Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Science in the Media
Module Code	CM571
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module examines representation of science in the media and envolving relations between science and media from theoretical, organisational, professional and cultural perspectives

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the main factors shaping media representations of science
2. Critically assess scientists' claims about the inadequacy of media coverage of science
3. Describe the development of theoretical perspectives on science in the media
4. Analyse critically different treatments of scientific information in the media
5. Describe the main routines of media professionals specialising in science coverage

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	No Description
Seminars	11	No Description
Assignment	45	No Description
Independent learning	50	No Description
Total Workload: 128

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

What science makes news?.
Changing conceptions of science and media.

Sources for reporting science.
Science on radio and television.

Types of science stories.
Analysing science in the media.

Reporting controversial science.
Reporting science policy.

In-depth science journalism.
Science news online.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Project	selection of scientific information items for media treatment	20%	Week 5
Essay	review of current media coverage	80%	Sem 2 End

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 1

Indicative Reading List

J. Gregory and S. Miller: 1998, Science in public - communication, culture and credibility, Plenum,
R. Holliman et al (eds): 2009, Invesigating science communication in the digital age, selected chapters, Oxford University Press,
R. Holliman et al (eds): 2009, Practising science communication in the digital age, selected chapters, Oxford University Press,
D. Nelkin: 1995, Selling science - how the press covers science and technology, Freeman, New York,
M. Bauer and M. Bucchi (eds): 2006, Journalism, science and society, selected chapters, Routledge,
M. Bucchi and B. Trench: 2008, Handbook of Public Communication of Science and Technology, selected chapters, Routledge,
S. Friedman et al (eds): 1999, Communicating uncertainty - media coverage of new and controversial science, selected chapters, Lawrence Erlbaum,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

MIC

MA in International Communications

MIJS

MA in International Journalism Studies

Timetable this semester: Timetable for CM571

Date of Last Revision

25-JAN-11

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