COMMS 201

Journalism Studies


Please note: this is archived course information from 2021 for COMMS 201.

Description

The course introduces you to some of the key issues, debates and controversies in journalism studies today. It examines journalistic practices and their contexts from the perspective of journalism scholarship but also from journalists themselves. The course blends theory and practice.

The course first looks at what journalism is, how we study it, how it has changed through history and the principles underlying it, such as the fourth estate. It explores too the impact of economic and political pressures on journalism, journalism ethics and media law, and how journalism itself can hold and exercise power over others. Finally, it examines contemporary challenges that journalism faces from radical shifts in the social, political and technological environment.

Course outcomes

By the end of this course you are expected to be familiar with the key debates surrounding the role that journalism plays in democratic societies. You should be able to reflect upon the challenges that modern journalism faces and think critically about the effects that technological, social and political change has on journalistic practices. You will acquire skills in critical thinking and academic literacy. You will also learn some of the fundamentals of journalism, such as interview techniques, attending press conferences and the art of writing news using the "inverted pyramid" structure.

Assessment

To be advised

Availability 2021

Semester 1

Lecturer(s)

Coordinator(s) Professor Annie Goldson

Points

COMMS 201: 15 points

Prerequisites

60 points at Stage I in BA courses

Restrictions

FTVMS 225