Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewSeeds of Cynicism…provides a richly researched and at times troubling picture of how we are educating young people about journalism and the First Amendment…[Seeds of Cynicism] also provides models of excellence and sensible solutions… [making it] an important book for anyone who cares about the First Amendment, high school journalism, or the future of our democracy. -- David T. Z. Mindich, Professor and Chair of Journalism and Mass Communication, Saint Michael's College and author of Tuned Out: Why Americans Under 40 Don't Follow the News
The stories [Seeds of Cynicism]…tells about young would-be journalists confronting the constraints of the high school press are fascinating and poignant. [Amster's] analysis is…important, not only for those interested…in journalism education, but for anyone interested in how the young see the news media and public life, and how schooling prepares—or fails to prepare—the younger generation for democratic citizenship. -- Daniel C. Hallin, University of California, San Diego
[This] book is more than just a "good read," it is a much-needed wake up call… -- Jack Levin
Amster brings a keen knowledge of journalism practice and first amendment issues to this vivid portrait of today's high school newspaper. …This book is a model of educational ethnography and a thought-provoking meditation on the future of journalism. -- Ellen Seiter, Stephen K. Nenno Professor of Television Studies, School of Cinema-TV, University of Southern California
[Seeds of Cynicism offers] a fascinating look into the lives of teenagers and the world of high school journalism…One comes away…appreciating both the incredible promise of student publications and how easily that promise is squandered. -- Mark Goodman, Executive Director, Student Press Law Center
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword: Toward a Lasting Democracy Chapter 2 Introduction: Outsider in Journalism Class Chapter 3 1. History of the High School Press Chapter 4 2. The Advantages of Advantage Chapter 5 3. Why a News Class Revisited News Chapter 6 4. Make It a Great Day—Or Not Chapter 7 5. Constructing Professional Journalists Chapter 8 6. Afterword Chapter 9 Works Cited
