This document provides an overview of the field of journalism, outlining its long history from ancient times to the modern era. Journalism has evolved from clay tablets and handwritten newsletters to today's digital media landscape. The profession has seen many technological advances but also consists of storytelling, investigating power structures, and defending free speech. The passage discusses different views of journalism including as a form of expression, a quest for truth, and a business. It prefaces an exploration of 600 years of the media, messages, and politics that have shaped journalism.