Programme Specification

Transcription

1 Programme Specification Title: Journalism (War and International Human Rights) Final Award: Master of Arts (MA) With Exit Awards at: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Arts (MA) To be delivered from: Level Date Masters or Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Masters or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Masters or Master of Arts (MA) Page 1/19

2 Table Of Contents 1. Introduction Basic Programme Data Programme Description Overview Aims and Objectives Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance Programme Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding Subject Specific Intellectual Skills Subject Specific Practical Skills Transferable Skills and Attributes Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies Learning and Teaching Strategy Assessment Strategy Programme Structure Appendix I - Curriculum Map Appendix II - Assessment Map Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis Appendix IV - Benchmark Statements(s) Page 2/19

3 1. Introduction This document describes one of the University of Lincoln's programmes using the protocols required by the UK National Qualifications Framework as defined in the publication QAA guidelines for preparing programme specifications. This programme operates under the policy and regulatory frameworks of the University of Lincoln. Page 3/19

4 2. Basic Programme Data Final Award: Programme Title: Exit Awards and Titles Master of Arts (MA) Journalism (War and International Human Rights) Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Arts (MA) Subject(s) Journalism Mode(s) of delivery Full Time Part Time Is there a Placement or Exchange? UCAS code Awarding Body Campus(es) School(s) Programme Leader Relevant Subject Benchmark Statements Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation No University of Lincoln Lincoln Campus Programme Start Date School of English and Journalism Sanem Sahin (SSahin) Page 4/19

5 3. Programme Description 3.1 Overview This Masters programme focuses on the study of war reporting, international human rights and the role of journalism in conflict resolution. It aims to offer a challenging postgraduate programme of study with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in print and online media, radio and TV. It is designed to provide a professional education in journalism, which gives you the chance to develop the practical and intellectual skills necessary for careers in the media. The course is for those who are concerned with human rights and issues relating to war and peace, and who are looking for the opportunity to develop the journalistic skills necessary to communicate this to a wider public. You will have the opportunity to undertake the academic analysis of a range of critical approaches to the study of war and the media, journalism and conflict resolution and journalism and international human rights. The School of English & Journalism maintains close working relationships with the BBC and Lincoln s award-winning newspaper, the Lincolnshire Echo. On campus, there are opportunities to gain experience in community radio, a multiplatform website, student newspapers, television and magazines 3.2 Aims and Objectives The MA in Journalism, War and International Human Rights aims to equip students with the full range of skills practical and intellectual necessary to work in the increasingly important areas of international human rights and conflict resolution. Teaching places a high priority on accurate, clear and ethically sound communication. The course provides students with cross-platform hands-on experience in print media, online, radio and TV, with the opportunity to specialise. The course has been designed in recognition of the fact that the broad context within which journalism operates is one of continual change: in the technology for journalistic production and distribution; in the structures, ownership and control of media organisations; in the audiences for journalistic content; and in the professional identity of journalists. We aim to equip students to succeed in the digital age of convergence where journalists must be multi-skilled; but we also value essential values that are common to all branches of the industry. In Semester B students have the opportunity of specialising in a technical platform (print or broadcast) and in subject areas. All students learn online journalism and about the work of correspondents and specialist journalism, with the opportunity to develop their own fields of interest and content themes. The work outlined above is done in conjunction with students on the three other journalism masters programmes - MA in Journalism, MA in Sports Journalism and MA Science and Environmental Journalism - offering the opportunity for creative team work and intellectual cross fertilisation. Work experience ( internships ) are an integral, taught feature of the course; students are provided with individual careers guidance before and after the placements of their choice. The University of Lincoln is unique in the UK in its ability to provide students who so desire, placements on our own community radio station, Siren FM. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to apply for jobs as either generalist journalists or correspondents/media workers specialising in conflict resolution and international human rights across a range of print based, online and broadcast media. Alternative employment opportunities lie in the related areas of public relations, business-to-business, corporate communications and in human rights related NGOs. In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop analytical and research skills appropriate to work in the fields of international human rights or academic research. For those students who choose to take up reporting work of a more generalist nature, they should be able to offer a subject specialty and knowledge that is increasingly in demand within a range of work areas. Page 5/19

6 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement(s): Although there are no QAA benchmarks for masters in journalism, we are conscious of the professional benchmarks of accrediting bodies, which influence the design of our journalism programmes. National standards in UK print journalism are benchmarked by two bodies the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Professional Publishers Association (PPA). Standards in broadcast journalism are benchmarked by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). Internal Contexts: The MA in Journalism, War and International Human Rights is part of an existing suite of postgraduate taught programmes offered in the College of Arts, balancing the work of the College and facilitating the delivery of its mission to offer nationally and internationally recognised innovative teaching, research and professional programmes. It also addresses the need of the College to provide high quality postgraduate opportunities to its burgeoning undergraduate population and a number of Lincoln graduates who have progressed onto the masters course. The MA in Journalism, War and International Human Rights is part of a portfolio of masters journalism courses including MA in Sports Journalism, an MA in Science and Environmental Journalism and an established MA in Journalism. This facilitates shared classes for core (generic) elements and considerable synergy between students with a range of interests and backgrounds. The College and, within it, the School of English and Journalism, have particular strengths and interests, both scholarly and academic, in the study of journalism. In particular: the study of media representations of war and peace the history and practice of popular journalism and its comparative historical study with French mass circulation newspapers other aspects of journalism history journalism regulation, conduct and ethics International human rights Journalism and literature impact of technology on journalism television documentary The School runs a programme of industry speakers, providing input during term time from working journalists, editors and broadcasters at national and local level. 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance None Page 6/19

