Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module introduces students to the structures and functions of some of the core social institutions (not covered in other modules) that underpin society and which generate significant levels of media content. Focusing on three social institutions – religion, health, and education – the module examines a) the structure and function of each social institution, b) its interaction with the media (generally in terms of specialist correspondents), and c) current issues and debates relating to that institution. For each of the three sections of the module students are required to produce a response paper on readings relating to the specific social institution being examined, and to propose at least two news stories relating to that institution. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Display a broad knowledge of the structures and functions of specific social institutions. 2. Articulate an understanding of the power dynamics at play between these social institutions and the media in a contemporary Irish and international context. 3. Demonstrate a knowledge of the core issues at play in reporting religious, health, and education news and current affairs. 4. Synthesize and evaluate a variety of contemporary debates, viewpoints, arguments and counter-arguments supported by relevant sources. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Week 1 - Module Overview Rationale for module; overview of module content; assessment mechanisms outlined. Week 2 - Religion & Irish Society The role, function, and influence of religion on the socio-political structures of Irish society. Key reading: Tom Inglis, ‘Individualisation and Secularisation in Catholic Ireland’ in Sara O’Sullivan (ed), Contemporary Ireland: A Sociological Map (2007). Week 3 – Politics & Religion in Contemporary Politics The role, function, and influence of religion in current day politics. Key reading: Elle Hardy, ‘A Company Town’ in Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity is Taking Over the World (2021). Week 4 – Reporting Religious Affairs How should journalists report religious affairs in the contemporary world? Key reading: Colum Kenny, ‘Reporting Religion’ in John Littleton and Eamon Maher (eds), Contemporary Catholicism in Ireland: A Critical Appraisal (2008). Week 5 – Origins & Structure of the Healthcare System The origins of and key influences on early healthcare in Ireland. Key reading: Maev-Anne Wren, ‘Defeat of the early reformers’ in Unhealthy State (Dublin, 2003). Week 6 – The Healthcare System – Contemporary Concepts & Issues Key issues in today’s healthcare sector. Key reading: Mairead Considone & Fiona Dukelow, ‘Health Policy’ in Irish Social Policy: A Critical Introduction (2009). Week 7 – READING WEEK (NO CLASS) READING WEEK (NO CLASS) Week 8 – Sláintecare Is healthcare reform possible? Key reading: Stephen Thomas et al. ‘Embracing and Disentangling from Private Finance: The Irish System’ in Colleen M. Flood & Bryan Thomas (eds) Is Two-Tier Health Care the Future? (2020). Week 9 – Reporting Health Key issues in health reporting. Key reading: Claire Hawksworth et al. ‘So you want to be a medical journalist’ in Medical Writing, 26:4 (2017). Week 10 – Origins & Structure of the Education System The origins of and key influences on early education in Ireland. Key reading: John Coolahan, ‘Church–state relations in primary and secondary education’ in James P. Mackey & Enda McDonagh (eds) Religion and Politics in Ireland (2003) Week 11 – The Education System – Contemporary Concepts & Issues Key issues in today’s education system. Key reading: Mairead Considone & Fiona Dukelow, ‘Education Policy’ in Irish Social Policy: A Critical Introduction (2009). Week 12 – Third Level Transformation The changing third level sector. Key reading: Ellen Hazelkorn & Tom Boland, ‘Trends and propositions to provoke debate about the future of higher education’ in International Higher Education, 111 (2022). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||