Module: Journalism History

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Journalism History
Module Code	CM164 (ITS) / JRR1007 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Mark O'Brien
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This module examines the development of journalism in Ireland over the course of the twentieth-century. It traces how journalism evolved over the decades and examines what factors shaped it at different times. It looks at how the position of journalist and the power of journalism are products of their time and how both are shaped by political, religious, economic, technological, and cultural forces. Ultimately, it examines how the prevailing political and social atmospheres facilitated or constrained the work of journalists, how their work influenced society, and the relationship between journalism and the processes of social stagnation and social change.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critique the development of journalism in Ireland over the course of the twentieth century.
2. Identify the key moments, events, and persons in the development of journalism in Ireland.
3. Identify how changing social, cultural, political, and economic contexts have shaped the development of journalism.
4. Analyse how different forces - state, religious, lobby groups - can influence, facilitate, and restrict the practice of journalism.
5. Analyse how the output of particular media institutions and journalists impacted on society and on the processes of social stagnation and social change.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	Reading & Research
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Week 1: Pre-1900s: Press, Politics and Journalism
The press and political landscape prior to Irish independence.

Week 2: Free State: Censorship of Publications
How censorship impacted on the practice of journalism in newly independent Ireland.

Week 3: The Press & Journalism 1 (Irish Times)
The history and journalistic ethos of the Irish Times.

Week 4: The Press & Journalism 2 (Independent Newspapers)
The history and journalistic ethos of Independent Newspapers.

Week 5: The Press & Journalism 3 (Irish Press)
The history and journalistic ethos of the Irish Press Group.

Week 6: Broadcast Journalism (RTÉ)
How broadcasting impacted on journalism.

Week 7: Reading Week – No Class.
Revise for Assessment.

Week 8: Assessment Week
In-Class Multiple Choice Quiz / Exam Briefing.

Week 9: Broadcast Journalism & Northern Troubles
How the Troubles impacted on journalism.

Week 10: Female Journalism
The evolution of female journalism over the 20th century.

Week 11: Journalism & Religion
How religious journalism evolved over the 20th century.

Week 12: Investigative Journalism
How investigative journalism evolved over the 20th century.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
In Class Test	Quiz	30%	n/a
Essay	Essay on topic selected from list.	70%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

O'Brien, M.: 2017, The Fourth Estate: Journalism in Twentieth-Century Ireland, MUP, Dublin,
O'Brien, M. & Larkin, F.: 2014, Periodicals & Journalism in 20th Century Ireland, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
O'Brien, Mark: 2012, Independent Newspapers: A History, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
O'Brien, M: 2008, The Irish Times: A History, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
Corcoran, M. & O'Brien, M.: 2005, Political Censorship & the Democratic State: The Irish Broadcasting Ban, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
O'Brien, M: 2001, The Truth in the News: De Valera, Fianna Fail and the Irish Press, IAP, Dublin,
Horgan, J.: 2001, Irish Media: A Critical History Since 1922, Routledge, London,
Horgan, J.: 2004, Broadcasting & Public Life: RTE News & Current Affairs 1926-97, Four Courts Press, Dublin,

Other Resources

None