Environmental Journalism

Students were assigned readings before class for context about using historical materials in studying journalism: 

• Mark Hampton & Martin Conboy. (2014). "Journalism history—a debate," Journalism Studies, 15:2, 154-171. 
• Jason Lee Guthrie. (2023). "Revising the First Rough Draft: On Journalism, History, and Journalism History," American Journalism, 40:4, 500-505. 
• John Nerone. (2013). "Why Journalism History Matters to Journalism Studies," American Journalism, 30:1, 15-28. 

Students were also asked to review the UA Libraries’ FAQs about primary sources.

In preparing for the lesson, the professor and the librarian discussed topics and sources to be shared with the students. Four environmentally related topics were chosen that are significant in Arizona: dams and water issues, forest fires, mining, and the establishment of Grand Canyon National Park. Sample articles on these topics from Arizona newspapers that have been digitized for Chronicling America were identified and selected.  

The librarian created a library course guide where the newspaper articles are linked. A worksheet to analyze newspaper content was also created (adapted from the Library of Congress Teacher’s Guide) and is linked from the library course guide.  

At the beginning of the class session the professor and the librarian reviewed what primary sources are and some examples of types of sources. The professor brought several material items to show the class as examples, such as a physical newspaper, a signed letter, and an artifact.  

Small groups (3-5 students) were formed to review each topic using the newspaper articles linked on the library course guide. Students used the Analyzing Newspaper Content worksheet to guide their discussions. Most of the class time was used to allow for their small group discussions.  

Each group was asked to report to the rest of the class what insights they gained from examining the newspaper articles on their topic. 

Beyond the assignment: Is there a story any students have been contemplating writing – whether for a class assignment, for an internship or for a job – for which backgrounding using historical newspapers as primary sources would be helpful? If so, please have students describe any such stories they are planning.