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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2017 - 2018

Module Title Media and Politics in Ireland
Module Code CM569
School School of Communications

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProfessor Kevin RafterOffice NumberC 172
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module examines the relationship between media and politics in Ireland in terms of the ever-shifting political, economic, social, and cultural forces that have shaped and continue to shape that relationship. It provides the historical context necessary to engage deeply with other modules on the programme. The first half of the module is devoted to examining the national media institutions that report on and shape political discourse in modern Ireland. The second half is devoted to examining how key institutions interact with the media and to examining how coverage of ‘current affairs’ in contemporary Ireland is often an echo of debates that have been in progress for many generations.

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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study226No Description
Lecture24No Description
Seminars4No Description
Independent Study222No Description
Total Workload: 500

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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • M. O'Brien: 2017, The Fourth Estate: Journalism in Twentieth-Century Ireland, MUP, Manchester,
  • M. O'Brien: 2008, The Irish Times: A History, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
  • M. O’Brien & K. Rafter (eds): 2012, Independent Newspapers: A History, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
  • M. O'Brien: 2001, De Valera, Fianna Fáil and the Irish Press: The Truth in the News?, Irish Academic Press, Dublin,
  • M. O’Brien & D. Ó Beacháin (eds): 2014, Political Communication in the Republic of Ireland, Liverpool University Press, Liverpool,
  • K. Rafter & M. O’Brien (eds): 2015, The State in Transition: Essays in Honour of John Horgan, New Island, Dublin,
  • M. O’Brien & F. Larkin (eds): 2014, Periodicals & Journalism in Twentieth Century Ireland, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
  • M. Corcoran & M. O’Brien (eds): 2005, Political Censorship and the Democratic State: The Irish Broadcasting Ban, Four Courts Press, Dublin,
  • Horgan, John: 2001, Irish Media A Critical History since 1922, Routledge, London,
  • Louw, P. Eric: 2010, The Media and Political Process, 2nd, Sage, London,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
MAPMA in Political Communication
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