| CODE | MCS2250 | |||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Investigative Journalism | |||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | |||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Media and Communications | |||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-units provides the theoretical base and training in investigative reporting and journalism, introducing students to how to go beyond the day-to-day journalism and look at primary sources in order to discover what is below apparent surfaces. Students examine what investigative journalism is and how to conceive, research and write such stories. The process involves recognizing when something should be a long-term project, basic criteria for launching into the story, testing and retesting the hypothesis throughout the investigation, and shifting direction when the reporting dictates that the story direction has changed. The study-unit will emphasize problem solving in developing stories from conception to finished product. While the theoretical and data-based requirements of the area are thoroughly explored, the study-unit is also practical, directing students to think deeply about the stories they write and why they write them. It is primarily lecture and discussion based, but independent work in and out of class as well as reporting and writing will also take place. Study-Unit Aims: To master basic investigative tools and techniques, as well as how to apply them to everyday reporting and major stories. Also to explore how to take advantage of the two main sources of information: documents and people; and discuss when and how to use computer data to both enhance a story or provide the foundation for a major project. Throughout the study-unit, the goal will be to delve constantly beneath the surface. Going into research as deeply as possible is at the core of investigative reporting, which pulls together all publicly available information, as well as harder-to-find material, to present the fullest possible picture. Students are encouraged to be relentless in their pursuit of hidden truths. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Critically evaluate the practical and ethical issues involved in undertaking investigative journalism; - Cultivate and maintain contacts and sources for investigative journalism; - Develop critical arguments relating to investigative reporting as a form of journalism. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Develop interview techniques for investigative journalism; - Critically analyse financial and statistical data; - Create investigative journalism stories to a professional standard. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - De Burgh, H., & Lashmar, P. (eds.) (2021). Investigative Journalism (3rd Ed.). London: Routledge. (ISBN: 978-0-367-18248-9). Supplementary Readings: - Leigh, D. (2019). Investigative Journalism: A Survival Guide. London: Palgrave MacMillan. (ISBN 978-3-030-16751-6). - Silverman, C. (ed.). (2016) Verification Handbook for Investigative Reporting. Mastricht: European Journalism Centre. (https://verificationhandbook.com/). - Schiffrin, A. (ed.) (2014). Global Muckraking: 100 Years of Investigative Journalism from Around the World. New York: The New Press. (ISBN 978-1-59558-973-6). NB: Any texts which are not available at the Main Library; will be ordered in due course. |
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| RULES/CONDITIONS | Before TAKING THIS UNIT YOU MUST TAKE MCS1030 | |||||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||||||||
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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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