Journalism, Politics and Society acts as an introduction to journalism theory including the role of journalism in politics and wider society. The module will enable students to think critically about journalism and its role in society. The module introduces the student to key concepts of journalism from the liberal, critical and constructivist schools amongst others. The module will introduce students to the concepts of the fourth estate and the public sphere and their historical origins. The module will go on to discuss the changing nature of the fourth estate and the public sphere including contemporary forms journalism and communications. Journalism, Politics and Society will also teach a working knowledge in political structures in Ireland and internationally

On successful completion of this module students will demonstrate an understanding of critical thinking skills and how to perform a critical reading of journalistic content; graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the various roles of journalism in contemporary society alongside the structural constraints of journalistic production including ownership, editorial decision making and working practices. On successful completion of the module graduates will be able to apply these basic concepts to all areas of journalism whether print, digital or broadcast. On successful completion of the module students will demonstrate a knowledge of the journalistic production process. On successful completion of the module students will demonstrate a knowledge of the interaction between political structures and processes and the media sphere. Including the historical development of the state and public sphere graduates will demonstrate a knowledge of key Irish and European contemporary political structures.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of key structures and practices in contemporary journalism. Demonstrate an understanding of core theories of Journalism. Demonstrate an understanding of key political structures in Ireland and Europe.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of the political economy of Irish and International journalism, including issues of ownership, work practices and ideology.

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This module is underpinned by a belief in the value of discussion in co-operative professional development. Participants engage in active and critically reflective discussion across disciplines. They explore the theoretical and practical principles related to journalism and journalism theory, and their application in their preparation for journalistic practice. As such, the primary focus of face-to-face and online sessions is structured reflective discussion tasks around journalism theory, political theory and the history of journalism, from the perspective of journalistic  practitioners and researchers participating and in relation to relevant research and policy in the Irish and European context. (Graduate Attribute: Curious). Participants engage by articulating their views on journalistic ideology and beliefs that have, perhaps, been tacit hitherto, and are encouraged to objectively critique and rationalise these ideologies (Graduate Attribute: Articulate). By exploring and discussing a diverse range of issues in journalism theory collaboratively, participants share practices, and develop their knowledge of a distinct sphere of academic research (the scholarship of Journalism) inherently connected to their journalistic theory (Graduate Attribute: Agile). Delivery of the module relies on the application of open educational practice principles (Graduate Attribute: Responsible) and is structured around a series of learning activities that are based on the principles of building pedagogical patterns and a community of inquiry approach. The in-class and online activities allow participants to actively engage in reflective practice and discussion. The module has a very practical approach, while ensuring that participants gain theoretical insights. The assignment involves research projects to understand the role of journalism in politics and society.The module consists of a one hour lecture and a two hour tutorial. In the one hour lecture students will be introduced to key concepts of journalism theory including the interaction of journalism with the political sphere. In the tutorial, following readings, students will have the opportunity to discuss in depth the key concepts introduced at the lecture, students will also take part in workshops to generate a greater understanding of media content. Students will be set tutorial tasks such as analysing media content, analysing journalistic sources and analysing language used in journalistic copy. Readings will include the contemporary research findings as well as seminal texts. In combination, these elements are a powerful means of enriching the teaching and learning environment, which has positive implications for the overall learning experience.