2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

COMM5645M Journalism Theory and Research

30 creditsClass Size: 74

Module manager: Dr Adrian Quinn
Email: a.a.quinn@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

COMM5660M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

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

Objectives

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

Learning outcomes
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.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

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.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 3,500 - 4,000 words	75.00
Literature Review	1200-1500 words	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Resit available through the original assessment format.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/12/2023

Disclaimer

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