To examine the rights and responsibilities of a free press in a democracy and the principles and laws governing the press in the United States;
To explore the unique aspects that distinguish investigative reporting from traditional journalism;
To gain an understanding of the role that investigative journalists play in U.S. society by raising awareness of issues of social concern or by reporting on illegal, irregular, or abusive actions on behalf of government, politicians, or corporations;
To assess the impact of social media, new communication technologies, citizen journalism, and alternative forms of investigative reporting;
To develop an understanding of the standards, practices and institutions of investigative journalism in the United States; and
To gain an understanding of the evolution, current status and trends in investigative journalism.
