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Module UXS-2076:
Global News Agenda

Module Facts

Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Prof Vian Bakir

Overall aims and purpose

After studying this module the student will be able to appreciate how journalism varies around the globe, the factors that determine these differences, and their social impacts. Using selected case studies from around the world, they will study the various cultural, political and historical issues that affect global and international news reporting. Broad areas covered are the role of journalism in public diplomacy and tele-diplomacy; the construction of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ in different nations’ news; and the impact of global news forms on censorship & the public sphere in authoritarian regimes.

Course content

Topics that this module will discuss include: the CNN effect; manipulating global news agendas through public diplomacy; war, perception management and bearing witness through global media forms; reporting distant suffering; satellite news wars; the rise of satellite news in the Middle East and the possible rise of an Arab public sphere; and the impact of global news forms on censorship and resistance.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

  • to D+ Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:
  • Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.
  • Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.
  • Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.
  • Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

good

C- to B+ Submitted work is competent throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It: 1. Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments. 2. Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. 3. Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. 4. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

excellent

A- to A* Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: 1. Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. 2. Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. 3. Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand and analyse the social impacts of global news in terms of processes such as: national cohesion; identification with distant suffering; and the spread of democracy.

  2. Analyse the interplay between governments and journalists on issues from around the globe, and beyond national borders.

  3. Understand key theoretical perspectives informing global news agendas.

  4. Understand and analyse how global media companies influence the news agenda.

  5. Understand and analyse the role of journalism in different countries, using selected case studies from around the world

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Leading the Seminar 30
Essay 70

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

reading each week for seminar, and for the two assignments

 50
Lecture
  1. Lecture, 1 hour per week x 11
 11
Seminar

student-led seminars

 11

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: