This course examines the history and development of alternative media from the underground newspapers of the 1960s through the alternative press that grew up in its wake (into the now-familiar "entertainment rags" of most sizeable North American cities) to a final survey of the dizzying profusion of so-called alternatives (zines, indymedia sites, blogs, and the like) available – indeed, ever multiplying – in the current electronic environment and information era. The purpose of such examination is twofold: to instil in aspiring journalists a critical and historical awareness of media forms (and their relation to content) and to foster understanding of the important role of that journalists play in the push-and-pull of public discourse.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Program. Open as elective credit to non-journalism students, space permitting.