In this intensvie two-week summer course, students will be challenged to think critically, and to learn the foundations of journalism and its important role in societies across the world. Special attention will be paid to the role of journalism for the good functioning of states, and in particular, how journalism has grown and developed in the context of democracies. During the course, students will become familiar with the skill set of journalists, which they will immediately apply in various exercises and writing assignments.

Participants will explore important theories and lenses in the journalistic field, including learning how to separate fact from fiction, moral issues in journalism, the influence of social media on the field, and how good journalism can change the 21st century for the better. We will complement classroom sessions with practicing important journalistic skills in workshops. Students will learn how to dissect and analyze news articles and clips to come to the root of an argument, essential interviewing techniques, the art of editing, and how to write/report in your own voice. At the end of the programme, participants will present original pieces of journalism that they created throughout the course, putting their newly honed skills into practice.

The Pre-University Honours Programme in Media, Journalism & Society is an excellent opportunity for high school students who are considering a future in media studies or journalism, and also for those who want to learn essential critical thinking and communication skills. Students will experience studying in a supportive international environment hosted by the University of Amsterdam. The lectures and all course materials are in English. Participants in the course will develop study skills and become acquainted with learning methods that will give them an advantage as they continue their education at university.

Dr. Benjamin Roberts is an American writer, historian, and journalist based in Amsterdam. His fascination for Dutch history and culture started when he was sixteen while taking a boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam on his first visit to the Netherlands. Afterwards, he decided he wanted to live in Amsterdam and study Dutch history. He first enrolled at the Vrije University of Amsterdam where he earned a Bachelor's and Master's in Dutch early modern history, and afterwards did a PhD at the University of Groningen. In 2018, the English edition Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll in the Dutch Golden Age was published. He currently works as a journalist writing about art, culture, history, and sports for various English and Dutch magazines including Time Out Amsterdam, XPO Magazine, and The Holland Times. Besides history and writing, he also enjoys teaching spin and yin yoga classes.

Want to get to know more about studying in Amsterdam? Follow us on social media and join our summer community. Get a feel for our summer school vibe and our academic and social community, and learn about studying with us through the eyes of past summer school students. 

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Looking for an alumni perspective? Read this interview with Grace Forrest, who attended the Pre-University Honours Programme: Politics & Identity in summer 2018. 

Want to hear more about the role of journalism in the information age? Listen to this episode of our podcast Mokum where we interview Academic Director Dr. Benjamin Roberts.