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 for version control 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.
Building Blocks
Use Node.JS and Svelte to craft pages with modular components and interactive elements.
Layout and Design
Apply CSS grid systems, typography hierarchies and responsive techniques to create polished presentations.
Data-Driven Storytelling
Import datasets and use templating techniques to create tables, charts and other visualizations.
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.
Simple Applications
It's time to build. You will practice your new skills by creating simplified versions of common digital story formats.
Longform Story
A story page that weaves together text, images and other media to guide readers through a lengthy narrative.
Data Story
A stacked presentation that combines charts and analysis to walk readers through data-driven findings.
News Quiz
An interactive test that challenges readers and provides instant feedback.
Interactive Map
A geographic visualization that lets readers explore location-based data.
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.
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.
Evaluation Criteria
Your grade will be determined based on three factors.
Participation
Engage in seminar-style discussions and give thoughtful feedback to peers.
Homework
Demonstrate a professional level of effort and experimentation.
The Real Deal
Deliver a page that is ready to publish on a professional news site.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Throughout the semester, working professionals will join our class to share how they use code to tell compelling stories.
Andrew Briz
Politico
Alvin Chang
The Pudding
Armand Emamdjomeh
Bloomberg
Joe Fox
Washington Post
Allison McCartney
New York Times
Tiana McGee
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, the world's largest multimedia news provider, 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 after we finish each class.
Where We Code
Jan. 26, 2026
How to install, configure and use Visual Studio Code, GitHub and Copilot
Building a Static Site
Feb. 2, 2026
How to create and publish a website with Node.JS and GitHub Actions