FTVMS 318

Special Topic: Journalism in Practice

Please note: this is archived course information from 2017 for FTVMS 318.

Description

Compares normative (industry-based) and critical media theory with news practices and journalists' assessments of their craft. It applies theoretical assessments to the social and historical contexts of journalistic practice, news story construction and editorial decision-making. Students will compare normative theory with the experiences of journalists to determine how closely the news media reflect ideal models of journalism.

The course sits at the intersection of media/critical theory and the life of the working journalist. It will provide an understanding of the operational considerations and constraints that affect the production of news and current affairs in newspapers, on television and online.

Journalists will recount their personal experiences in fields from current affairs and investigative reporting to cartoons, and a media law expert will explain the legal minefield that journalism can become.

Availability 2017

Summer School

Lecturer(s)

Coordinator(s) Dr Gavin Ellis

Assessment

One 2500-word essay (25%)

One practical exercise covering press conference--a newsmaker will conduct a 20-minute press conference  in the lecture theatre. Students will then have 40 minutes to write a 400-word news story (15%) plus writing a subsequent 800-word analysis of students’ news stories (10%)

One two-hour examination (50%)

Points

FTVMS 318: 15 points

Prerequisites

30 points at Stage II in Media, Film and Television, or Political Studies or Politics and International Relations

Restrictions

FTVMS 228