Teaching merits, curricular challenges, and instructional approaches
Jad P. Melki, Megan E. Fromm and Paul Mihailidis
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This study uses mixed methods to describe the state of trauma journalism education at journalism programs in the United States. The survey of 623 faculty members from AEJMC-accredited institutions reveals a gap in training that leaves would-be journalists ill-prepared to cover domestic and international violence. An analysis of journalism curricula shows most universities, if they teach trauma journalism at all, do so only in an introductory manner while covering other subjects such as interviewing and personal ethics. Finally, qualitative interviews with journalism faculty and professional journalists who have covered trauma provide further context supporting the need for additional trauma journalism education resources.