Investigative Journalism: Searching the truth behind the truth

Investigative journalism borders on qualitative scientific research. Investigative journalists combine the inquisitive attitude of scientists with the zeal of reporters. They are driven by relentless curiosity, a healthy mistrust of press releases and official reports, and a constant need to search for the truth behind the truth, the realities below the surface. Becoming an investigative journalist requires intelligence, imagination, a broad scope of interest, permanent education, perseverance and hard work. In this new course, Roosevelt Academy offers students an introduction into this top level type of journalism and an opportunity to work on a research project with the renowned Dutch author, journalist and historian Marcel Metze.

What to expect?
The course will start with an overview of famous investigative reporting in past and present, and an introduction into some of the basic techniques. One or more experienced investigative journalists will visit to talk about their work. Students will participate in one of Marcel Metze’s research projects, or work on a project of their own choice, under the guidance of two supervisors: Marcel Metze and former BBC journalist Anya Luscombe, now teacher of journalism at Roosevelt Academy. Research will include interviews, visiting archives and libraries and Internet search. Students are expected to have done some preparatory reading before the start of the course.
COURSE DIRECTOR
Prof. Dr. Albert Clement

COURSE LEADER
Marcel Metze PhD

LECTURERS
Marcel Metze PhD, Anya Luscombe MA and others.

LOCATION
Middelburg, The Netherlands

TARGET GROUP
Within the Stan Storimans' Scholarship the course is open for academic students of the department of journalism on the higher bachelor level (3rd year) or the master level and also for the young professional journalists’ if they:

- have at least a bachelor's degree (BA), obtained at a recognized, approved university
- are not older than 25 years.

Since the research projects usually concern economic, historic and/or political aspects some general interest in those areas is useful. Participants will be selected on the basis of below listed required documents:

a) an application letter describing their motivation and areas of interest

b) proof of their research skills, e.g. an existing paper or article Candidates who wish to suggest their own research project, should include a proposal

Please submit affore-mentioned documents on-line in the end of the application form. (Only on-line submitted documents through this website will be accepted).

The candidates swill be pre-selected by the pre-selection Committee in Tbilisi, Georgia through an interview procedure in the end of May 2010.

The Committee determines who are the semi-finalists, inform the institution about the pre-selected candidates and ensure sending their completed application packages for final selection before the deadline of the course.

Please be aware that the candidates should have good command of English language.

COURSE AIM
To acquire knowledge about practical, theoretical and ethical aspects of investigative journalism, to explore the basic techniques of top level profession, and to find out how scientific precision may improve the quality of journalistic publishing. The participants will also develop their research skills.

PERIOD
26-06-2010 - 03-07-2010 (1 week)

CREDITS
4.0 ECTS credits + Certificate of Attendance

FEE
• € 550 - Course + course materials + housing
• € 275 - Course (for Roosevelt Academy students)