Module manager: Dr Adrian Quinn
Email: a.a.quinn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
COMM5660M
This module is not approved as an Elective
Classes initially contextual journalism and define terminology before engaging with theoretical perspectives on journalistic practice and exploring sociological approaches to news production. At an early stage, research approaches to journalism are examined comparatively. The module then moves to examination of the influences of news sources and of media owners, and examines political economy approaches to journalism
This module examines the intersection between the theory and practice of contemporary journalism internationally. Through a focus on how what we know as “news” is manufactured, we seek to:-
-challenge conventional ways of thinking about news media and their role.
-Use critical approaches to journalism practice and consumption and thus develop a framework for assessing journalistic output in the press and on television, radio and the internet.
-Make international comparisons across societies and cultures using practical examples and case studies.
-Develop students’ own skills as international journalists and researchers
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1) Explain a range of contemporary issues affecting journalists in their work
2) Critically analyse the language of journalism, the social impact of journalism, and a range of journalist practices
3) Evaluate the historical, economic, political and social contexts that impact news production internationally.
4) Assess the constraining influences of economic, ideological, professional and practical on journalistic practice
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1) Communications skills: the ability to communicate critically, in written form, showcasing argument and engagement with a wide variety of scholarship on journalism theory and practice.
2) Critical thinking skills: the skill to evaluate the differing and sometimes irreconcilable perspectives that form part of a large, varied and fast-moving field of study such as journalism.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 278 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
The first assessment is due in December and students will receive feedback on it prior to submission of the second assessment, in January. Student progress will be monitored in weekly seminars where students will have the opportunity to discuss set readings and news content. Certain semainars will be dedicated to adisiving students on their upcoming assessments.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 x 3,500 - 4,000 words | 75 |
| Literature Review | 1200-1500 words | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit available through the original assessment format.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 5/30/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team