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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Saumava Mitra
Semester 2: Saumava Mitra
Autumn: Saumava Mitra
Module TeachersSaumava Mitra
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

This module combines the theoretical and practical aspects of peace and conflict journalism for an in-depth learning experience. It provides students with the foundational theories, historical and cultural developments in the industry, and schools of thought pertinent to reporting on conflict, warfare and peacebuilding. The module draws on relevant academic literature and best examples of field reporting and analysis, as well as examining timely case studies on key issues and events and involving expert contributions. The goal is to offer students a comprehensive understanding of what shapes peace and conflict journalism today and to equip them with the skills necessary to contribute to this field.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the precursors and history of conflict and peace reporting.
2. Understand the foundational theories and concepts of peace and conflict journalism, as well as the main approaches to this kind of reporting.
3. Become familiar with central issues, challenges and dilemmas facing war and conflict reporters today.
4. Learn to put previously acquired journalistic skills into the context of peace and conflict reporting and apply the theoretical knowledge in practice.
5. Gain the ability to develop, plan and deliver quality reporting around conflict/peace-related topics and events.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22Weekly lectures and discussion
Assignment Completion46Analytical, reporting and editorial projects
Independent Study57Regular critical reading and engagement with class materials
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

Key topics & issues:
History of war and conflict reporting War reporting in popular culture Approaches to peace and conflict journalism: War reporting, conflict journalism, peace journalism, solidarity journalism, advocacy & journalism, feminist/intersectional aspects. Reporting on wars and conflicts Reporting on peace, resolution, reconstruction & rebuilding Migration, refugees, human rights & diversity Social movements and protests Terrorism, violent extremism & radicalization Social media and citizen journalism in conflict reporting Ethics, transparency & objectivity in conflict reporting Risks and threat modelling, specialised training, trauma – DART, CPJ Digital Safety Kit Environmental issues, corruption & conflict Hybrid warfare and cyberwarfare, OSINT

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ParticipationIn-class activities and discussion10%n/a
EssayCritical analysis (case study) of existing reporting20%n/a
AssignmentOriginal feature reporting piece on class topic70%n/a
Indicative Reading List

  • Wahl-Jorgensen, K., & Hanitzsch, T. (Eds.).: 2009, The handbook of journalism studies, Routledge, 9781351683159
  • Allan, S., & Zelizer, B. (Eds.).: 2004, Reporting war: Journalism in wartime, Routledge,
  • Carruthers, S. L.: 2011, The media at war, Macmillan International Higher Education,
  • Markham, T.: 2012, The Politics of War Reporting: Authority, Authenticity and Morality, Oxford University Press,
  • Thussu, D. K., & Freedman, D. (Eds.).: 2003, War and the media: Reporting conflict 24/7, SAGE,
Other Resources

48617, 0, Additional resources will be suggested in class,

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