About the job

“The Power of Narrative” is a required cohort course in the Specialized Journalism program at USC Annenberg, offered in Fall 2021.

The instructor will join two Annenberg professors Winston and Tolan to teach an additional section that examines the power of narrative storytelling and its role in advancing journalistic practice. Among the questions we will consider: How do we tell stories that matter? With journalism under siege by political and economic forces, how do journalists stay true to the time-honored principles of nonfiction storytelling and honest witness? Where, in turbulent times, should journalists choose to point their microphones, and why? Who among journalism’s “subjects” gets to tell the story? Why, in a media-saturated world, do vast, compelling narratives so often go overlooked? And how do journalists overcome the limitations and pressures of their profession to tell comprehensive narrative stories from underreported places?

The Power of Narrative will explore these questions, across a dizzying array of formats and platforms, in the service of both analyzing and of crafting compelling narratives that make a difference. From long-form writers to podcasters, from documentary producers to investigative reporters, from journalists focusing on the arts, religion, social justice issues, sports and entertainment to trailblazers in social media: We will hear from some of the best narrative storytellers in the U.S. and beyond.

In the process, the instructor and students will examine fundamental principles embedded in all good narrative journalism, whatever the medium: in-depth, empathetic, and creative storytelling. In reading, listening, and viewing outstanding narrative work, you will begin steeping your own approach as a journalist: deeply, and foremost, in stories, and how best to tell them.

Applicants should be journalists with expertise in narrative journalism, and in teaching at the collegiate and/or graduate level.