Podcast examples: Unearthing the Realities of Our Culture by Kaitlyn Thorpe and Rylee Martinez, Driven by Culture by Norah Singh
Penn State Harrisburg students in Dr Shauntey James’s classroom are regularly asked to engage with course content through interactive learning activities. From simply turning to a neighbor to discuss a thought-provoking example of course materials in the real world to weekly collaborations on platforms like Nearpod, low and high tech strategies are both represented.
In the Spring 2025 semester, Dr James decided to add a multifaceted podcast assignment to her CRIMJ 100, 220 and 465 courses. For the podcast, students could select either to work individually or as pairs and were given free range to identify a topic related to their specific class themes (introduction to criminal justice, courts and the prosecution process and ethics in criminal justice). Episodes each included at least one expert interview, encouraging students to connect with professionals in their future field of work.
Students presented their findings at a Podcast Symposium at the end of the semester. Dr James brought in local law enforcement, social workers and others in fields related to Criminal Justice so her students could present to a receptive audience and open up their networking opportunities.
Class Facts
Course Number: CRIMJ 100, 220 and 465
Instructor: Shauntey James
Number of Students: 75
Service Area: Media Commons
Technology: Audition, GarageBand, Mobile Mics