Journalism class to travel to Europe

This spring, the School of Journalism is offering a chance to study the life and work of wartime journalist and former IU student Ernie Pyle. \nThroughout the course, “From London to Paris in the Footsteps of Ernie Pyle,” students will read letters and articles written by Ernie Pyle during World War II. While taking this class, the students will travel to Europe during spring break and see the major sites that Pyle visited during his travels.\nStudents will visit London, Paris and Normandy, France, where they will see Omaha Beach, the Imperial War Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms.\nThe class will cost $1,000, which covers travel expenses. The rest of the bill will be paid by the School of Journalism. \n“We want our students to have that experience, so we’re willing to pick up the costs,” said Jessica Gall, director of experiential education and recruitment, who is working to develop the course with Owen Johnson an associate professor of journalism and adjunct professor of history.\nThe idea for the course came about because of Johnson’s in-depth knowledge of Pyle. Johnson has collected about 1,200 photocopies of letters that Pyle wrote and has interviewed various people who knew him. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Pyle, Johnson intends to put together a book. \nJohnson also expressed a desire to pass on his knowledge of Pyle, as he believes that Pyle was a significant figure in modern journalism. In particular, he believes that students should have the opportunity to know more about him since IU has never before offered any classes about Pyle.\n“I’m looking for students who have curiosity and a desire to learn,” Johnson said.\nStudents in the School of Journalism have shown an interest in learning about Pyle.\n“I think it could be interesting to learn about him,” sophomore Nicholas Rubando said. “I spend a lot of time in the journalism building and I don’t know too much about him.” \nSenior Ashley Morelock said she thinks this would be a good opportunity for students to learn about Pyle’s life and travel experiences. \nThe class has not been formally approved by the Office of Overseas Studies, so applications are not yet available. \nThe class will only accept around 25 undergraduate students and 10 graduate students, though an exact limit has not been set. \n“It’s a challenge to move a large group overseas when taking public transportation and trying to keep a group together,” Johnson said. \nThe allowed number could change if significant interest is shown. To qualify for the class, students must either be journalism majors or have demonstrated experience in journalism. Due to size limits, the School of Journalism may give preference to undergraduate juniors and seniors, depending on their level of interest.