Closing the Professional Gap Between Journalism and Civic Engagement Using the Culture-Centered Approach

Abstract

With the need to promote the ideals of democracy in the journalism field as a whole, increased focus on the preparation of future upcoming professionals is required. This article proposes and tests a theoretical model intended to pedagogically revitalize the preparation of journalism and communication students for their professional roles within a democratic society. Using the culture-centered approach to guide students’ experiences with a marginalized segment of the community, the authors conclude that this curricular model provides value by facilitating students’ critical investigation of personal identity and self, their positionality amid structural complexities, and how this relates to their professional role.