Vaccination, Media, and Politics in Context
Elena Conis, Professor
Journalism
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
Vaccines, vaccination, and vaccination policy have become controversial and politicized topics in the U.S. Narratives that explain the origins of this controversy typically emphasize the actions and impact of a few key individuals, certain studies, and specific socio-cultural trends at the turn of the century. This project collects and analyzes historical data on these factors in order to critically evaluate the legitimacy of these prevailing narratives.
In short, we collect historical media reports, and we use this as data to help answer a simple question: are the popular stories told about the origins of today's vaccine doubts true?
We are seeking up to two student apprentices to aid in data collection and analysis.
Role: -The undergraduate(s) will collect, organize, and code data under the guidance of the supervising faculty member.
-Students should expect to conduct most of their research online
-Students will check in with the project supervisor on a weekly basis.
An interest in history, media, and health is preferred as the student will spend much of their work time combing through historical media reports and thinking critically about their content and context.
Qualifications: Qualifications:
Required:
(1) Access to a computer with Microsoft Word, Excel, and a stable internet connection, and familiarity with both Word and Excel.
(2) Familiarity with library resources, especially periodical databases.
(3) Interest in topic, attention to detail, good organization, proficiency in deep research, including database searching, and ability to work well and efficiently independently.
Desired but not required:
(1) Some coursework in U.S. history or history of science or medicine.
(2) Basic programming ability, equivalent to completing Data 8 or Stat 20. (Independent projects, past enrollment in MOOCs, or other avenues of gaining programming expertise qualify).
Hours: to be negotiated
Off-Campus Research Site: North Gate Hall
Related website: http://
Social Sciences