Elementary school students in the Republic of Georgia have the same opportunity this fall that Michigan State University School of Journalism students have year-round: They are learning from, and being inspired by, Eric Freedman.
Freedman, a Knight Chair and Professor at the Michigan State University School of Journalism, is a guest professor at Caucasus University in the city of Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. Freedman teaches a journalism course called Media & Society, which delves into the connections between coverage of political and environmental news with public awareness and understanding of crucial policy issues.
The first half of his class examines political and campaign coverage leading up to Georgia's presidential election on October 28. After the election, Freedman will focus on the problems and progress regarding environmental topics.
Freedman explains his goals for the class in his blog: "The course is intended to help prepare my students to explain to audiences the public's vital stake in political events and environmental policy issues, and to carry out their professional journalistic responsibilities with fairness, balance, accuracy, clarity and ethics."
Back in East Lansing, Freedman is both the Director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and director of the Capital News Service.
Freedman is chronicling his experience on his blog, which can be viewed here.