Module: Investigative journalism

This module provides a robust foundation in investigative journalism, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical considerations necessary to conduct in-depth, impactful reporting.

It covers essential topics such as sourcing, document analysis, dossier building, interviewing techniques, ethical considerations, and the evolving role of AI. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, students will learn to navigate the complexities of investigative work, while upholding journalistic integrity and safety.

Course philosophy: This course emphasises the critical role of investigative journalism in a democratic society. It aims to equip students with the skills, ethics, and resilience to pursue impactful stories that expose wrongdoing and promote transparency.

Course structure: The course is divided into six thematic modules, each building upon the previous one. Each module will incorporate:

• Theoretical foundations: Core concepts and principles.
• Practical skills: Hands-on exercises and simulations.
• Case studies: Analysis of real-world investigative reports.
• Ethical dilemmas: Discussion and debate on ethical challenges.
• Guest speakers: Experienced investigative journalists sharing their insights.

Detailed module breakdown:

Module 1: Foundations of investigative journalism (Weeks 1-2)

• • 1.1 Defining investigative journalism:
    • Distinguishing it from other forms of journalism.
    • The role of investigative journalism in holding power accountable.
    • Historical context and evolution of investigative reporting.
      • Resource: Tips for investigative journalism
  • 1.2 The investigative mindset:
    • Cultivating curiosity, skepticism, and persistence.
    • Developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
    • Managing stress and maintaining emotional resilience.
      • Resource: The mindset for investigative journalism
  • 1.3 Ethical frameworks:
    • Principles of accuracy, fairness, and transparency.
    • Navigating conflicts of interest and maintaining impartiality.
    • Protecting sources and minimising harm.
      • Resource: Lesson – Investigative journalism
      • Resource: Accuracy in journalism
      • Resource: Fairness in journalism
      • Resource: Integrity in journalism
      • Resource: Lesson – Investigative journalism
    • Practical exercise: Analyse a controversial investigative report and discuss its ethical implications.

Module 2: Sourcing and interviewing strategies (Weeks 3-4)

• • 2.1 Source development:
    • Identifying and cultivating diverse sources.
    • Building trust and maintaining confidentiality.
    • Using open-source intelligence (OSINT).
      • Resource: Source motivation
      • Resource: Open-source intelligence
  • 2.2 Interviewing techniques:
    • Preparing for and conducting in-depth interviews.
    • Active listening and probing for information.
    • Handling difficult or reluctant interviewees.
      • Resource: Ways a suspect can help a journalist
      • Resource: Lesson – Interviewee motivation
    • Practical exercise: Role-playing different interview scenarios.

Module 3: Document analysis and data management (Weeks 5-6)

• • 3.1 Accessing and analysing official documents:
    • Freedom of information laws and access requests.
    • Analysing financial records, legal documents, and government reports.
    • Identifying patterns and inconsistencies.
      • Resource: How to investigate official documents
      • Resource: Lesson – Investigating official documents
  • 3.2 Building and managing investigative dossiers:
    • Organising and classifying information.
    • Using databases and spreadsheets for data management.
    • Maintaining accurate and secure records.
      • Resource: Compiling an investigative dossier
      • Resource: Lesson – The investigative dossier
    • Practical exercise: Analyse a set of documents and create a structured dossier.

Module 4: Investigating corruption and sensitive issues (Weeks 7-8)

• • 4.1 Techniques for corruption investigations:
    • Following the money trail and identifying illicit activities.
    • Investigating public procurement and government contracts.
    • Dealing with whistleblowers and anonymous sources.
      • Resource: Investigating corruption
  • 4.2 Handling sensitive information:
    • Protecting vulnerable sources and victims.
    • Reporting on sensitive topics with sensitivity and accuracy.
      • Resource: Respecting privacy
      • Resource: Lesson – privacy and journalism
      • Resource: Offence and journalism
      • Resource: Lesson – Offence and journalism
    • Case study: Analysis of a major corruption scandal.

Module 5: Risk management and legal considerations (Week 9)

• • 5.1 Identifying and mitigating risks:
    • Assessing physical, digital, and legal risks.
    • Developing safety protocols and contingency plans.
    • Maintaining digital security and data protection.
      • Resource: Avoiding the pitfalls of investigative journalism
      • Resource: Scenario – Trespass and journalism
    • 5.2 Legal frameworks and defamation:
      • Understanding defamation laws and libel.
      • Using legal resources and seeking legal advice.
        • Resource: Scenario – Withholding information
        • Resource: Court reporting for beginners
      • Guest speaker: A media lawyer discussing legal pitfalls.

Module 6: AI and the future of investigative journalism (Week 10)

• • 6.1 AI tools for investigative reporting:
    • Using AI for data analysis, visualisation, and OSINT.
    • Exploring AI-powered fact-checking and verification tools.
      • Resource: AI and investigative journalism
      • Resource: AI in day-to-day journalism
      • Resource: Lesson – AI-powered investigations
    • Guest speaker: An expert in the use of AI for newsgathering
  • 6.2 Ethical considerations in AI-driven investigations:
    • Bias in algorithms and data.
    • Transparency and accountability in AI applications.
      • Resource: Dealing with algorithmic bias
      • Resource: Lesson – Algorithmic bias
      • Resource: Unconscious bias
      • Resource: Lesson – dealing with unconscious bias
    • Debate: The ethical implications of using AI in investigative journalism.
      • Resource: Media Helping Media’s ethics section

Assessment:

• Class participation and discussions:
  • Assessing class participation involves setting clear expectations, recognising diverse contributions beyond just verbal comments, and ensuring fairness through rubrics, observation, and self/peer assessments.
  • This method encourages engagement, promotes critical thinking, develops communication skills, and provides valuable feedback, allowing instructors to gauge student understanding and involvement in a structured and objective manner.
• Practical exercises and case studies:
  • Practical exercises and case studies serve as dynamic assessment tools by directly applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
  • Through exercises like mock interviews, document analysis, or data visualisation, students demonstrate their ability to execute investigative techniques.
  • Case studies, involving the analysis of actual investigative reports, challenge students to identify methodologies, ethical considerations, and potential pitfalls.
  • These methods allow instructors to evaluate not only a student’s grasp of concepts but also their practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making processes within the context of investigative journalism, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their competence.
• Investigative proposal (midterm): Students will develop a detailed proposal for an investigative project, including a research plan, sourcing strategy, and ethical considerations.
• Final investigative project: This will be a more in-depth investigative project, with the students producing a multi media report.
• Peer review: Students will critically evaluate each other’s work, providing constructive feedback.
• Portfolio development: Students will compile a portfolio of their investigative work, showcasing their skills and abilities.

Technology integration:

• Use of data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau).
• Introduction to OSINT tools and techniques.
• Training on secure communication and data storage.

Teaching methods:

• Lectures and presentations.
• Case studies and real-world examples.
• Guest speakers from investigative journalism.
• Practical exercises and workshops.
• Group discussions and debates.

Materials:

• Course readings and handouts.
• Access to online resources and databases.
• Software for data analysis and visualisation.

This module is designed to be adaptable and can be tailored to the specific needs and resources of the institution.

Summary

This comprehensive investigative journalism module aims to equip students with essential skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding through a structured six-part course, covering foundations, sourcing, document analysis, corruption investigations, risk management, and AI integration.

Utilising practical exercises, case studies, and guest speakers, students will learn to navigate the complexities of investigative reporting, build investigative proposals, conduct in-depth projects, and develop portfolios, all while emphasising ethical considerations, legal awareness, and the use of relevant technology, with assessments focused on participation, practical application, and project development.