EDUCATION
Earl Hopkins
Along with his daily tasks as a journalist, Earl is an aspiring digital journalism instructor and guest lecturer.
As a guest lecturer and digital media instructor, Earl has connected with rising media professionals nationwide. Along with his daily tasks as a journalist, he’s a digital journalism instructor for West Chester University’s iCamp Summer Academy and mentor for the Acel Moore High School Journalism Program.
RECENT GUEST LECTURES:
West Chester University – The History of Video Game Journalism (February 2026)
Community College of Philadelphia – CMS Takeover Week (October 2025)
West Chester University – Digital Journalism Course (July 2025)
National High School Journalism Conference (November 2024)
Temple University – A Lecture on Digital Journalism Tools (November 2024)
West Chester University - Digital Journalism Course (July 2024)
Belmont University – Unmasking the New Media Professional (February 2024)
Kent State University – My Experience as a Local Journalist (November 2023)
University of Oregon – My Experience as an Entertainment Journalist (September 2023)
University of Texas at Austin – A Conversation on Entertainment Journalism (May 2022)
Ohio State University – A Conversation on Digital Journalism (September 2021)
ICAMP MEDIA ACADEMY (WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY)
iCamp is a week-long residential summer media camp for Philadelphia High School Students at West Chester University. For the past two years, Earl has served as the Digital Journalism Track instructor. He’s taught 11th and 12th graders the fundamentals of news and feature writing, photography, and social video.
He’s used their assigned stories, logo designs, photography and video exercises, and other content to build online news sites and physical newspapers, a first since the program’s founding in 2016.
OTHER PROGRAMS
Here’s a list of topics and programs Earl offers as a guest lecturer and instructor.
Digital Journalism 101
Through engaging discussions and hands-on workshops, Earl Hopkins introduces aspiring media professionals to the core principles that shape modern digital journalism. Drawing from his experience in hip-hop journalism, multimedia storytelling, and social media publishing, he emphasizes how reporting, branding, and visual storytelling intersect in today’s media landscape.
Arts Writing & Criticism
Through lively discussions and close readings, Earl introduces aspiring writers to the craft of thoughtful music, theater and film criticism. He teaches students how to analyze artistic intent, cultural context, and storytelling while developing their own critical voice. His approach encourages emerging writers to move beyond simple reviews and produce criticism that connects art to the social and cultural conversations shaping the moment.
Hip-Hop Journalism in the Digital Age
With bylines in the world’s largest music publications, Earl demonstrates how new and experienced music writers can cut their teeth in hip-hop media. He outlines the history of the genre, the evolution of hip-hop journalism, and helps students develop the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-changing sector.
CONTACT EARL
If you would like more information or to set up a free consultation for a future speaking engagement, please email hopkinsearl97@gmail.com or fill out the form below.