Module Code - Title:
JM6000
-
DISSERTATION 1 (MA IN JOURNALISM)
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Syllabus:
The module involves planning three distinct elements: individual journalist project (6000 words), critical analysis thereof (2000 words) and an extended reflective essay (7000 words)
Plan of Individual Journalist Project: Students develop a plan outlining the scope, focus and methodology in researching a subject of their choice, using a variety of sources and tools. Using tutor guidance, they must ensure their research will be adequate to produce 6000 words of journalism either as one piece or a group of related pieces or an equivalent broadcast documentary. A target publication or broadcast medium must be identified.
Plan of Critical Analysis: Students develop an analytical framework with which to engage critically with their individual journalism project.
Plan of Extended Reflective Essay: Under supervision, students develop their plan for a 7000 word reflective essay addressing a key issue for Irish journalists. They should present a detailed proposal including literature review outline, working bibliography and draft structure.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
To develop a plan for an individual journalist project drawing together research, reporting, writing and design skills.
To develop strategies to engage meaningfully with own journalistic practice through critical analysis of above individual work.
To develop research proposal for extending reflective essay in broader area of Journalism, reflecting understanding of conceptual, methodological and theoretical skills appropriate to a Masters level qualification.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Berger, Arthur Asa (1998)
Media Research Techniques (2e)
, Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE
Bauer, Martin and Gaskell, George (2000)
Qualitative Researching with Text, Image and Sound - A Practical Handbook
, London: SAGE
Cresswell, John W. (1994)
Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.
, Thousand Oaks, California SAGE
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
henry.silke@ul.ie