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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Perspectives on Polit. & Fin. Journalism
Module Code CM3008
School School of Communications
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Kevin Rafter
Semester 2: Kevin Rafter
Autumn: Kevin Rafter
Module TeachersKevin Rafter
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Coursework will be resubmitted.
Description

This module will critically examine debates about mainstream and alternative media coverage of politics and the economy in Ireland and internationally with particular focus on the contribution of journalism to democracy. The module will focus on the power of communication in an environment where technological change, new media platforms and the 24-hour news cycle are impacting on the production of quality political and financial journalism. The module will combine exploration of theoretical approaches with practical work in critically assessing the changing nature of contemporary political and financial journalism. Teaching and learning will combine lectures, seminars and site visits to relevant organisations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand key concepts, issues and debates related to the connections between journalism, the public, and the political and financial systems;
2. Identify the roles and motivation of political and financial journalists;
3. Explain the production of political and financial journalism
4. Recognise the relations of political and financial journalists with public relations professionals
5. Demonstrate skills for the analysis and evaluation of arguments and evidence in the academic literature
6. Critically analyse examples of political and financial journalistic output



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Seminars12No Description
Assignment Completion22No Description
Independent Study69No Description
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

Journalism, Public & Power

Introduction to Political Journalism

Introduction to Financial Journalism

Elites and Sources

Pack Journalism & Group Think

Framing of Political and Financial News

News Cycles and News Platforms

Financial, Economic and Business Concepts

Corporate and Political Public Relations

Gender in Political and Financial Journalism

Reporting the Crisis

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentA case study (2,500 words) involving critically reflection on both theory and examples of media practice and its relationship to politics and/or the economy60%n/a
PresentationResearch Assignment Presentation30%n/a
Participationn/a10%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • De Vreese, Claes, Esser, Frank, and Hopmann, David Nicolas, (eds.: 2016, Comparing Political Journalism, Routledge, London,
  • Cappella J and Jamieson K: 1993, Spiral of Cynicism The Press and the Public Good., Oxford University Press, Oxford,
  • Cushion, S. 2015: 2015, News and politics: the rise of live and interpretive journalism, Routledge, London,
  • Franklin B: 1997, Newszak and News Media, Arnold, London,
  • Hayes, Danny and Lawless, Jennifer L: 2016, Women on the Run: Gender, Media, and Political Campaigns in a Polarized Er, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
GIBA Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht
GIMDBA Gaeilge, Iriseoireacht & na Meáin Dh
JRBA in Journalism
MAJMA in Journalism
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