7 4. Programme Outcomes Programme-level learning outcomes are identified below. Refer to Appendix I Curriculum Map for details of how outcomes are deployed across the programme. 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of this programme a student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1 The discipline of journalism and the range of journalistic genres, in particular journalism relating to international human rights with a view to developing professional practice and/or further research in the field. 2 Modes of reporting in print, online and broadcast journalism, in particular war, peace and human rights journalism, and relevant techniques for processing and disseminating journalistic products in their chosen medium to target audiences. 3 Processes of editorial decision-making within journalistic organisations. 4 The practicalities of journalism production in their chosen medium, particularly in relation to their chosen speciality of war, conflict resolution and international human rights. 5 The ethical context in which war and peace reporting and other forms of journalism are practised, and current debates about right conduct and professional identity.the ethical context in which war and peace reporting and other forms of journalism are practised, and current debates about right conduct and professional identity. 6 Media law and regulation as it applies to human rights reporting and other forms of journalism in the UK. 7 The role of the journalist, in particular correspondents specialising in wars, conflict resolution and international human rights in relation to corporate, social and political institutions. 8 Originating, planning and developing an independent research project in a particular subject area. 9 Journalistic research methodologies, through the completion of an extended piece of investigative journalism or a series of extended features or a radio documentary. 10 Academic research methodologies, through the completion of a research dissertation. 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 11 Explain central, parliamentary, European and local government proceedings to a certain readership and also the workings of non-governmental and governmental institutions of relevance to international human rights. 12 Develop competence in their chosen specialist area of war, conflict resolution and international human rights. 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills Page 7/19

8 On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 13 Integrate the research, reporting, writing and presentation skills involved in a range of mediums, to produce news to a high professional standard, in particular relating to war, conflict resolution and international human rights. 14 Implement their understanding of relevant press law to avoid legal pitfalls and produce safe copy and broadcast material. 15 Research and produce features relating to wars, conflict resolution and international human rights OR factual programmes to a high professional standard. 16 Research and independently complete extended features OR a radio documentary to a high professional standard, backed by a reflective and self-critical essay. 17 Plan and undertake independent academic research, utilising a variety of methodologies, thus demonstrating appropriate research skills for the completion of an in-depth and original dissertation. 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 18 Identify personal strengths and weaknesses and appreciate the importance of continued reflection on experience, development and education. 19 Demonstrate a critical stance towards opinion and evidence. 20 Demonstrate professional writing and design skills. 21 Work, learn and pursue objectives in a way which is both self-motivated and responsive to appropriate supervision. 22 Function effectively in a team, taking on responsibilities, including leadership roles, and anticipating problems and difficulties. 23 Plan, research and undertake ambitious, independent research projects. For details of each module contributing to the programme, please consult the module specification document. Page 8/19

9 5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy Learning and teaching strategy: The teaching and learning strategy adopted within the MA in Journalism, War and International Human Rights programme derives from the University s plan as it applies to the education of media professionals, while at the same time ensuring the development of a variety of transferable skills. A wide range of approaches to teaching and learning are used which reflect the protean nature of the subject of journalism, spanning a diversity of genres, media and audiences. Journalism modules employ flexible and varied means of teaching, learning and assessment. Teaching and learning is undertaken through lectures, workshops, group and personal tutorials, seminars, presentations, study visits and group production assignments within a newsroom setting. Students are encouraged to develop their skills to work as individuals and in groups, to produce solo and group presentations, reports, essays, projects, literature reviews, long form features and/or a dissertation. As well as the traditional skills of research, essay writing, speaking and debating, the programme aims to allow students to acquire a range of writing and production skills associated with work in a range of mediums, to provide a foundation for confident and independent reporting as well as participation within a production team. Lectures with follow-up seminars are the norm in theoretical modules. The lecture is seen as an efficient way of communicating key principles, structures and debates in the subject. The seminar is the core teaching and learning activity, as it is seen as the most effective way of encouraging active debate rather than the passive acquisition of information. Seminar groups are limited in numbers to ensure that all members get an opportunity to participate. Individual tutorials are employed to give feedback on assignments and to support planning for independent study, for example in the specialist journalism module and the final journalism project/dissertation. In addition to lectures, seminars and tutorials, students participate in workshops in well-equipped newsrooms with appropriate print and broadcasting technologies. Workshop groups are limited to 18-20, to provide an adequate level of tutor attention to individual students. Copy clinics. Journalism tutors provide detailed one-to-one and small group feedback on student news and feature work through the medium of copy clinics, sometimes organised informally during regular classes. (See for example, the modules Core writing and Specialist Reporting and Production.) News days. These are days devoted to newsgathering and news production. Students are required to work in structured editorial groups, and undertake a range of different roles, and produce various outputs: print and online productions; radio and television news programmes. It is envisaged that students on the Dip/MA in Journalism, War and International Human Rights will undertake up to 15 news days across the year on their chosen pathway. Staff/ Student publications. To complement the journalistic activities in taught modules, students will be encouraged to seek publication of their work through a range of public communications/ systems such as The Linc and Siren FM, the only 24/7 community radio in the country based at a university. Students also participate in a number of blogs on journalism issues, sometimes emanating from issues raised by guest speakers to LSJ. Visits by small, self selected groups of students to media organisations, companies and public institutions are encouraged throughout the course. In the past MAJ students have visited the House of Commons where they have been briefed by an MP, attended and reported on debates; visited The Guardian newspaper where an editor has talked to them; and attended special reporting emergency simulations held by regional and local authorities. They have also visited the exhibition Taking Liberties, on the history of human rights in the UK, at the British Library, London, and Marx Memorial Library in Clerkenwell Green, London. Page 9/19

