JOUR 73361
Coding the News
Learn how America's top news organizations escape rigid publishing systems to design beautiful data-driven stories on deadline.
Fundamental Tools
In the first half of the semester, you will learn the software and skills that news developers use to build interactive, data-driven stories.
Today's Tool Belt
Set up Visual Studio Code, connect to GitHub and learn to collaborate with an AI coding assistant.
Static Site Publishing
Explore SvelteKit and the page-building frameworks newsrooms use to publish to the World Wide Web.
Reusable Components
Use Node.JS and Svelte to craft pages with modular components.
Interactive Features
Add interactivity to your pages with reactive variables.
Data-Driven Templates
Import datasets and use templating techniques to create tables, charts and other visualizations.
Design Systems
Apply CSS grids, typography hierarchies and responsive techniques to create polished presentations.
Homework
Each week you will be expected to complete assignments that reinforce the skills covered in class. You will be expected to research how professional newsrooms use these tools and present your findings to classmates. View grading criteria →
Simple Applications
It's time to build. You will practice your new skills by creating simplified versions of common digital story formats.
Database Explorer
A searchable directory with detail pages for individual records
Multimedia Slideshow
A photo-driven story page that weaves together images and text
Interactive Map
A geographic visualization that lets readers explore data
Personal Portfolio
A website that showcases your best work
Homework
Each class begins with a folder of text, images, data and graphics that we will assemble together into a working prototype. After getting familiar with each format, you will be asked to develop and publish a variation on the example. View grading criteria →
The Real Deal
The final weeks will be dedicated to designing, developing and deploying an application that showcases what you've learned. You will propose an idea or choose from a set of challenges, then bring it to life.
Pitch Your Story
Choose a project idea for an interactive data story.
Gather Assets
Collect the text, images and data you need to make your story special.
Make a Plan
Map out your project's structure with a detailed outline.
Build and Iterate
Implement your outline and refine the presentation through multiple iterations.
Take Feedback
Share your work-in-progress and incorporate constructive criticism.
Hit the Deadline
Deliver a polished presentation of your project to the class.
Homework
The culmination of the semester will be a portfolio-ready piece that demonstrates your ability to design, build and publish interactive journalism. You will present it to your peers on the last day of class. An A grade will demonstrate mastery of the skills we've covered. View grading criteria →
Evaluation Criteria
Your grade will be determined based on three rubrics, one for each module.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Throughout the semester, working professionals will join our class to share how they use code to tell compelling stories.
Sarah Almukhtar
Digital Designer
Andrew Briz
Politico
Alvin Chang
The Pudding
Armand Emamdjomeh
Bloomberg
Joe Fox
Washington Post
Rich Harris
Vercel
Sam Jacoby
New York Times
Allison McCartney
New York Times
Tiana McGee
Reuters
Casey Miller
Reuters
Julia Wolfe
Reuters
Meet Your Instructor
Ben Welsh
Adjunct Assistant Professor
I am a reporter, editor and computer programmer with more than 20 years of journalism experience. I work at Reuters, where I founded the organization's News Applications Desk. My office hours are on Monday afternoons before class. Schedule a meeting by emailing me at b@palewi.re.
Classroom Scripts
A step-by-step guide with all of the commands, links and assignments is published for each class.
Where We Code
Jan. 26, 2026
How to install, configure and use Visual Studio Code, GitHub and Copilot
Static-Site Frameworks
Feb. 2, 2026
How to publish a website with Node.JS and GitHub Actions
Building Blocks
Feb. 9, 2026
How to create and combine reusable components with Svelte
Interactive Inputs
Feb. 23, 2026
How to engage your readers with reactive components
Flowing Data
March 2, 2026
How to empower your readers to explore newsworthy data
Design Systems
March 9, 2026
How to build expressive pages using a disciplined visual grammar
Practice, Practice, Practice
March 16, 2026
A refresher exercise that revisits JavaScript fundamentals
Practice, Practice, Practice
March 23, 2026
Another refresher exercise revisiting data loading and interactive inputs
Database Explorer
March 30, 2026
How to build a searchable directory with detail pages for individual records
Multimedia Slideshow
Apr. 13, 2026
How to build a full-screen, mobile-first photo essay with scroll snap
Interactive Map
Apr. 20, 2026
How to build a geographic visualization that lets readers explore data
Personal Portfolio
Apr. 27, 2026
How to build a website that showcases your best work