2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

COMM5655M Journalism Practice and Policy

30 creditsClass Size: 70

Module manager: Yuan Zeng
Email: Y.Zeng@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module builds on theoretical understandings of journalism gained in COMM5645 to consider journalism practice: how is journalism shaped by policy and regulation? how do journalists go about researching and producing news in different news environments? What kind of ethical questions are raised in the course of reporting? and how has the practice of journalism been changed in an era of digital media technologies and cultures? The module will be international in its scope drawing on examples from a number of countries.

Objectives

The module aims to develop students’ understanding of news media production by exploring the ways that journalism is shaped by policy, regulation, culture, and technology. Students will be immersed in the latest research on journalism practice and through international comparison will gain an understanding of the impact of national contexts.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Explain key ways that the practice of journalism is shaped by policy and regulation in at least two different news media systems
2. Use scholarly research to discuss the impacts of digital media technologies and cultures on journalism
3. Critique journalistic practice and news outputs in terms of journalism’s ‘public interest’ or ‘fourth estate’ function
4. Make an informed contribution to discussions about the ethics of journalism in an international context

Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Critical thinking: the ability to weigh up and compare different arguments and perspectives on international news media systems, using supporting evidence to form arguments and ideas
6. Academic writing: the ability to write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner on a relevant case study related to journalism practice and/or policy, supported by evidence

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	1.50	16.50
Private study hours			272.50
Total Contact hours			27.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress and understanding will be monitored in weekly seminars where students will have the opportunity to discuss set readings and news content. Weekly office hours will be an opportunity for students to get in-person feedback for both assignments. The first assignment also serves as an opportunity for students to get written feedback in relation to LOs 2 and 3.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	3,000 - 3,500 word essay	60.00
Assignment	2,000 - 2,500 word Comparative News Analysis	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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 website

Last updated: 04/04/2024

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