Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This course introduces new undergraduate journalism students to two pillars which are essential for the duration of their degree, and for the news industry: (i) effective communication and (ii) research and study skills. It recognises that the idea of “learning” at third level requires a different set of practical and conceptual skills compared with secondary school and aims to ensure that the transition is accessible for all. Firstly, the research skills include guidance on using relevant library resources to access news archives and databases, searching for scholarly material, and using the internet to find source material useful for both academic and journalistic work. Secondly, for study skills, students are advised on working independently, on the different type of assessments they will face during their degree, and the key differences between journalistic work and essays or other academic assignments, as well as the need for critical thinking throughout. This will also include how to effectively read academic work, structure essays and build an argument, while also covering the importance of citations and the need for referencing systems. Finally, for communication skills, students will be guided on document formatting, writing and editing their work, and advice on presentations. The module also recognises that students often need to act as early-career journalists as soon as they begin their studies, so guidance is provided on the current news landscape in Ireland and how to develop and communicate their professionalism such as CV content, building a portfolio, and finding work opportunities in the industry. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the difference between secondary school and third-level approaches to teaching and learning 2. Understand the various types of assessment, and demonstrate competence in academic writing techniques such as the development of logical argument and of appropriate referencing 3. Identify and critically engage with appropriate research resources available in the library and understand how they can be applied to both journalistic and academic work 4. Refine and develop communications skills, such as document formatting and presentation skills 5. Develop an awareness of the journalism industry in Ireland and how to identify and apply for work opportunities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Weekly outline Week 1. Introduction: Expectations of university work (Grading structures, independent learning, different types of assignments, writing and study resources and supports available); Week 2. Introduction to library – searching, and library resources relevant for journalism students (eg, Irish Newspaper Archive, Lexis Nexis); Week 3. Critical thinking in journalism work; Week 4. Essay writing and building an argument using source material: structure, paragraphs, and citing/referencing; Week 5. Editing & language skills: spelling and grammar, tone, proofreading your work; Week 6. Presentation skills; Week 7. Reading week; Week 8. Effective searching online, using databases and key sources for assignments and journalistic work; Week 9. File management, formatting documents & why this matters for professional communicators; Week 10. Overview of journalism sector in Ireland; Week 11. Professional CV, building a portfolio and finding work opportunities in journalism; Week 12. Recap | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||