This is a core module for full and half-field Journalism students. It offers a critical introduction to the discipline of journalism in all its forms, with particular emphasis on news. At its heart is a question central to studying journalism: why do journalists approach their trade in the way(s) they do, and what are the values, norms and assumptions underpinning their professional practice? The module commences with an examination of news values - the (often unspoken) 'rules of thumb' that determine the subjects/stories journalists report and the angles they pursue. It adopts a critical approach to examining reporting practice - introducing academic concepts like framing and agenda-setting - theory to consider not only how journalists select and/or construct their narratives but also the increasing contribution of audiences themselves to the shaping of news discourse.
The module examines two other issues central to the role of the journalist: objectivity and public interest. Students are encouraged to critique the question of objectivity, with reference to real-world examples that both uphold and challenge this idea, including the practice of openly partisan/campaigning journalism. Public interest is examined in light of recent controversies that have exposed legal and ethical issues with contemporary journalism. The module also acts as a more general introduction to the academic strand of the BA Journalism degree - introducing students to Kingston's personal tutor system and the conventions of essay-writing and Harvard referencing as well as oral presentations and debates.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
The module will be taught through a mixture of whole-group lectures and smaller seminars, giving students the chance to discuss and debate key issues introduced in class and through the key texts to which they are directed. Students will be expected to read widely from the books and articles listed in the overall module bibliography and those attached to individual lectures/seminars. Their understanding and critical appreciation of the key issues and debates underpinning the module will be assessed summatively through a portfolio of work, including an essay, and a podcast.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | One hour lecture One hour seminar Tutor group sessions | 44 11 |
Guided independent study | Self-directed learning and research, with tutor help in office hours | 245 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
The assessment for this module is designed to test students' ability to demonstrate a keen understanding of the main professional issues and academic debates relating to the role of modern journalistic practitioners. To achieve a good pass, students will need to produce a portfolio of material displaying a rounded appreciation of the key concepts, and an ability to relate these to real-world examples of journalistic practice using both written and oral analysis, discussion and debate. In their essays, they will be expected to develop a coherent written argument focusing on a suitable real-world case study or a critical analysis of a particular aspect of journalism practice, using their own research as well as material from lectures and seminars. Students' ability to participate in oral discussion and debate about key issues and will also be tested - through their participation in a podcast.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
* Demonstrate a keen critical understanding of the main professional issues and academic concepts relating to the practice of contemporary journalism | Assessed formatively through seminar contributions and presentations, and summatively through a portfolio of work, including an essay, and a podcast |
* Apply their understanding of these ideas to a portfolio of work, including an essay, and podcast | Summative assessment through portfolio/essay and podcast |
* Demonstrate an ability to produce assessed work that respects the rigour, rules and conventions of modern academic practice, including a balance of 'textbook learning' and independent background reading, submitting essays that are correctly structured and referenced | * Assessed summatively through essay plan/essay |
* Display an ability to reflect independently on the topics covered in the module, and relate the theoretical aspects of its content to real-world examples and case studies | * Assessed formatively through in-class contributions and presentations, and summatively through portfolio/essay and podcast |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Coursework | Essay plan | 10 |
Coursework | Essay 1500 words | 50 |
PRC | Podcast | 40 |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Conboy, M. (2012) Journalism Studies: The Basics. London: Routledge.
Cottrell, S (2011) Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
Tumber, H (1999) News: A Reader. Oxford University Press.
Warburton, N (2006) The Basics of Essay Writing. London: Routledge
Allan, S. (2010) News Culture. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education
Conboy, M . (2007) The language of the news. London: Routledge
Franklin, B (1997) Newszak and the news media. London: Arnold.
Harcup, T. (2009) Journalism: Principles and Practice, 2nd edition. London: Sage.
Keeble, R (2005) Print Journalism: a critical introduction. London: Routledge.