Master's Degree

Souvenirs from Thessaloniki: new ideas for journalism

People travel to broaden their horizons. Students of the International Media Studies Master’s Program attended a summer school program in Thessaloniki. They wrote postcards about what they learned.

Studying where others go on holiday

Seven days were spent learning about media trends, disinformation, verification and constructive journalism. Students of the International Media Studies Master’s Program took part in the "International Media Summer Academy" in Greece.
Arrived! The student Baydaa Layla writes:

"We flew from Bonn to Thessaloniki! We arrived at the hotel, had a chance to jump in the pool and cool off before we went to a nice reception on the rooftop of the Kapsis hotel. It was great getting to know like-minded people who have the same enthusiasm about a week of journalistic endeavor."
It started on a sunny Saturday

On the first day of summer school, everyone got to know each other. The students came from places like Greece, China, Croatia and Bonn, of course! Under a bright blue sky, people started using their brains and then their feet...
... writes the student Laura Kastenholz:

"Today was the first day of an intensive week of journalism workshops. We had an ice breaking session and introduced ourselves in teams, followed by interesting presentations on our countries’ media systems. In the evening, we explored the beautiful city of Thessaloniki with a walking tour. What a beautiful ending after a day full of interesting topics."
Between the old and new on day two

False reports are probably as old as the history of humanity. But we have to find new ways of dealing with them in new media forms. The second day of the summer school was about this topic.
Laura Kastenholz writes:

"After learning all about how to fight fake news today, we hiked up the 1,500-year-old castle of Thessaloniki to enjoy the greatest sunset over the city. If the sky is clear, you can even see Mt. Olympus and its snowy peak."
Speaking of Olympus

The mountains in the distance really do look beautiful! We can also see blooming oregano. And isn't there something on the back about the world's best tomatoes? Wait, what was the topic again? Oh, yeah, summer school. It was still tasty – ahem – interesting...
... writes student Laura Kastenholz:

"Startups, drones and Greek food were today’s motto. In the old slaughterhouse, a super nice renovated industrial hall, we heard sessions about innovations and even got filmed by a real drone flying camera. Our lunch today was prepared by a Greek star chef. The tomatoes in Thessaloniki are the best I've ever had."
On day four it’s time to tackle the problem

Constructive journalism does not only refer to reports that describe the problems, but also points out possible solutions. On the fourth day, students learned how this can work from Veronique Mistiaen, an award-winning journalist and Pulitzer Prize nominee.
Student Stephanie Bradford writes:

"After a fantastic breakfast, it goes for us on the fourth session day with constructive journalism practices. All are motivated and enthusiastic to try new ways of journalism. Teamwork and a lot of fun with learning by doing make the day go fast. Back at the hotel we have dinner together and talk about the experiences of the day. Then at night we explore the vibrant city of Thessaloniki by boat."
Difficult topics in idyllic surroundings

What can infotainment achieve in crisis situations? And how can media literacy build resilience against fake news? Summer school is coming to an end, but there is no lack of topics to work on. And the students? After all this information intake, they still have the strength to visit a museum...
... writes Stephanie Bradford:

"Now it’s the time to be creative! After workshops about infotainment in situations of crisis and media literacy, we’re hitting a contemporary art exhibition to learn about the Russian avantgarde. We close the day with a nice chat at the terrace of our hotel."
The beach at last!

"Souvenir from Thessaloniki" is printed on the postcard. Students take more than that back with them. They have new ideas, interesting questions and have met colleagues from all over the world. And there might be some sand in their suitcases...
... and that is also part of learning on the beach!

"All work with no play makes Jack a dull boy – and so it was great to have a day off to drive down to the beach. The blue water of the Aegean Sea juxtaposed by the beautiful Mt. Olympus was a feast for sore eyes. We relaxed in this warm ambience, cold drinks in hands and continued to get to know each other outside of class," writes student Annabelle Samba.

Studying where others go on holiday

Seven days were spent learning about media trends, disinformation, verification and constructive journalism. Students of the International Media Studies Master’s Program took part in the "International Media Summer Academy" in Greece.
Arrived! The student Baydaa Layla writes:

"We flew from Bonn to Thessaloniki! We arrived at the hotel, had a chance to jump in the pool and cool off before we went to a nice reception on the rooftop of the Kapsis hotel. It was great getting to know like-minded people who have the same enthusiasm about a week of journalistic endeavor."
It started on a sunny Saturday

On the first day of summer school, everyone got to know each other. The students came from places like Greece, China, Croatia and Bonn, of course! Under a bright blue sky, people started using their brains and then their feet...
... writes the student Laura Kastenholz:

"Today was the first day of an intensive week of journalism workshops. We had an ice breaking session and introduced ourselves in teams, followed by interesting presentations on our countries’ media systems. In the evening, we explored the beautiful city of Thessaloniki with a walking tour. What a beautiful ending after a day full of interesting topics."
Between the old and new on day two

False reports are probably as old as the history of humanity. But we have to find new ways of dealing with them in new media forms. The second day of the summer school was about this topic.
Laura Kastenholz writes:

"After learning all about how to fight fake news today, we hiked up the 1,500-year-old castle of Thessaloniki to enjoy the greatest sunset over the city. If the sky is clear, you can even see Mt. Olympus and its snowy peak."
Speaking of Olympus

The mountains in the distance really do look beautiful! We can also see blooming oregano. And isn't there something on the back about the world's best tomatoes? Wait, what was the topic again? Oh, yeah, summer school. It was still tasty – ahem – interesting...
... writes student Laura Kastenholz:

"Startups, drones and Greek food were today’s motto. In the old slaughterhouse, a super nice renovated industrial hall, we heard sessions about innovations and even got filmed by a real drone flying camera. Our lunch today was prepared by a Greek star chef. The tomatoes in Thessaloniki are the best I've ever had."
On day four it’s time to tackle the problem

Constructive journalism does not only refer to reports that describe the problems, but also points out possible solutions. On the fourth day, students learned how this can work from Veronique Mistiaen, an award-winning journalist and Pulitzer Prize nominee.
Student Stephanie Bradford writes:

"After a fantastic breakfast, it goes for us on the fourth session day with constructive journalism practices. All are motivated and enthusiastic to try new ways of journalism. Teamwork and a lot of fun with learning by doing make the day go fast. Back at the hotel we have dinner together and talk about the experiences of the day. Then at night we explore the vibrant city of Thessaloniki by boat."
Difficult topics in idyllic surroundings

What can infotainment achieve in crisis situations? And how can media literacy build resilience against fake news? Summer school is coming to an end, but there is no lack of topics to work on. And the students? After all this information intake, they still have the strength to visit a museum...
... writes Stephanie Bradford:

"Now it’s the time to be creative! After workshops about infotainment in situations of crisis and media literacy, we’re hitting a contemporary art exhibition to learn about the Russian avantgarde. We close the day with a nice chat at the terrace of our hotel."
The beach at last!

"Souvenir from Thessaloniki" is printed on the postcard. Students take more than that back with them. They have new ideas, interesting questions and have met colleagues from all over the world. And there might be some sand in their suitcases...
... and that is also part of learning on the beach!

"All work with no play makes Jack a dull boy – and so it was great to have a day off to drive down to the beach. The blue water of the Aegean Sea juxtaposed by the beautiful Mt. Olympus was a feast for sore eyes. We relaxed in this warm ambience, cold drinks in hands and continued to get to know each other outside of class," writes student Annabelle Samba.

Date 31.07.2018
Number of pictures 14
Author Eva-Maria Senftleben
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SPECIAL

Master's Degree

Souvenirs from Thessaloniki: new ideas for journalism

Studying where others go on holiday

Arrived! The student Baydaa Layla writes:

It started on a sunny Saturday

... writes the student Laura Kastenholz:

Between the old and new on day two

Laura Kastenholz writes:

Speaking of Olympus

... writes student Laura Kastenholz:

On day four it’s time to tackle the problem

Student Stephanie Bradford writes:

Difficult topics in idyllic surroundings

... writes Stephanie Bradford:

The beach at last!

... and that is also part of learning on the beach!

Studying where others go on holiday

Arrived! The student Baydaa Layla writes:

It started on a sunny Saturday

... writes the student Laura Kastenholz:

Between the old and new on day two

Laura Kastenholz writes:

Speaking of Olympus

... writes student Laura Kastenholz:

On day four it’s time to tackle the problem

Student Stephanie Bradford writes:

Difficult topics in idyllic surroundings

... writes Stephanie Bradford:

The beach at last!

... and that is also part of learning on the beach!