10 The MA in Journalism, War and International Human Rights is also providing support for APEL (see 5.2 below) and part time students, in order to widen access and provide alternative learning routes. Research Skills: The Masters programme culminates in a major piece of independent research either a dissertation or a final project in Print/Online or Broadcast Media. The foundation for this project will be laid in Semester A of the programme. A series of seminars will be devoted to research methods, and students will be required to make presentations and write a proposal outlining their choice of topic. After the production of proposals, and following an ethical review, supervisors are assigned. In semester B, students develop research work plans in collaboration with their supervisor. In semester C (May August) students complete their project supported by one-to-one tutorials with their supervisors Assessment Strategy Assessment on the MA in Journalism, War and International Human Rights utilises a variety of methods to achieve the specified learning outcomes. The bulk of assessment is continuous and consists of a range of essays, portfolios of journalism work, reports, presentations and case studies. There are a limited number of tests and examinations, in media law and public administration, designed to assess, within strict time limitations, a professionally necessary ability to accurately recall and analyse, under pressure, key elements of the curriculum for example, the application of the law on defamation. Students are required to complete a number of workbooks and logs which reflect critically on their practical work. We regard this as a crucial part of the formation of the reflective practitioner appropriate at postgraduate level. Students are also required to complete a range of oral assessments, both individually and in groups. Formative oral feedback is a feature of all practical journalism modules and occurs throughout newsroom operations and newsdays. Students are given summative feedback at the beginning and end of semester B. Page 10/19

11 6. Programme Structure The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) is 60. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) is 120. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Master of Arts (MA) is 180. Masters Title Credit Rating Core / Optional Core Writing 15 Core Core Broadcast 15 Core Law and Institutions 15 Core War and the Media 15 Core Specialist Journalism Production 30 Core Advanced Research Methods 15 Core International Human Rights (Journalism) 15 Core MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation 60 Core Page 11/19

12 Appendix I - Curriculum Map This table indicates which modules assume responsibility for delivering and ordering particular programme learning outcomes. Key: Delivered and Assessed Delivered Assessed Masters Advanced Research Methods Core Broadcast Core Writing International Human Rights (Journalism) Law and Institutions MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation Specialist Journalism Production War and the Media PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 Advanced Research Methods Core Broadcast Core Writing International Human Rights (Journalism) Law and Institutions MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation Specialist Journalism Production War and the Media PO13 PO14 PO15 PO16 PO17 PO18 PO19 PO20 PO21 PO22 PO23 Page 12/19

13 Appendix II - Assessment Map This table indicates the spread of assessment activity across the programme. Percentages indicate assessment weighting. Masters Advanced Research Methods Core Broadcast Core Writing 50 International Human Rights (Journalism) Law and Institutions MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation Specialist Journalism Production War and the Media Advanced Research Methods Core Broadcast 20 Core Writing 50 International Human Rights (Journalism) Law and Institutions 40 MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation Specialist Journalism Production War and the Media Advanced Research Methods 100 Page 13/19

14 Core Broadcast Core Writing International Human Rights (Journalism) Law and Institutions MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation Specialist Journalism Production 100 War and the Media Advanced Research Methods Core Broadcast Core Writing International Human Rights (Journalism) Law and Institutions MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation Specialist Journalism Production War and the Media Advanced Research Methods Core Broadcast Core Writing International Human Rights (Journalism) Law and Institutions MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation EP 1 (Wk 16) EP 2 (Wks 33, 34, 35) Page 14/19

15 Specialist Journalism Production War and the Media Page 15/19

16 Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis This table maps programme learning outcomes to relevant QAA subject benchmark statements or PSRB guidelines. Knowledge and Understanding PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 N/A Subject Specific Intellectual Skills PO11 PO12 N/A Subject Specific Practical Skills PO13 PO14 PO15 N/A Page 16/19

17 PO16 PO17 Transferable Skills and Attributes PO18 PO19 PO20 PO21 PO22 PO23 N/A Page 17/19

18 Appendix IV: Benchmark Benchmark Statement(s) Page 18/19

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