Module: Peace & Conflict Journalism

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Peace & Conflict Journalism
Module Code	JRR1020 (ITS: CM3013)
Faculty	Communications	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Weekly lectures and discussion
Assignment Completion	46	Analytical, reporting and editorial projects
Independent Study	57	Regular critical reading and engagement with class materials
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10865	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	Saumava Mitra	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	In-class activities and discussion	10%	n/a
Essay	Critical analysis (case study) of existing reporting	20%	n/a
Assignment	Original feature reporting piece on class topic	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

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

0: Additional resources will be suggested in class,