| CODE | MCS2220 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Critical Issues for Journalism | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Media and Communications | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This theoretical study-unit places a spotlight on a range of challenges facing society today through case studies that are either of a local, regional or global concern. The study-unit develops students' foundational knowledge pertinent to the work of an informed journalist ranging from topics such as climate change, international relations, international communications and the role of the journalist within these domains. Media case studies will be used to draw relationship to the theoretical academic scholarship students read about these issues, alongside introductions given to the institutions that govern and inform decision making on these issues. Study-Unit Aims: - Create informed journalism graduates; - Develop critical thinking skills; - Develop foundational knowledge about issues of importance today and the institutions that govern and inform these challenges. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Locate and interpret key literature published on a range of issues of importance to contemporary news reporting; - Analyse the social and political implications on the topics journalists report about; - Critique local and international media's role in framing discourse about major challenges facing society today; - Identify the institutions that govern and inform decision making on these issues. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Develop theoretically informed understandings on topics reported on in the media; - Become adept at identifying media frames used to report on critical issues; - Recognise the limitations and advantages both legacy and social media have in reporting on a range of global, regional and local issues. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Thussu, D. K. (2019) International communication : continuity and change. Thiurd Edition. Bloomsbury. Supplementary Readings: - Dell鈥橭rto G., Wetzstein. I (eds) (2019). Refugee news, refugee politics : journalism, public opinion and policymaking in Europe (Routledge). - Gilboa. E. (2002). Media and conflict : framing issues, making policy, shaping opinions. - Kunelius, R, Eide, E, Tegelberg, M., Yagodin, D (eds) (2017). Media and Global Climate Knowledge : Journalism and the IPCC. Springer. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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