2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
COMM5655M Journalism Practice and Policy
30 creditsClass Size: 40
Module manager: Judith Stamper
Email: j.stamper@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Module replaces
COMM5650MThis module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to ...This module builds on theoretical understandings of journalism gained in COMM5645 to develop expertise in the practice of journalism through a focus on political function, regulation, ethics, and the basic skills of news research and writing.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able:
- assess of the nature of the 'public interest' and journalists' role in serving it
- understand the questioning role of journalism in relation to government, state institutions, politicians, business and other publicly accountable bodies
- describe key aspects of news media regulation in the UK and contrast these to regulatory systems internationally
- demonstrate an awareness of legislation that limits and protects journalistic activity, including defamation and human rights law
- understand the benefits and limitations of news media regulation and self-regulation, including accuracy, privacy and harassment
- recognize ethical issues in journalism and be able to systematically make journalistic decisions based on ethical principles
- research news stories using a range of techniques, including interviewing, internet research, using official documents, court and public meeting reporting
- write news stories for a British audience in a range of styles
Syllabus
This module addresses four key areas:
- the political role of the press with emphasis on its ‘fourth estate’ function
- news media regulation in the UK and internationally
- news media ethics in the UK and internationally
- the practice of public service journalism including researching news and preparing news reports for multiple media
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Seminar | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
| Private study hours | 278.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Private study
Students should prepare for each seminar using assigned required and recommended readings in combination with additional library and online research (est. 10 hours per week). Students will be required to research and write news stories using professional techniques (est. 10 hours per week). The remaining private study time should be dedicated to researching, preparing and writing the essay and preparing for the examination.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
1 x 3,500-4000 word essay; this will be returned with evaluation to aid students in preparing for their final exam.3 x (apx.) 300 word pieces of journalism for formative assessment.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1 x 3,500 - 4000 word essay | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 27/04/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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