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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Science and Health in the Media
Module Code CM534
School School of Communications
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Saumava Mitra
Semester 2: Saumava Mitra
Autumn: Saumava Mitra
Module TeachersDeclan Fahy
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
None
Array
Description

This module examines representations of science in the media and evolving relations between science and media from theoretical, organisational, professional and cultural perspectives

Learning Outcomes

1. identify the main factors shaping media representations of science
2. critically assess scientists' claims about the inadequacy of media coverage of science
3. describe the development of theoretical perspectives on science in the media
4. analyse critically different treatments of scientific information in the media
5. describe the main routines of media professional specialising in science coverage



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Seminars11No Description
Assignment Completion75No Description
Independent Study150No Description
Total Workload: 258

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

What science makes news?

Changing conceptions of science and media

Sources for reporting science

Science on radio and television

Types of science stories

Analysing science in the media

Reporting controversial science

Reporting science policy

In-depth science journalism

Science news online

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ProjectSelection of scientific information items for media treatment20%Week 5
EssayAnalysis of common claims about media science30%Week 11
EssayReview of current media coverage50%Sem 2 End
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

  • J. Gregory and S. Miller: 1998, Science in public - communication, culture and credibility, selected chapters, Plenum,
  • R. Holliman et al (eds): 2009, Investigating science communication in the digital age, A. Hansen: Science, communication and media, Oxford University Press,
  • R. Holliman et al (eds): 2009, Practising science communication in the digital age, selected chapters, Oxford University Press,
  • D. Nelkin: 1995, Selling science - how the press covers science and technology, Freeman, New York,
  • M. Bauer and M. Bucchi: 2006, Journalism, science and society - science communication between news and public relations, selected chapters, Routledge,
  • M. Bucchi and B. Trench: 2008, Handbook of Public Communication of Science and Technology, selected chapters, Routledge,
  • S. Friedman et al (eds): 1999, Communicating uncertainty - media coverage of new and controversial science, selected chapters, Lawrence Erlbaum,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
CSPDPhD
CSPMMaster of Arts
CSPTPhD-track
MAJMA in Journalism
MPCSMPhil (Communications)
MSHCMSc in Science and Health Communication
Date of Last Revision25-JAN-11
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