BA (Hons) Journalism

Journalism Logo

Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 4 years minimum
Awarding Body: HETAC

This degree course in journalism provides a broad general education, both in the major areas covered in the discipline of journalism itself and through the complementary subjects within the Arts programme such as Film, Media Studies, Economics, Literature and Drama. The journalism stream covers the most relevant topics related to the practice of journalism. You will gain practical skills in print, broadcasting and contemporary communication technologies as well as a comprehensive understanding of the general culture in which journalism is practiced in Ireland and Europe. The course also develops communication skills, including knowledge of the Irish Media and contemporary media technology.

This course develops an awareness of both the ethical issues facing journalists and the responsibilities and roles of the journalist in society. The course delivers a range of transferable skills including computing, communication, research as well as theoretical, writing and editing skills.

Our journalism course is designed to provide a qualification that meets the needs of the media industry in Ireland. The course includes the legal and cultural context within which journalism is practiced as well as practical skills.

 
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Year 1

Semester 1

Basic News Reporting I

Basic News Reporting I

This module introduces students to the basic skills and contexts of news reporting. Various structures that a news story can have, various types of media and the research skills of a journalist will all be explored and put into practice. Emphasis is also placed on IT skills, and touch typing in a workplace situation, with a particular focus on Internet skills throughout this module.
Media History & Context

Media History & Context

This module acts an overview of the history of media – both print media and broadcast but also including other relevant media such as cinema, the Internet and text messaging. During the course of this module students will explore how the various media are formed by both their origins and their ownership – the commercial controls exerted by owners and how this influences media content is a key part of this module. The history and context of media will be examined not only from an international perspective, but also bearing in mind the unique demands of the Irish media.
Microeconomics I

Microeconomics I

This module is an introductory course in microeconomics. Microeconomics is essentially a study of efficient allocations, i.e. how limited resources are, and should be, allocated between different uses to satisfy human wants. The main topics of the course are the behaviour of individual consumers and firms. Additionally, government actions, competition, and pollution are discussed. The emphasis is on the operation of the markets.
Film Theory I

Film Theory I

This module acts as an introduction to the key concepts and terminology of Film Theory. Students will be introduced to key critical and theoretical approaches to a broad range of cinemas. Addressing questions of film style and meaning, spectatorship and issues surrounding narrative analysis, the course aims to illustrate these theoretical concerns via screenings of relevant contemporary film texts. On completion of the module students will be able to engage in analytical discussion of film.
Exploring Cultural Differences

Exploring Cultural Differences

This module will discuss basic terms, concepts, and methods required in the study of culture and cultural meanings. Intercultural, cross-cultural, historical and interdisciplinary themes that are a part of the construction of "differences" are all examined throughout the module and students are introduced to keynote research in the discipline of cultural studies, which explores and opens up the notion of cultural difference.
IT for Journalists

IT for Journalists

Here, students are introduced to the fundamentals of information technology and, in specific, how IT pertains to the journalism industry. Throughout this module students will become proficient in numerous aspects of IT, including – word processing, Windows-based operating systems, Desktop publishing, presentation software and how to master using the Internet for research purposes.

Year 2

Semester 1

Feature Writing & Freelance Journalism

Feature Writing & Freelance Journalism

This module introduces students to the basics of feature writing, the different types of feature articles, how to structure them and the different techniques used by feature writers. This module also aims to impart to the student knowledge on the business side of journalism and the issues that arise as a freelance journalist - dealing with commissioning editors, organising work flow, copyright issues, pitching ideas and following up, dealing with payments and taxation. Students will leave with a better understanding of what feature writing involves as well as having being introduced to the business of being a journalist.
Shorthand I

Shorthand I

Shorthand has long been a vital component of journalism courses because it is extremely useful for journalists, in particular news reporters. This course will introduce students to the basic principles of Teeline shorthand and build up knowledge of the various signs and symbols. Emphasis is placed on successfully memorizing the building blocks of shorthand. The student will also learn the ability to accurately record words in shorthand and be able to read back a section of shorthand and translate it into longhand.
Irish Film & Television

