Introduction to Journalism Studies

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Introduction to Journalism Studies
Leerdoelen	Upon successful completion of the course unit, all students are able to: 1. Describe and critically discuss the academic theories in the field of journalism studies introduced in this course (1a) 2. Describe the characteristics of different media types, audiences, national and international flows, production processes, media systems and genres (1c) 3. Demonstrate the ability to construct, conduct and present academic writing in the field of journalism studies (2a) 4. Independently and systematically review literature and other sources (2b)
Omschrijving	What is journalism, and why do we study it? For many, the idea of journalism has something to do with news and something to do with the information we need to go about our daily lives, but beyond this notion of journalism, many questions remain unanswered. Journalism is often described in casual terms, as something we ‘know’, but can’t quite put to words. For scholars of journalism studies, however, these questions are at the center of academic research into journalism and its place in society, its complicated relationship with audiences and those in power. Moreover, these questions are particularly relevant due to the challenges news media is facing in a digital age. Across the seven weeks of this course, students will explore what makes journalism distinct, how it contributes to our society, and how this is changing – including for the better – in a digital age. From making information public to challenging those in power, we will study what considerations go into reporting ‘news’, how journalists develop understanding of what’s important for the public to know, how news and journalism reflect and represent society at large, and the role of the audience in considering journalism in our societies. Journalism Studies – the academic study of journalism – attempts to bridge gaps between what we see in the news, and how we can understand it. By reading and discussing academic research exploring journalism and news, we can interrogate aspects of journalism to better understand the place journalism holds in in society. Through lectures this course will focus on in-depth discussion of the theories, analytical concepts and approaches that scholars take to study and evaluate different aspects of journalism. This course will provide a theoretical foundation for later developing research approaches in the course “Introduction Journalism Studies II” in Block 2. Where that course focuses on conducting research, this course grounds students’ understanding on different concepts and theoretical perspectives.
Uren per week	2
Onderwijsvorm	hoorcollege, zelfstudie (The course unit contains two-hour lectures, self-study and a final exam)
Toetsvorm	tentamen
Vaksoort	bachelor
Coördinator	dr. A. Heinrich
Docent(en)	dr. A. Heinrich
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Digital reader: all links to readings, via the RuG library, are available via Nestor.
Entreevoorwaarden	admitted to Pre-Masters Journalistiek,
Opmerkingen
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type Course units for exchange students 3 semester I a verplicht Ba Media Studies  (Pre-master Journallsm (Dutch-taught MA)) 3 semester I a verplicht Ba Media Studies  (Pre-master Journalism (English-taught MA)) 3 semester I a verplicht Facultaire Minor Journalism 3 semester I a verplicht Facultaire Minor Journalistiek 3 semester I a verplicht