This free educational module provides an outline for teaching students about advanced journalism. It’s designed to be adapted by universities and colleges to meet local needs.
The module delves into the complexities of contemporary journalism, equipping students with advanced skills and critical perspectives. It addresses the challenges posed by disinformation, algorithmic bias, and shifting political landscapes. Students will learn to conduct in-depth fact-checking, apply systems thinking, navigate ethical dilemmas, and produce sophisticated journalistic content, including documentaries.
Learning objectives:
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Critically analyse and combat disinformation and information disorder.
- Develop and implement robust fact-checking systems.
- Apply systems thinking to understand complex journalistic issues.
- Navigate the ethical complexities of journalism in a digital age.
- Produce high-quality journalistic content, including documentary filmmaking.
- Recognise and mitigate algorithmic and editorial biases.
- Understand the dynamics of journalist-politician relationships.
- Ensure safety and accuracy during election coverage.
Module timetable:
Week 1: Foundations of critical journalism
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- Introduction to advanced journalism, information disorder, and ethical frameworks.
- Activities:
- Lecture: The evolving role of the journalist.
- Discussion: Ethical challenges in contemporary journalism.
- Resources:
- Information disorder recognising the forms: Understanding the various types of misinformation and disinformation.
- Glossary of information disorder: Familiarising oneself with the terminology used in information disorder.
- Why editorial ethics are important: An introduction to editorial ethics including links to detailed articles.
- Lesson: Editorial ethics: A structured lesson for those teaching ethics.
- Assignment: Analysis of a recent case of information disorder.
- Activities:
- Introduction to advanced journalism, information disorder, and ethical frameworks.
Week 2: Deconstructing disinformation and bias
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- False equivalence, false balance, and editorial bias.
- Activities:
- Lecture: Identifying and combating false equivalence and false balance.
- Workshop: Analysing media coverage for bias.
- Resources:
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- False equivalence and false balance: Exploring the dangers of presenting opposing viewpoints as equally valid when they are not.
- Lesson: False equivalence and false balance: Practical examples and exercises to reinforce the concepts.
- Confronting editorial bias in election coverage: Strategies for ensuring fair and balanced election reporting.
- Assignment: Critically review a news article for instances of false equivalence or editorial bias.
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- Activities:
- False equivalence, false balance, and editorial bias.
Week 3: Advanced fact-checking and record keeping
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- Beyond basic fact-checking, creating robust systems, and the importance of records.
- Activities:
- Lecture: Advanced fact-checking techniques and tools.
- Workshop: Building a fact-checking system.
- Resources:
- Beyond basic fact-checking: Techniques for in-depth verification.
- Lesson: Beyond basic fact-checking: Practical application of advanced fact checking.
- Creating a strong fact-checking system: How to create a systemised approach to fact checking.
- The importance of record keeping: The vital role of documentation in journalistic integrity.
- Lesson: Keeping records: Best practices for maintaining accurate and accessible records.
- Assignment: Develop a fact-checking plan for a complex news story.
- Activities:
- Beyond basic fact-checking, creating robust systems, and the importance of records.
Week 4: Systems thinking and journalist-politician relationships
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- Applying systems thinking to journalistic investigations and navigating political relationships.
- Activities:
- Lecture: Systems thinking in journalism.
- Discussion: The dynamics of journalist-politician relationships.
- Resources:
- Systems thinking for journalists: Understanding complex issues through a systems perspective.
- The relationship between journalists and politicians: Navigating the complex interplay between these two groups.
- Assignment: Analyse a complex news event using a systems thinking framework.
- Activities:
- Applying systems thinking to journalistic investigations and navigating political relationships.
Week 5: Technological challenges and election coverage
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- Algorithmic bias, AI in journalism, and safe election reporting.
- Activities:
- Lecture: Understanding and mitigating algorithmic bias.
- Workshop: Analysing the role of AI in journalism.
- Activities:
- Algorithmic bias, AI in journalism, and safe election reporting.
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- Resources:
- Dealing with algorithmic bias in news: Strategies for identifying and addressing bias in news algorithms.
- Artificial intelligence in journalism: Exploring the potential and limitations of AI in news production.
- Media guide for spotting election irregularities: How to spot and report on election irregularities.
- Staying safe during elections: Ensuring journalist safety during election coverage.
- Assignment: Develop a plan for safe and accurate election coverage.
- Resources:
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Week 6: Documentary filmmaking and news programmes
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- Introduction to documentary filmmaking and project development.
- Activities:
- Lecture: Principles of documentary filmmaking.
- Workshop: Project planning and development.
- Resources:
- How to make a documentary: A guide to the process of creating a documentary.
- Creating a compelling news package: The techniques required for constructing TV news reports.
- How to create a news programme: The elements required to create a news and current affairs sequence.
- Activities:
- Introduction to documentary filmmaking and project development.
Week 7: Final projects
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- Recap module objectives and content
- Discussion: Reflection on course content and what has been learnt.
- Project presentations: Students present their documentary project proposals
- Review: Final summary and review of the course.
- Recap module objectives and content
Summary:
This module aims to prepare students for the complexities of modern journalism. By focusing on advanced skills, ethical considerations, and technological challenges, students will develop the critical thinking and practical abilities necessary to excel in the field. The inclusion of resources from Media Helping Media ensures that students are exposed to relevant and up-to-date information on key issues affecting journalism today.
