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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title International News Gathering
Module Code CM5967
School School of Communications
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Colleen Murrell
Semester 2: Colleen Murrell
Autumn: Colleen Murrell
Module TeachersColleen Murrell
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
The project may be retaken later in the academic year on the agreement of the lecturer
Description

This module will examine how international news is gathered and dispersed via the global information flow. It will explore how stories enter the news chain from the macro world of international news agencies through to those gathered by local reporters and citizen journalists and sent out via social media. How are these news stories selected, assigned value and then distributed? This module will explore large media companies such as Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse to see what purpose news agencies serve in a changing digital media landscape. We will also study broadcasters such as RTE, the BBC, Al-Jazeera, CNN, and CNTV, and legacy media operations such as The New York Times, The Irish Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail and assorted European and international media companies. And finally, this module will explore the world of foreign correspondents, local journalists and the issues, lenses and language favoured by reporters in international contexts.

Learning Outcomes

1. In this assignment students will understand how international news flows operate around the globe. They will use this knowledge to examine coverage of news in the paid and public spheres.
2. In this third assignment students will apply what they have learned by creating a project or podcast to demonstrate their understanding of international news coverage
3. In class presentation - in this assignment students will show what they intend to study for their project. Feedback will be given in class
4. Weekly class participation



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars24This module will be taught in seminar mode (incorporating lectures and discussion)
Independent Study186Students must complete readings, class preparations and do independent study for this module. Students will undertake research in class and also for three assignments to be completed during the semester
Total Workload: 210

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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayStudents will analyse and evaluate current reporting practices with regards to a particular country, issue or news outlet.40%Week 6
PresentationThe student will present to the class (and upload online) a PowerPoint presentation on the subject of their intended project assignment10%Week 9
ParticipationThe student will gain marks for participation in class exercises, tasks, and presentations from week 2 to 11.10%Other
AssignmentStudents will write a piece of long form journalism or produce a podcast on a selected country, issue or topic of relevance in agreement with lecturer.40%Week 12
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

    Other Resources

    None
    Week 1 History of early news flows; International news agencies Week 2 International and national news agencies today Week 3 The Times, The Irish Times, The New York Times Week 4 Public service broadcasting vs commercial broadcasting coverage Week 5 International news deserts. Fixers, stringers and local reporters Week 6 Social media, citizen journalism and activism READING WEEK Week 7 Advocacy Journalism & NGOs Week 8 Governments and soft power Week 9 Student presentations Week 10 A day in the life of a foreign correspondent Week 11 Natural disasters versus longer-term crises Week 12 Working on the final assignment/consultations
    Programme or List of Programmes
    MAJMA in Journalism
    Archives:

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