Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

STEPHANIE LYNN ELDER ANDERSON. How to Educate Collegiate Journalists to Cover and Cope with Traumatic Events (under the direction of DR. TERESA CLARK.)

This research study applied the qualitative method of open coding of data from professional journalists and journalism faculty members to determine whether trauma journalism should be incorporated into existing journalism curriculum. Trauma journalism emerged in the early 1990s but has not been integrated in most journalism programs. Prior research indicated the reasons trauma journalism is not included in most curriculum is because it is not an ACEJMC accreditation standard, there’s limited qualified faculty members to teach such courses, and the material is already incorporated into other journalism courses. This study found similar results along with support from faculty members and professional journalists for integrating such material. The author sought to provide suggestions for a trauma journalism course or integration into an existing course to provide journalism educators a foundation for creating such a course. Through interviews with professional journalists on how to cover and cope with traumatic events, recommendations were made in the form of outlines that can be a basis for any journalism program looking to incorporate trauma journalism into its curriculum.

Year manuscript completed

2017

Year degree awarded

2017

Author's Keywords

trauma, trauma journalism, traumatic events

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling

College/School

College of Education & Human Services

Dissertation Committee Chair

Dr. Teresa Clark

Committee Member

Dr. Melony Shemberger

Committee Member

Dr. Robert McGaughey

Document Type

Dissertation

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