1. Do you think kids your age would be interested in a civics class?
Some kids would be interested in a class like this, because they wish they knew more about what’s going on around them and how news works.
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2.How can we make the class interesting for you?
The class would be the most interesting if it was taught in a hands-on way. For example through films, watching, reading and discussing the news, etc. It would be beneficial to visit a newsroom, and the class would be all the more interesting if it was taught by a working journalist.
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3.WHat would you want to learn in this kind of class?
A good thing to teach kids her age is how to find simple ways to staying informed. Also to make the class more enticing it should be an alternative to a government class.
Tyler’s Thoughts
1. What do you think of journalism?
Biased but necessary. There are two sides to every story so we need to hear them. You do have to learn how to filter out the bullshit, though.
2. How important is journalism to you, personally?
I don't really read the paper because the news is depressing. So, it's not that important to me.
It's always the same problems and promises. As far as society goes, it's really important. People want and need to know what's going on. Whether they read the Post, the Times or US Weekly...from Britney to Bush.
3. What's the best/worst of journalism?
Best: Investigative journalism and the muckrakers in the 1920s. That stuff changes outlooks and helps people, especially poor people. We need journalism to shed light on the dark parts of society. Worst: Corporations use it to gear their own agenda and that's terrible but there's no way to change it.
4. Relationship between journalism and democracy?
There is a direct relationship. People don't know what's going on without journalism. Journalism has strong power. I consider it the 4th branch of government. It's how constituents form their opinions. Otherwise they wouldn't know what's going on in the House, Senate, White House...they wouldn't tell us.
5. What does "civics" mean to you?
Local issues...getting involved with local government and helping people out.
6. Do you think teaching civics is a good idea?
Yeah, because kids aren't aware of other people and what they do and how it affects other people. I think people should have to have all kinds of experience (like waiting tables) so that they know how others feel. I mean, we have government and economic class so why not a civics class?
Leon’s Thoughts
1. How beneficial do you think a course in civic engagement would be for high school students?
I think it would help students get a basic idea of principles of the media and maybe catch them at an age that would affect a change in their behavior for the rest of their lives.
2. Do you think it’s reasonable to expect to implement such a program in schools?
I think it would be fairly reasonable to implement a class like this, although it takes much more than an idea to get a class going. There would be a process to decide if the class is worth implementing, and then we’d have to structure a syllabus and fit it in the schedule, possibly as an elective.
3. This class would have a component in media/journalism literacy. Do you think high school students need to learn this in a class setting?
I think high school students, and young children need to learn this in their homes as well as in the schools. The younger you learn to critically analyze not only the news but also all media, the better of you will be. That’s the most important part of government. There’s nothing more important in government than the media.
4. What would you hope students would gain from a course like this?
A better understanding of the way our society works.
5. Do you see any negative effects? What?
As with any class in high school, there are kids that don’t care. But for the ones that do, I think a class like this would benefit them in the long run. That class would be great for advanced level high school students.
