ObjectivesJournalism teaching is primarily theory-based, exploring the forms, practices, institutions and audiences of newspaper, radio, television and online news reporting in relation to broader social ideas, issues and debates (both in the UK and internationally). The study of Philosophy is the most rewarding of all fields. It is also amongst the most universally useful of all subjects, since the skills Philosophy students acquire are those skills that are required for any branch of human intellectual activity, whether campaigning for something to change, presenting or formulating a new idea; making an argument, or simply being able to understand any argument, no matter who might be making it.
Teaching staff have expertise in both the theory and practice of journalism, and this is reflected in the range of modules on offer and the diversity of assignments which offer opportunities to learn a range of journalistic writing skills, conduct interviews and use industry-standard technology. In brief, the following modules will be offered on the programme:
Level 1
The modules News Media and Society and Journalism Writing offer in different ways an introduction to the dimensions of the theory and practice of journalism. News Media and Society is distinctive for its combination of the historical development of the news media; current debates about their role in modern society; the 'encoding' and 'decoding' of news discourse; and the ways in which news represents a range of pressing social issues. Journalism Writing emphasises a range of journalistic writing skills - news reports, features, reviews, editorials, investigative reports - and the ability to identify newsworthy events and issues. You will take either or both of the modules Introduction to Philosophy I: Theoretical Philosophy, or Introduction to Philosophy II: Practical Philosophy. Your other modules will be chosen from a wide range of modules in the humanities and social sciences such as English, History, Media and Cultural Studies, Politics, Sociology, provided you are not taking the subject as your other half degree. You will also take two 30 credit modules for Media and Cultural Studies.
Level 2
The foundation for the study of the theory and practice of journalism at Level 1 is developed further through the modules Journalism and Public Communication and Local and Global Journalism. The module Journalism and Public Communication explores the historical and contemporary development of a variety of forms of public communication within the contexts in which journalism is situated and practised, and debates such as cultural imperialism. You take the compulsory module Metaphysics: Being, Appearance and Reality, plus one option from the list: Modern Philosophical Texts, Aesthetics, Ethical Issues in Politics, Contemporary Political Philosophy.
Level 3
Students at this level develop skills in a more specialised way by choosing two of the four optional modules: Critical Reporting, Journalism Dissertation, Alternative and Online Journalism, and Reporting War and Conflict. You choose two further option modules from a list which may include: Contemporary Continental Philosophy; Philosophy and Film; Body, Emotion and Philosophy; Contemporary Political Ideologies; Global Ethics; Feminist Theory; Contemporary Political Philosophy; Theories of Justice; Philosophy and Social Theory. In place of one of these modules in Year 3 you can write a dissertation, that is, an independent study. You can only do this if you do not write a dissertation in your other subject.