by Richard Scott Dunham |
Multimedia Journalism |
| History and Sociology of Media |
To contextualize journalism within societal changes, fostering critical analysis of media’s impact. |
Media and Society into the 21st Century: A Historical Introduction by Ross Eaman |
History of Media and Technology |
Advanced
Investigative Track
| Subject |
Why study? |
Book |
Videos |
| Advanced Investigative Techniques |
To develop skills for uncovering hidden truths, integrating advanced research with ethical considerations. |
The Investigative Reporter’s Handbook: A Guide to Documents, Databases, and Techniques by Brant Houston |
Investigative Journalism |
| Data Journalism |
To use data for storytelling, balancing analytical theory with visualization practice. |
The Data Journalism Handbook by Jonathan Gray |
Doing Journalism with Data: First Steps, Skills and Tools |
| Accountability and Watchdog Journalism |
To focus on holding power accountable, synthesizing historical cases with current applications. |
Watchdog Journalism: The Art of Investigative Reporting by Stephen J. Berry |
For the Record: Covering War and Conflict |
Broadcast Track
| Subject |
Why study? |
Book |
Videos |
| Broadcast Writing and Production |
To craft stories for audio/visual media, combining scripting theory with production practice. |
Broadcast News Writing, Reporting, and Producing by Frank Barnas |
Broadcast Journalism |
| Audio and Podcast Journalism |
To specialize in sound-based storytelling, emphasizing narrative pacing and technical synthesis. |
Sound Reporting: The NPR Guide to Audio Journalism and Production by Jonathan Kern |
Audio Storytelling for Journalists |
| Television and Video Reporting |
To master visual journalism, balancing fieldwork practice with ethical framing. |
Television Field Production and Reporting: A Guide to Visual Storytelling by Fred Shook |
Television Production & Broadcast Journalism |
Digital Track
| Subject |
Why study? |
Book |
Videos |
| Digital Storytelling and Social Media |
To leverage online platforms for engagement, integrating platform theory with content creation. |
Multimedia Storytelling for Digital Communicators in a Multiplatform World by Seth Gitner |
Digital Storytelling |
| Interactive and Web Journalism |
To create engaging web content, balancing UX design principles with journalistic integrity. |
The Online Journalism Handbook: Skills to Survive and Thrive in the Digital Age by Paul Bradshaw |
Online Journalism FREE Lessons |
| Content Strategy and Analytics |
To optimize digital reach, synthesizing data insights with editorial decisions. |
Content Strategy for the Web by Kristina Halvorson |
The Strategy of Content Marketing |
International Track
| Subject |
Why study? |
Book |
Videos |
| Global Media Systems |
To understand international journalism contexts, fostering cross-cultural synthesis. |
Global Journalism: Understanding World Media Systems by Daniela V. Dimitrova |
Comparative Media Systems |
| Cross-Cultural Reporting |
To report on diverse cultures ethically, balancing sensitivity theory with fieldwork practice. |
Cross-Cultural Journalism and Strategic Communication: Storytelling and Diversity by Maria E. Len-RĂos |
Intercultural Communication |
| Conflict and Crisis Journalism |
To cover high-stakes global events, integrating safety protocols with narrative techniques. |
Insights on Peace and Conflict Reporting by Kristin Skare Orgeret |
For the Record: Covering War and Conflict |
Congratulations
After completing the requirements of the curriculum above,
you will have completed the equivalent of a full bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
Congratulations!
Code of conduct
Hocbigg’s code of conduct.