MEVIT4420 – Journalism: Theory, practice, dilemmas
Course description
Course content
What is journalism in an age when anyone, in principle can be a reporter? What is the role of journalists in contemporary society? This course aims to challenge the cliches and commonplace assumptions we often hear about journalism in a democracy, particularly the notion that journalists are "independent" and "objective." We will, in fact, explore the way in which news is constructed and how both journalists and media organizations, inescapably, operate under a range of social and political influences. We will question the notions of "truth" and what it means, in practice, to be "ethical." Among other topics, we will also explore journalism outside the Western world. In doing so we will compare the definitions and assumptions about journalism we can find in textbooks and in research within Journalism Studies to the actual practice of journalists working in the field, struggling with deadlines, shrinking budgets, precarious contracts and many other constraints.
Please note: This is not a course teaching you how to work as a journalist. However, it includes empirical case studies and research on the practice of journalism, particularly the way journalists’ routines and decisions are taken in concrete situations.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Upon completion of the course, the student:
- is familiar with key theories and concepts about journalism
- understands the range of influences that affect the work of journalists in different societies
- can outline the effects that new media have on journalism and the media industry
- is aware of where theoretical arguments stand in relation to actual journalistic practice
Skills
Upon completion of the course, the student:
- can analyze, verbally and in writing, how digital technology and new media affect journalists` professional roles and working routines
- is able to identify and reflect critically on ethical issues and dilemmas in journalistic practice
- can identify possible sources of bias in journalism research
General Competence
Upon completion of the course, the student:
- can think about journalism in a more critical, nuanced, and less Western-centric perspective
- is a more discerning consumer of news and journalistic products
- is more aware of role of journalism in society and politics
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester?register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
The course is available to students admitted to studeprogram:HFM2-MVIT and studeprogram:HFM2-POLK.
Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with JOUR4200 – Theoretical Perspectives in Journalism Studies (discontinued).
Teaching
This course is taught by weekly 4-hour workshops (interactive lecture and activities together).
There are two compulsory activities in this course:
- Compulsory attendance at the workshops. (At least 75% without further documentation)
- Draft of term paper.
The compulsory activities must be passed in order to take the exam.
Read more about compulsory activities at the Faculty of Humanities
Examination
Term paper.
The compulsory activities must be passed in order to take the exam (see more under "Teaching").
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.