Irish Film & Television

This course examines the evolution of the Irish film and television industries, and assesses the current infrastructure of the indigenous industry in detail. It explores the business dimension to the industry, as well as articulating the nature of finance, as it pertains to film and television in Ireland. The course will also highlight the many avenues and options that filmmakers have open to them in Ireland’s film and television industry.
National Economics

National Economics

This module is an introduction to the economy of Ireland. Various aspects of the economy are examined in the light of economic theory. This provides an understanding of the development and current state of Ireland as well as general insight into applying economics into practical situations. The emphasis of the course is on the period of the Celtic Tiger, the Irish economic success story from 1993 until recently. Different economic theories, for example the Keynesian income-expenditure model, the aggregate demand and aggregate supply framework are used to analyse the recent development of the Irish economy. Since Ireland is a member of the eurozone, the focus of this course is strongly on fiscal policy and competitiveness rather than monetary policy or exchange rates.
Individuals, Society and the State

Individuals, Society and the State

This module examines the relationships between individuals, society and the state. It will focus on developing the following issues; what is meant by ‘individual’, ‘society’ and ‘the state’ / the classical view of the state / outlining some of the different ideas of the state of nature and civil society / a comparison of systems which prioritise the individual over the community and vice versa / an evaluation of the extent and form of an individual’s liberty in the modern state / outlining feminist perspectives in political philosophy.
The Politics of Representation I

The Politics of Representation I

Analysing media texts from diverse areas of the world, this course interrogates conventional representations of various “minorities” throughout mass media. Students will be introduced to key theories such as Feminism, construction of masculinity on screen, the representation of gender, race & ethnicity, and sexuality in film and television. Using a wide variety of texts and films, this course will enable students to understand the ideological implications of media stereotyping of minorities & key debates surrounding the issue of alternative identity construction.

Year 3

Semester 1

Advanced Print or Advanced Broadcasting

Advanced Print or Advanced Broadcasting

This module is designed to instruct students in the more advanced levels of print journalism or broadcasting. Students have to select either Print or Broadcasting to specialise in at this level and will produce a portfolio in their chosen specialised area of material during the semester that will be evaluated for the final mark. Print students will research and write an investigative news story (c1500 words), research and will participate in two final News Days at the end of the term. Broadcasting students will produce a 15-minute magazine programme, either in radio or television, with pre-recorded segments and on-air presentation.
Current Issues in Irish Media

Current Issues in Irish Media

Focussing on current issues and concerns within the Irish media industries, this module aims to provide students with informed analysis of key issues from those working within the relevant industries, such as film, television, radio and journalism. Students will develop a thorough knowledge of the main issues pertinent to the Irish media industry - involving problems of media funding, broadcasting legislation and infrastructure, and film and TV documentary production.
Sub-Editing II

Sub-Editing II

This module builds on the knowledge and skills learnt in Sub-Editing I and begins with a continuation of layout skills. During the course of this module students will be taught how to use the more advanced functions of Quark Xpress and build up speed in laying out pages and checking articles. Students will use the knowledge obtained to work together as a team, under the guidance of the lecturer, to produce their own 36 page magazine within a three week timeframe.
International Journalism

International Journalism

This module articulates the place of Irish journalism within international journalism and discerns how Irish media interprets foreign events and how foreign media interprets Irish events. Aside from the Irish element to the module, students are also introduced to issues of cultural identity and minority reporting, as well as the news agendas operating in different countries and market types (American and European journalism, the relationship between communism and media, media in emerging democracies) are all tackled throughout this module.
Post-Colonial Literature

Post-Colonial Literature

In this module the student will explore the political and psychological impact of new nations grappling with their various colonial pasts, by analysing the literature of said countries. The module aims to illuminate debates about freedom and identity that continue to define nature of the human animal at the beginning of a new century. By studying the works of Literary greats such as Chinua Achebe, Joseph Conrad and Salmon Rushdie students will develop the ability to relate specific literary techniques to the larger political techniques used to either suppress or assert national identity.

