The investigative journalism course has made its long-awaited return to Valenti this semester.
The class, led by Assistant Professor of Journalism Gheni Platenburg, offers students immersive, real-world learning experiences and skill development beyond traditional reporting.
A recent highlight was a visit to the Harris County Courthouse, where students had the chance to sit in on live court cases and meet Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess.
The opportunity to observe court proceedings gave students insights beyond what they had learned in the classroom.
鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to learn about the court system in a classroom,鈥� Platenburg said. 鈥淏ut seeing it in action gives students a much deeper understanding of the legal process and how journalists interact with it.鈥�
For many students, this was a memorable and first-of-its-kind experience.
鈥淭his is the first field trip I鈥檝e taken in college, and I鈥檓 a senior,鈥� journalism senior Malachi Key said. 鈥淕etting to see actual court cases and speak with people working in the legal system gave me a new perspective on how investigative journalism operates.鈥�
Platenburg went to great lengths to ensure the field trip would be meaningful.
鈥淚 did a lot of prep work so the students could get the most out of the experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淐ourses like this take a lot of behind-the-scenes effort鈥攔eaching out to contacts, coordinating schedules and making sure the visit aligns with our learning goals.鈥�
The course curriculum focuses on developing investigative skills such as fact-finding, public records research, interviewing and ethical decision-making.
Through both classroom instruction and practical experiences, students are encouraged to adopt the mindset of working journalists.
鈥淢y goal is to help students cultivate curiosity and critical thinking,鈥� Platenburg said. 鈥淓ven if they don鈥檛 become journalists, these skills are valuable in any field.鈥�
Along with field trips, students engage with guest speakers and take on in-depth reporting projects throughout the semester.
鈥淭he goal is to make students feel like they鈥檙e already working as journalists,鈥� Platenburg explained. 鈥淭he best way to learn investigative reporting is by doing it.鈥�
The course also includes a lineup of notable guest speakers, exposing students to the insights and expertise of investigative journalists.
Among the speakers was Lise Olsen, a Houston-based investigative editor at The Texas Observer. Olsen has built a career uncovering corruption, environmental disasters and injustices across Texas.
鈥淗aving someone like Lise Olsen speak to our students is invaluable,鈥� said Platenburg. 鈥淚t gives them a chance to learn from someone who has done the kind of reporting that can change lives and challenge powerful institutions.鈥�
A journalist with experience in newsrooms and academia
Gheni Platenburg brings a wealth of experience to the class. She joined UH after teaching at Auburn University and has a professional background in both academia and journalism.
Platenburg earned a doctorate in media and public affairs from Louisiana State University and worked as a multimedia journalist at newspapers and TV stations across the South.
Currently, she is a freelancer for The Washington Post and other outlets through the Solutions Journalism network. Her bylines have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily and Yes! Magazine.
In addition to her teaching and reporting work, Platenburg's research focuses on the intersection of Black identity and media. She explores topics such as the historical and contemporary Black Press, pop culture and the racial impact on journalistic decision-making and newsroom experiences.
Platenburg holds memberships in the National Association of Black Journalists, the American Journalism Historians Association, the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Real-world impact beyond the classroom
Students say the class has reshaped their understanding of journalism, preparing them for real-world reporting.
With assignments that mirror the responsibilities of professional investigative reporters, students learn to navigate public records requests, interview sources and structure in-depth stories.
鈥淚 love teaching specialized, upper-level courses like this because the students who take them are genuinely passionate about journalism,鈥� Platenburg said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to see them connect what they learn in the classroom with the real world.鈥�
By the end of the semester, students will have compiled their own investigative stories, applying everything they鈥檝e learned throughout the course.
From the courthouse visit to guest speakers, the experience has already equipped them with a clearer understanding of how journalists hold public institutions accountable.
With its emphasis on hands-on learning, the investigative journalism course is more than just an academic experience鈥攊t鈥檚 a launchpad for students eager to make a difference in their communities.