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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 10/08/2017 17:19:05

Title of Module: Business of News

Code: JOUR07004 SCQF Level: 7
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
Credit Points: 20 ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Business & Creative Industries
Module Co-ordinator:Margaret   Hughes

Summary of Module

This module will explore the history and development of the news media in the UK.

From the power and influence of the press barons of the 20th century and the birth (and growth) of the BBC to the powerful media moguls and media conglomerates of today, students will learn now the news media plays a significant role in our social, cultural and economic lives.

Students will study the business of the news media, looking at current trends and challenges, exploring the role of multi-platform news, the role of online news and social media and how technology impacts on newsgathering and presentation of news.

The module will also explore the opportunities and challenges presented to the sector as business models change and multi-platform strategies are developed to meet the diverse requirements of changing audiences.

In this module students will focus on:

  • History of the news media
  • Organisation of the news media
  • Trends in news products
  • Impact of technology in newsgathering, production & presentation
  • Business models in 21s century news

Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:

 

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Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1check markTerm 2

 

Term 3

 

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Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Describe current trends and features of the new media in the 21st century.

L2. Demonstrate knowledge & understanding of the development of the news media in the UK.

L3. Undertake independent research utilising and presenting appropriate resources.

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 7.


Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the development of the news media in a UK context.

Develop an awareness of the economic and business aspects of the news media and how news organizations operate and are managed.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 7.


Undertake basic analysis of the news media from a content perspective.

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 7.


Begin to analyse and evaluate information to form own opinions supported by factual evidence.

Evaluate information from a range of resources.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 7.


Communicating effectively and appropriately in speech and writing.

Retrieving information from a range of sources.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 7.


Working effectively independently.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
Module Title:
Other:
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
Teaching will comprise a series of lectures and seminars. Students will receive some initial lectures discussing the history and organization of the news media, guest lecturers from the industry will help you to explore and learn about the opportunities and challenges of operating businesses in the news media in the 21st century and how you can begin to shape a future career within it.
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Lecture/Core Content Delivery24
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity8
Independent Study168
200 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

Curran, S & Seaton J, (2009) Power Without Responsibility, 7th edition, Routledge

Conboy, M (2011), Journalism in Britain, Sage Publications

Temple, M (2008), The British Press, OUP

Williams, K (2009) Get me a murder a day, 2nd edition, Bloomsbury

Willliams, K (2009) Read all about it!, Routledge

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

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Supplemental Information

Programme BoardArts & Media
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) Yes
Subject PanelArts & Media
ModeratorJames Mahon
External ExaminerVictoria Neumark-Jones
Accreditation Details
Version Number

V2

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Assessment 1 (LO 2 & 3) – Presentation on a news media outlet, exploring its history, development and challenges/opportunities for the future. (30% of total marks)
Assessment 2 (LO1 & 3) – Report that explores current markets and business models in the UK news media (70% of total marks)
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Essay check markcheck mark300

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Presentationcheck mark check mark700
Combined Total For All Components100% 0 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

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Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
Aligned with the overall commitment to equality and diversity stated in the Programme Specifications, the module supports equality of opportunity for students from all backgrounds and with different learning needs. Using Moodle, learning materials will be presented electronically in formats that allow flexible access and manipulation of content. The module complies with University regulations and guidance on inclusive learning and teaching practice. Specialist assistive equipment, support provision and adjustment to assessment practice will be made in accordance with UWS policy and regulations. The University’s Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Policy can be accessed at the following link: http://www.uws.ac.uk/equality/

Our partners are fully committed to the principles and practice of inclusiveness and our modules are designed to be accessible to all. Where this module is delivered overseas, local equivalent support for students and appropriate legislation applies.

UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.