As part of my teaching portfolio, I have delivered a variety of courses designed to equip students with foundational skills, advanced techniques, and critical thinking required in the dynamic field of journalism. Here is an introduction to the courses I’ve taught during my five years as a university and college professor in Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Alberta:
- JRN 303 – Research Techniques for Journalists: This course delves into research methodologies tailored for journalists, emphasizing accuracy, depth, and resourcefulness in uncovering stories.
- JRN 307 – Investigative Journalism: Focused on in-depth reporting, this course equips students with the tools to investigate complex issues, uncover hidden truths, and navigate ethical challenges.
- JRN 308 – Contemporary Issues in Journalism: This course engages students with current trends, challenges, and debates shaping the field of journalism.
- JOUR 1101 – Interviewing and Research: A course designed to teach the art of effective interviewing and the development of rigorous research skills essential for journalism.
- JOUR 1100 – Reporting I: This foundational course introduces students to the principles of news writing, reporting, and storytelling.
- JOUR 1200 – Reporting II: This course builds on foundational reporting skills, emphasizing more complex story structures, feature writing, and advanced news reporting techniques.
- JOUR 2200 – Reporting III: Focused on specialized reporting, this course teaches students how to tackle complex beats such as politics, business, or health, with a focus on sourcing, ethics, and audience engagement.
- JOUR 2201 – Reporting IV: The reporting course, where students apply their skills to produce in-depth, multi-platform journalism projects, demonstrating their mastery of investigative and narrative storytelling.
- FREE 2300 – Entrepreneurship and Professional Practice: Aimed at future media professionals, this course explores entrepreneurship and strategies for building a sustainable career in journalism.
- BCSC 397 – Digital News Publishing: Focused on digital-first journalism, this course teaches students how to create, manage, and publish content in today’s fast-paced online environment.
- BCSC 210 – Introduction to News Reporting: An introductory course covering the fundamentals of news gathering, writing, and reporting with an emphasis on accuracy and ethics.
These courses represent my dedication to fostering the next generation of journalists by blending practical skills with critical inquiry, preparing students for the ever-evolving challenges of the media landscape.
In addition to teaching, I am actively mentoring three journalists in Africa and two former students in Canada thus extending the learning experience beyond the classroom. I believe in the concept of continuous mentoring, a principle rooted in African Indigenous ways of knowing, which emphasizes that teaching and guidance should not be confined to formal educational settings. This approach allows me to foster ongoing relationships with my mentees, helping them navigate their professional journeys while encouraging lifelong growth and learning. Through mentorship, I aim to create a supportive network that empowers individuals to excel in their craft and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
AlVIN Ntibinyane 