New course will teach how to become an environmental watchdog

Students will learn how to keep an eye on polluters that impact their communities through a new Indigenous Studies course coordinated by the Indigenous Communication Arts Program.

The course, INDG 490 – Applied Investigative Journalism Techniques for Indigenous Students, is a directed studies and research course led by Patricia Elliott, an INCA lecturer and associate professor of journalism. It will be offered in the Winter 2021 semester.

“Each student will identify an environmental problem impacting a community, and then spend the semester getting to the bottom of it,” said Elliott. “Learning to obtain government documents, connect with affected people, collaborate with scientists and community members, and dive into data are among the research techniques they’ll learn.”

Students will also be able to take part in investigations being carried out by the Institute for Investigative Journalism as part of the course.

The class is delivered remotely, meaning students can learn and do their research from anywhere.

To register, contact the Registrar’s Office.