JOU5432 - Reporting Conflict

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the role of the reporter in a conflict situation and the wider significance of diverse social, political and cultural contexts in reporting conflict;
Critically analyse the various methods and media employed in this type of reporting and the tensions, practical difficulties and ethical issues facing reporters and news organisations;
Undertake independent reading under supervision for an essay title chosen from a range of topics.
Apply in-depth knowledge, understanding and analysis from lectures and independent reading to an extended essay from a range of topic choices

Content:

The module examines the history and background of the subject and unpacks the social, political and ethical implications. It also explores the various practices and applications of reporting different types of conflict and covers both print and broadcast news. The module addresses topics such as political, religious and military conflict with a particular emphasis on the ethics of journalism and the difficulties faced in the field. Students are introduced to topics such as the military-media relationship, propaganda, the difficulties of media access and possible media bias in conflict situations, and the role of the media and war reporter in conflict situations and the ethical dilemmas faced by reporters and news organisations. L5 students will be required to select an area for deeper investigation from a choice of extended essay topics, and they will be guided in their reading and understanding in semester 2 through a combination of tutorials and individual supervision.

Learning and Teaching Information:

In semester 1, 2-hour interactive teaching sessions, followed by group tutorial sessions and individual supervision in semester 2.

2-hour teaching sessions
Contact hours: 20
intended group size: 20

Small group / individual tutorials
Contact hours: 4 hours
Intended group size: 1 - 5

Guided independent study
Hours: 176

Assessment: