Registry
Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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| Description | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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To encourage students to produce an extended piece of academic or journalistic work.To assist students in the research and production of their dissertation.To enable students to focus the skills and aptitudes developed elsewhere during the programme on a single extended piece of work. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1. Demonstrate an ability to produce a substantial piece of professional journalism for a chosen medium and publication; 2. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the contexts and constraints within which journalism is produced; 3. Demonstrate an ability to develop a detailed and logical argument within a limited space and frame of reference; 4. Demonstrate an ability to organise their work effectively and independently over a period time, with limited supervision; 5. Demonstrate an ability to formulate and pursue a topic of their own choosing, to structure their own work and to identify and use their own case studies and research material involving (as appropriate), fieldwork, primary and secondary sources. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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Dissertation Topic. Journalism theses must either be a piece of journalism (e.g. print features, radio documentary), or be an academic work about journalism or the media.. Dissertation / Thesis / Project. The dissertation, normally not less than 10,000 and not more than 12,000 words in length, can be academic or journalistic in nature. In the former case, it could be based on primary or secondary research, but must address a topic related to journalism or the media. In the latter, it could be print, radio, TV or photojournalism. This extended piece of journalism could consist of a five-part investigative series suitable for publication in a newspaper or magazine; a series of radio programmes: or the design and layout of a newspaper, magazine or journal. Journalistic projects must, in addition, be accompanied by a critical analysis of not less than 2,000 words detailing the original conception of the project, the methodology employed, the nature of any problems encountered and the solutions devised to meet them, and a rationale indicating the projects suitability for its nominated medium. A member of academic staff will be assigned to supervise each students dissertation. The criteria used by staff in the assessment of dissertations will include: conceptualization; relevance to the practice or study of journalism or to other subjects offered as part of the programme; literature review, where appropriate; data collection/ information sources used; methodology; analysis/discussion of results; presentation, style and layout.. Choosing a suitable topic. Students discuss their proposed topics in an open session with their classmates and module co-ordinator. The co-ordinator critiques the viability and suitability of all aspects of the proposal. The student's classmates are encouraged to contribute suggestions as to how any deficiencies might be addressed and to offer alternative approaches and modalities.. Journalism Practice Thesis workshops. Students choosing to complete a print, broadcast, online or design dissertation may work in groups for specialised supervision.. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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