Politics (Political Journalism) | Columbia Journalism School

Politics

Power. Rights. Conflict. Diplomacy. Race. Government.

Gain the skills needed for effective political coverage through courses on human politics, human rights and conflict — or specialize in politics through our M.A. Politics concentration for experienced journalists.

Apply to Columbia Political Journalism Program

Overview

An unparalleled group of veteran journalists teaches Columbia students how to cover political issues and events. Those who wish to build a career reporting on politics have access to a broad range of courses that will advance their goals.

M.S. students get essential training in recognizing the news, cultivating sources and conveying meaning in areas including foreign relations, elections, education, social movements and race.

Students in the M.A. Politics concentration get deep instruction in political theory, political systems and power, learning how to test conventional wisdom and place each new development in its appropriate context. They also study the essential institutions that govern politics, in the U.S. and throughout the world.

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Classes

In addition to these specific classes, students have the opportunity to report on politics and political issues in many classes throughout the year and receive fundamental training and guidance from experienced faculty members.

Please note: The classes listed here represent recent offerings at the Journalism School. Choices vary each semester depending on faculty availability and other considerations. Classes described now may change or be dropped to make room for new additions.

Covering American Politics

How to Cover Armies and Spies

International Newsroom: Human Rights Reporting

M.A. Politics Fall Seminar

M.A. Politics Spring Seminar

Reporting in Conflict Zones

Student Work

Girls in beauty pageant, one with San Salvador sash, from Documented story

Eileen Grench, '18 M.S., reported her master's project on the Trump Administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans living in the U.S. She continued reporting on the issue after graduation and published this story with Documented.

On Long Island, Salvadorans Brace for Impact
Man standing in street with I Voted sticker, from Documented NY story

On primary election day September 2018, students in the Reporting section taught by Profs. Ann Cooper and Samir Patel spoke with immigrant voters across New York City. Their street reporting was published by Documented, a site devoted to immigration issues in New York founded by CJS '16 alums.

Faculty

Nicholas Lemann

Joseph Pulitzer II and Edith Pulitzer Moore Professor of Journalism; Dean Emeritus; Director, Columbia World Projects