Module: Media, Politics and the Public Sphere

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Media, Politics and the Public Sphere
Module Code	MCO1067 (ITS: CM569)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module examines the relationship between media and politics in Ireland in terms of shifting political, socio-economic and cultural forces with consideration of relevant national and international contexts. The module considers the historical relationship between media and politics in Ireland and focuses on how national media institutions report on and shape political discourse in contemporary Ireland. The module provides the historical context necessary to engage deeply with other modules on the MA Political Communication programme.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critique the relationship between media and politics in Ireland.
2. Identify how social, cultural and political contexts have shaped that relationship.
3. Discuss the key moments and events in that relationship and assess how such moments impacted on the processes of social stagnation and social change.
4. Analyse how different forces can influence, facilitate, and restrict the relationship.
5. Synthesize and evaluate a variety of debates, viewpoints, arguments and counter-arguments supported by relevant academic sources.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	226	No Description
Lecture	24	No Description
Seminars	4	No Description
Independent Study	222	No Description
Total Workload: 500

Section Breakdown
CRN	11016	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Kevin Rafter	Module Teacher	Emmet Oliver

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Attendance and Participation in In-Class Discussions	10%	n/a
Assignment	Archives Exercise	30%	n/a
Assignment	Research Essay of 2,500 words	60%	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

The Irish Press: Identity Politics

The Irish Times: Politics and Trust

Independent News & Media: Media Moguls

Public Service Broadcasting and Southern Politics

Public Service Broadcasting and Northern Politics

Feminism, Media and Politics

Health, Media, and Politics

Education, Media and Politics

The Catholic Church, Media and Politics

Policing, Media and Politics

Scandal Journalism and Politics

Indicative Reading List

Books:

M. O'Brien: 2017, The Fourth Estate: Journalism in Twentieth-Century Ireland, MUP, Manchester,
M. Oâ€™Brien & K. Rafter (eds): 2012, Independent Newspapers: A History, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
K. Rafter & M. Oâ€™Brien (eds): 2015, The State in Transition: Essays in Honour of John Horgan, New Island, Dublin,
Horgan, John: 2001, Irish Media A Critical History since 1922, Routledge, London,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None