JOU4912 - Journalism in Society

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the role of journalism in society
Demonstrate a broad understanding of how newspapers developed
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some of the issues and debates surrounding contemporary reporting and associated ethical issues.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic academic research and study skills

Content:

This module will look at the purpose of journalism, how it developed, and journalistic reporting in the present day, focussing on newspapers, and some of the issues and debates in this sector.
As part of this, students will be required to learn about the history of the press and freedom of the press from the 17th century to the development of new technology in the present day, including multi-platform delivery and the use of user-generated content, and the subsequent implications for producers and consumers of news. It will look at the role which journalism plays in wider society.
The module will go on to examine different types of journalism and ethical and other issues around the reporting and coverage of a range of specialisms, such as sport, science and/or crime reporting.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module is taught via a series of interactive lectures and seminars designed to foster student understanding of journalism-related theory and current debates. Seminar tasks and assessments are designed to ensure students are developing critical thinking, academic study skills and both individual and group presentation skills.

Lecture
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: Full cohort

Seminar
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
Semester 1 Portfolio will normally include an assessed referencing exercise and a 1,000-word essay.

Assessment:

001 Portfolio, assessed referencing exercise 1 x 2000 word (end of semester 1) 50%
002 Essay 1 x 2000 words (end of semester 2) 50%


Click here to go back to previous page