 

Year 1

Semester 2

Macroeconomics I

Macroeconomics I

This module is an introductory course in macroeconomics. Macroeconomics is the study of the big picture of the economy. The main aim of the module is to provide students with a good understanding of the basic concepts of macroeconomic theory and the ability to apply this theory to the analysis of world economic events. The topics cover national income accounting, introduction to income determination of total output, growth, banking, inflation and unemployment. The role of the government is important as it faces trade-offs trying to improve the performance of the economy using fiscal and monetary policies.
A Brief History of Literary Theory

A Brief History of Literary Theory

This module is an accessible introduction to some major theoretical issues and questions and is designed to provide a broad sense of the historical development of theory over the last three hundred years. A range of reading in drama, fiction and poetry will be undertaken by the student during the course of the module. On completion students will have an understanding of a range of literary texts, their historical contexts and numerous competing political perspectives.
Introduction to Broadcasting

Introduction to Broadcasting

This module introduces students to the practical elements of broadcasting. Students will become acquainted with the editorial processes in place for television and radio news and learn how to interview and write news for on-air presentation. The practical skills required to record sound and vision will be mastered by students and they will also receive an introduction to post-production editing skills. Assessment in this module is in the form of the production of a three minute vox pop radio package and the production of a television news package, five minutes in length, to be completed in teams of three.
News Reporting II

News Reporting II

This module enables the student to build on the skills and knowledge learnt in both News Reporting I and Media History & Context (Semester One modules), emphasising newsgathering skills. Students will develop the ability to locate stories whether through contacts, public relations companies, the State or sourcing stories from other media and will explore how to safeguard against the various biases of sources. Interviewing skills and defining correct journalistic practice in this field is also of paramount importance in this module.
Media & Ireland

Media & Ireland

This module is designed to introduce students to Irish national media. The evolution of media in Ireland, through press, radio and television, over the last century will be examined. Ireland’s current media landscape and all major institutions within will be analysed to give the student a clearer understanding of Irelands media forms. Students will also be introduced to debates concerning the relationship between Ireland’s national identity and Ireland’s media output.
Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

The aim of this course is to enable students to critically assess information, identify strong logical argument and distinguish this from persuasive rhetoric, to think critically and argue coherently. This course encourages students to describe what is meant by the term ‘argument’ / distinguish inductive from deductive argumentation / analyse an argument into its premises and conclusion / explain the relationship between validity and truth.

Year 2

Semester 2

Sub-Editing I

Sub-Editing I

This module introduces students to the process that takes place after newspaper copy is written – how an effective sub-editor shapes reporters’ stories into newspaper text on a page. The module has two main threads – sub-editing and an introduction to layout. Students will gain an understanding of the basics of page design and layout become proficient in creating a page of copy with headlines, articles, photographs that all fit together perfectly.
Shorthand II

Shorthand II

During this module, students will have to revise what they learnt in Shorthand I and will then continue with the curriculum. Students will learn more advanced shorthand symbols and terms that often crop up for journalists. Particular emphasis is placed on building up speed – the aim is to reach a speed of approximately 80 wpm, which is the industry standard.
Advanced News Reporting (Print & Radio)

Advanced News Reporting (Print & Radio)

This module will combine a number of taught topics within the realm of news reporting with seven units of News Days (2 hours a week for seven weeks) divided between Radio (3 weeks) and Print (4 weeks). Students will be given a sense of the practicalities of producing a quality news item within a limited amount of time. By semesters end students will produce a 6-page newspaper over a period of two weeks (2 x 2 hour period). The class will divide into Editorial and Sub-Editing and will alternate their roles after two weeks. The exercise is to produce two 6-page newspapers to a high quality within a strict deadline.
Practical Ethics

