Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources

Module TeacherPatrick Kinsella
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
Lectures and assignments will enhance skills in reporting the full range of routine Newsdesk markings and equip students to handle complex stories, contradictory sources and hard-to-find information.

Learning Outcomes
1. Cover a range of routine news markings including: Garda check calls, courts, local authority meetings, public speeches, press conferences, developing news
2. Discuss current events and propose appropriate alternative story treatments for different newspapers
3. Pitch, investigate and write accurate and original news stories
4. Confidently approach and interview a wide range of people in the news, locate and use archive or documentary information, appraising all sources critically
5. Consider and apply relevant legal and ethical standards, defending any decisions made
6. Compare and critically evaluate their own and other treatments of the news, proposing improvements and follow-ups
7. Reflect on the impact of their work on themselves and others in the context of trauma and distress



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture11Lectures
Lab22Practical workshops
Assignment48Weekly news assignments
Independent learning time36Daily critical reading of news media
Independent learning time8Site Visits
Total Workload: 125

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
Week 1.
News, truth and accuracy.Check calls and reporting crime..

Week 2.
Paper sources. Freedom of information..

Week 3.
Contacts and sources.Speeches and press conferences..

Week 4.
The legal process, court reporting..

Week 5.
Local authorities, council reporting. Colour pieces..

Week 6.
Editorial meetings, reporter initiative. The tabloid approach..

Week 8.
Handling Numbers.Polls and surveys..

Week 9.
Specialist Reporting: industrial relations and other examples..

Week 10.
Trauma and distress..

Week 11.
Crisis and emergencies..

Week 12.
Surviving as a freelance..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Short answer questionsWeekly News quiz10%Every Week
Practical/skills evaluationWeekly news assignments (courts, local government, freedom of information etc)90%Every Week
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
This module is category
Indicative Reading List
  • Adams, Sally & Hicks, Wynford: 0, Interviewing for Journalists,
  • Hicks, Wynford: 0, English for Journalists,
  • Randall, David: 0, The Universal Journalist,
  • Kovach, Bill & Rosenstiel, Tom: 0, Elements of Journalism,
  • Goldacre, Ben: 0, Bad Science,
  • Keeble, Richard: 0, The Newspaper Handbook,
  • Davies, Nick: 0, Flat Earth News,
  • Spark, David & Harris, Geoffrey: 0, Practical Newspaper Reporting,
  • Harcup, Tony: 0, Journalism Principles and Practice,
  • Mlodinow, Leonard: 0, The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives,
Other Resources
98, Audio, video, multimedia., 0, Will be provided via Moodle.,
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