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Thinking about Journalism

  • Module code: JO4002
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

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.

Aims

  • To introduce students to concepts relating to the day-to-day practice of contemporary journalists - including news values/newsworthiness, journalistic objectivity and public interest
  • To familiarise students with academic theories relating to the portrayal of news and other journalistic narratives, including framing and -, agenda-setting -
  • To encourage students to think critically about contemporary journalism, theories relating to journalism and connected issues, drawing on real-world examples as well as the writings of leading journalistic and academic authorities
  • To enable students to demonstrate a critical understanding of the various topics covered in the form of a portfolio of work including a well-researched and correctly cited essay and a podcast 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a keen critical understanding of the main professional issues and academic concepts relating to the practice of contemporary journalism
  • Apply their understanding to a portfolio of work, including an essay, and a podcast
  • 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
  • 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 

Curriculum content

  • What are the rules, norms and conventions underpinning professional journalism/reporting? 
  • What do we mean by 'news values', journalistic objectivity, and the public interest?
  • What is the difference between stories judged to be 'in the public interest' and those purely 'of interest to the public'?
  • What values underpin journalists' choice of sources, and what impact do these have on their intended and/or apparent objectivity?
  • Introduction to academic theories about the practice of journalists and news organisations - including framing and agenda-setting
  • The role of the informed/media-literate citizen in the construction of contemporary news narratives - and challenging the mainstream media
  • Examples of good and bad journalism practice in relation to news values, objectivity and the public interest
  • How to research, structure and reference academic essays
  • Structure and purpose of the BA Journalism personal tutor scheme 

Teaching and learning strategy

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. 

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

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

Assessment strategy

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. 

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

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

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Coursework Essay plan 10
Coursework Essay 1500 words 50
PRC Podcast 40
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

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

Bibliography recommended reading

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.

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