Practical Ethics

This module encourages students, as moral agents, to understand and offer cogent arguments concerning several contemporary moral problems. It will develop and critically reflect on the following philosophical debates; what is meant by equality in moral theory / critical analysis of racism, sexism and speciesism / how the Principle of Equal Consideration of interests can be developed to address the issues of poverty and refugees / how it may be argued that we have a moral obligation to respect and preserve the environment.
Cultural Studies

Cultural Studies

In essence, cultural studies can be defined as an attempt to understand how culture functions in the modern world: how cultural productions work and how cultural identities are constructed and organised within an increasingly complex world of intermingling communities, state power, mass media and globalisation. This module identifies the key theoretical bases of cultural studies, enabling students to discuss topics such as The Marxist Tradition, Postmodernism, Formalism and Structuralism in a more informed manner.
Media, Law and Ethics

Media, Law and Ethics

This course is designed to give students a broad overview of the regulatory and legal environment for media in Ireland and international media. Students will familiarise themselves with legal issues, pertinent to contemporary global and Irish media, such as libel, defamation and contempt of court. Throughout this course, students will become aware of the workings of the Irish Constitution and it’s relevance to all working in Irish media. Also, students will develop an awareness for, and ability to spot, the main legal issues for broadcast and print media.

Year 3

Semester 2

Current Issues in Irish Media

Current Issues in Irish Media

Focussing on current issues and concerns within the Irish media industries, this module aims to provide students with informed analysis of key issues from those working within the relevant industries, such as film, television, radio and journalism. Students will develop a thorough knowledge of the main issues pertinent to the Irish media industry - involving problems of media funding, broadcasting legislation and infrastructure, and film and TV documentary production.
Journalism Electives

Journalism Electives

Here, the student is granted the opportunity to get a feel for some specialized areas within journalistic practice. Students will have the option of choosing their subjects for this module – each subject running for a six week period and being taught by specialists from that field through seminars. Choosing between The Culture of Women’s Magazines OR Sports Journalism and then between Media & Technology OR Business Journalism, students will be afforded the chance to gain a better understanding of two specialised fields of journalism.
News, Journalism, Documentaries

News, Journalism, Documentaries

This module provides a critical overview of the history of news production in Ireland and an analysis of current affairs productions, including television and documentary. It examines in detail the processes surrounding the production of these programmes and their political motivation. While there is a strong emphasis on the Irish media industry and Irish case studies, time is also devoted to international contextualisation.
Journalism: Witnessing History

Journalism: Witnessing History

This module focuses on introducing students to the writings of journalists who wrote about what are now regarded as the most significant events in world history. It will encourage students discuss the role of journalists in capturing a significant event and will investigate whether they are writing a version of history or preserving the truth in their articles. It should also foster an appreciation of the pressures that journalists work under and the risks they take to cover wars, uprisings and to investigate wrongdoing. The ultimate aim is to cultivate a keen understanding how social commentary can provoke public reaction and sometimes initiate political change.
Irish Drama & Performance

Irish Drama & Performance

This module requires students to review five new Dublin theatre productions, staged during the academic semester. The content of the reviews is entirely of the students’ own discretion and will be undoubtedly informed by what is being staged in Dublin Theatres during the relevant time. This workshop style module will enable students to engage in informed discussions on current trends and directions in Irish theatre and will facilitate the writing of reviews that evaluate productions within an informed historical and literary context.
Final Year Project/Thesis

Final Year Project/Thesis

The final year project is a chance for students to focus on a particular area of interest and showcase their research and critical thinking skills. Students must meet with their supervisor before the end of Semester 5 and at the beginning of Semester 6 with a final topic in mind. Work takes place during Semester 6 and the summer break. Students chose to complete either a dissertation (10,000 words) on a journalism related topic or an extended piece of journalism. The journalistic project can be either a three-part series of feature articles (8,000-10,000 words in total) or a 30-minute radio documentary. Both projects require an accompanying article detailing the process (2,000 words).

 

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