| Module Title |
Case Studies in Investigative Journalism |
| Module Code |
JRR1009 (ITS: CM2002) |
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Faculty |
Communications |
School |
Humanities & Social Sciences |
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NFQ level |
8 |
Credit Rating |
5 |
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Description
This module introduces students to the characteristics and core concepts of investigative reporting. In the first half of the module, it provides an overview of the essence and evolution of investigative reporting, its role in societies, its methods as well as its challenges. In the second half, it focuses on critical examination of key examples of investigative reporting from Ireland and elsewhere. Spanning both halves, the students also learn-by-doing by proposing, planning and executing a substantial piece of investigative work in a team setting. To facilitate this, 20-30 minutes each week (beginning from Week 2) are devoted to in-class peer-to-peer and peer-to-instructor problem-solving related to the investigative project the student teams are working on. Merging both practical and analytical learning, the module harnesses skills taught in other modules to instil a deep understanding of investigative reporting within national, regional and global contexts.
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Learning Outcomes
1. •Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of previous investigative reporting
2. Understand the history and concepts of investigative reporting
3. Display an awareness of the problems encountered in conducting an investigation
4. Critically evaluate the ethical and legal constraints on investigative reporting
5. Display an awareness of sources relevant to investigative reporting
6. Work within a team setting to complete an in-depth investigation on a current affairs topic for publication or broadcast
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
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| Lecture | 22 | No Description | | Independent Study | 40 | Reading class materials and original investigative journalism | | Assignment Completion | 63 | Working in teams to undertake an original piece of investigative reporting. |
| Total Workload: 125 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 10861 | Part of Term | Semester 1 | | Coursework | 0% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | Y | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Dawn Wheatley | Module Teacher | Conor Tiernan |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
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| Assignment | Assignment 1: Investigative Reporting: Planning
Each team will present a written plan (1000 words) on how they intend to implement its investigation in terms of:
Division of labour within team
Identification of hypothesis to be investigated
Identification of documentary evidence to pursue
Identification of relevant online resources
Identification of potential interviewees | 15% | n/a | | Presentation | Building on the written plan, each team will present a 5-minute-long oral pitch for their investigative report in class. This will be followed by a 5 minute question and answer session with their peers (the other teams) who will ask them questions about their projects. The team pitch should address the following points:
What is the report about?
Why is it in the public interest to report on this issue?
What social and political impacts are hoped for with this report? | 15% | n/a | | Assignment | Assignment 3: Investigative Reporting: Publishing
Each team of six (or seven in one case) is required to carry out investigation on their assigned topic and complete a series of at least three 700-word reports for publication. However teams can consult with me whether equivalent work they undertake such as producing infographics, photo-series or short videos accompanying written text can replace one or more of the three 700 word reports. Please note that we will work to reach a consensus on such equivalencies but I would have to make the final call so as to be fair to all students. | 70% | n/a |
| Reassessment Requirement Type |
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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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
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Indicative Reading List
Books:
- UNESCO: 2011, Story-based inquiry: A manual for investigative journalists, UNESCO,
- Craig Silverman: 2013, Verification Handbook, European Journalism Centre, Maastricht,
- De Burgh et al: 2008, Investigative Journalism,
Articles:
None |
Other Resources
None |
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