Educating for Journalism: the professionalism of scholarship

Abstract

Journalism education?s historical origins, intellectual tradition and media constituency have directed the field away from what could be a more lively engagement with the liberal arts, which are accepted in principle at least by academy and industry as a valuable foundation for professional journalism education. Yet students are increasingly disengaged from the democratic process, signaling a crucial need for promoting greater civic engagement. We urge a broader educational commitment to the professionalism of scholarship, as opposed to the more conventional view of media ?professionalism? in the academy increasingly promoted by the media industry. Meanwhile, the academic communication field ? the prevailing disciplinary identity of journalism ? has emphasized media effects and audience studies. As universities seek greater external financial support, this research is easily directed toward applied, or ?administrative,? research, leaving broader questions of journalism and democracy up for grabs. Our view of academic professionalism is based on a broader social responsibility, and we are concerned that the educational mission should not be dictated by external agendas. While journalism in some ways occupies an academic ?no man?s land?, accepted by neither industry nor more traditional liberal arts disciplines, it can be viewed alternatively as a potentially fruitful academic intersection, providing leadership in educational reform.