In the MSU class "Bias Busters" taught by Professor Joe Grimm, and funded by the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiative, journalism students are gaining real, hands on job experience while answering common questions people may have about different ethnicities or cultures.
During the course of the semester, the students in the class do all the legwork; interviewing people, gathering information, and getting the books published. By the end of the class they have a published book they can take to job interviews or add to a portfolio.
"The idea," says Grimm, "is that journalism students have the skills to create valuable content." The content of these books is very timely and important according to Grimm and he wants to get people talking to each other and understanding each other better.
But the content isn't the only way these books are making an impact and many students who have been in the class have already landed jobs thanks to their work on the project. One student got a job after graduation with the book's publisher and two more are being paid to contribute their skills to the books.
They have printed 4 so far this year and are planning another in the fall. The publisher they work with allows them to print on demand and the books are available in print and on all electronic platforms.
Source; Joe Grimm, MSU School of Journalism
Writer: Allison Monroe, Innovation News Editor
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