Required prerequisite knowledge

Admission to the MA Programme in Global Journalism

Relevance within study programme

GJ 302 Journalism, Democracy and Development is a mandatory course in the MA Programme in Global Journalism at NLA University College and takes place in the first semester of the programme.

Introduction

It is commonly assumed that there is a relationship between media and democracy, but the nature of the relationship is debated. This course addresses this issue through the role of the journalistic media in democratization processes in developing societies, focusing particularly on initiatives to develop the media themselves. The course takes as its point of departure that the media are actively used throughout the world to promote social, political, economic and national development, both by local authorities and the international community. Yet there is a lack of consensus on how to describe the role and impact of the media in these processes. There is a need for a deeper understanding of the motives for the utilization of the media by various stakeholders and the potentials and limitations of journalism in this regard.

The role of the journalistic media in developing and transitional societies is often linked to conflict situations. Under such conditions there is also reason to question how the media and journalists operate, and how they engage with different parties in the conflict.

The course also explores the role of digital media (including social and citizen media) in democratization processes. With economic and technological advances, digital media have a significant impact on democratization processes around the world. This can be positive, by offering new channels for participation, but may also reinforce the gap between the information rich and the information poor, even within developing societies. These issues are treated in the course both theoretically and through case studies.

The course draws on the experiences of NLA University College in journalism and media development in various parts of the world.

Learning outcomes descriptors

Knowledge

The student:

• has knowledge of major paradigms within development theory
• comprehends key theoretical approaches to media and democratization
• is familiar with alternative approaches to journalistic development
• has knowledge of experiences with journalistic development in conflict and post-conflict societies
• is able to explain key issues in the debate concerning digital media, citizen media and development

Skills

The student:

• can assess general approaches to journalism and democratization
• can evaluate a media development project in a particular society from a theoretical point of view
• demonstrates ability to discuss ethical issues pertaining to the role of journalistic activity in a conflict society
• is able to scrutinize various views in the debate concerning digital media, citizen media and development and argue for solutions  

General competence

The student:

• can communicate issues of journalism and development within a broader development frame
• has skills to discuss media intervention and media development projects, as well as suggesting improvements

Content

GJ 302-1: Journalism and democratization

This part of the course visits classic theories of media and democracy and discusses the particular role of journalism in light of the different models. Actual cases of media development in emerging democracies are discussed. 

GJ 302-2: Journalism and conflict

This section of the course discusses the role of the media and journalists in international and local conflict situations. The framework of peace journalism is treated as a distinct approach for conflict societies.

GJ 302-3: Digital media and development

This part of the course explores the role of digital media (including social and citizen media) in democratization processes. The use of new digital platforms on the fringes of classic journalism is discussed. A perspective on media regulation in closed regimes is given.

Teaching and learning methods

The course has an introductory week with intensive teaching from Monday to Friday. The remaining six weeks of the course have weekly lectures. Online connection is available for the weekly lectures, but not for the introductory week.

Scope

250-300 hours.

Coursework requirements

The following coursework requirement must be passed before a final grade is given for the course:

Participation in a group assignment which consists of an oral presentation of a specific media society for a relevant audience (could also be an individual assignment). The presentation should discuss relations between journalism, democracy and development in the particular society. 

Grading, coursework requirements

The coursework requirement is assessed as pass/failure. In order for the individual student to get a passing grade, the overall presentation must be evaluated as pass on a group basis, and the student must participate either in preparing or delivering the presentation. 

Final assessment

Assessment

The graded assessment in GJ 302 comprises two items:

1. A 4000 word written assignment/paper (51% of the final grade), individual 

2. An oral examination (49% of the final grade), individual 

Grading, examination

The assignment is assessed according to the standard A-F grading system. One final, individual grade is given for the course.

Permitted aids under examination

1. Assignment: All 

2. Oral examination: None

Assessment language

English or a Nordic language

Practice

None.

Course evaluation

Annual course evaluation in accordance with the quality assurance system for NLA University College. Students may also give their feedback on the course in the student group/in class.

Available as Single Course

No

Digital reading list

Follow this link for reading list and academic resources.