School of Business Management and Finance
Diploma in JOURNALISM
PROGRAMME DOCUMENT
VERSION 1.0
OCTOBER 2008
University of Technology, Mauritius
La Tour Koenig, Pointe aux Sables, Mauritius
Tel: (230) 234 6535 Fax: (230) 234 6219 Email: [email protected]
website: www.utm.ac.mu
Diploma in JOURNALISM
A.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
A Diploma in Journalism will help to prepare you for many different careers including print or broadcast
journalism or other media-related positions. This program will offer practical education in journalism and
proficiency in journalism skills. Career choices include writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and
publishing houses, magazine writing, feature writing, editorial, investigative reporting, and web communication.
B.
PROGRAMME AIM
A Diploma in Journalism will help enable students to display an understanding of a range of theories, concepts,
methods, approaches and attitudes appropriate to the study and practice of journalism, including a developed
awareness of the legal and ethical responsibilities of journalists. It will provide graduating students with highlevel skills in critical analysis, research and communication, and in practical print or broadcasting production, as
well as an array of creative and transferable skills, allowing them to understand the changing nature of
journalism in relation to technology, appropriate practice, and the place of journalism as a key aspect of twentyfirst century.
C.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the programme are as follows:
•
A Diploma in Journalism will allow you to pursue a career working at a newspaper, a magazine, a radio or
TV station, or in video production.
•
You can also pursue career opportunities in the industrial, commercial, or civil service sectors, as well as
positions in the arts or with a nonprofit agency.
•
It opens up possibilities in related fields such as advertising and public relations.
•
Enable students to gain a solid understanding of the processes, practices, expectations and requirements
of working as a journalist through simulated ‘real work’ activities;
•
Accurately and effectively deploy new knowledge concepts and sources and an understanding of key
production processes and professional practices relevant to communicative industries including journalism.
•
Articulate the principles, methods and techniques of contemporary professional journalistic practices across
a range of media and the processes linking production, circulation and consumption.
Page 2 of 10
PART 1
REGULATIONS
D.
GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
As per UTM ‘Admissions Regulations’ and ‘Admission to Programmes of Study at Diploma Level’
E.
PROGRAMME ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Cambridge School Certificate, with credits in 5 subjects including English and Mathematics.
And / Or
(ii) Cambridge Higher School Certificate with at least 2 ‘A’ level subject ??
F.
PROGRAMME MODE AND DURATION
Full Time:
Part Time:
2 years
3 years ??
Each academic year includes two semesters of 15 weeks each (excluding the Exam period).
G.
TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES
The programme will employ a wide variety of teaching methods, including lectures, individual or group projects,
presentations, workshops, case studies, field visits, work placement and talks by guest speakers. Self-learning
will be the key feature of the programme, enabling students to explore, investigate and research into the
various topics, interact with practitioners, and work in teams on projects.Wherever deemed appropriate,
modules will be taught in french and may incorporate a high level of practicals/field work.
H.
STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
In addition to traditional lectures, group tutorials or individual tutorials are arranged for students.
I.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
As per UTM Regulations
J.
CREDIT SYSTEM
Modules can carry 3 or 4 credits as per the programme structure. Modules with 4 credits have a compulsory
project of around 2500-3000 words.
Please note that the modules will only be offered if there is a minimum of 10 students
Page 3 of 10
K.
STUDENT PROGRESS AND ASSESSMENT
For the award of the Diploma, all modules must be passed overall with passes in the examinations, coursework
and other forms of assessment.
The modules will be assessed as follows (unless otherwise specified):
• written examinations contributing to 70% of the total marks
• Continuous assessment carrying 30% of total marks. Continuous assessment can be based on
seminars and/or assignments or class tests.
Grading
L.
Grade
Marks x (%)
A
AB
BC
CD
F
x > 70
65 < x < 70
60 < x < 65
55 < x < 60
50 < x < 55
45 < x < 50
40 < x < 45
x < 40
A-D
F
Pass
Fail
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
The % mark at Level 1 contributes a 40% weighting towards the diploma classification.
The % mark at Level 2 contributes a 60% weighting towards the diploma classification.
M.
AWARD CLASSIFICATION
Overall weighted mark y (%)
Classification
> 70
40 < y < 70
< 40
Diploma with Distinction
Diploma
No Award
Certificate
> 70
40 < y < 70
< 40
N.
Certificate with merit
Certificate
No Award
PROGRAMME ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
Programme Director: Dr Chittoo
Programme Coordinator: Ms Havisha Vaghjee
Page 4 of 10
Diploma in Journalism
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND PLAN – FULL TIME
YEAR 1
Semester 1
Code
Core Modules
Hrs/W
Credits
k
L P
Semester 2
Code
Core Modules
Hrs/W
Credits
k
L P
Social and Economic
Studies
2+1
3
Print Journalism
2+1
3
Research skills for
Journalists
2+1
3
Radio Reporting
2+1
3
Media Industry
2+1
3
Principles of TV News
2+2
4
Communication Theory
2+1
3
Online Journalism
2+2
4
News Writing
2+1
3
News Reporting
2+1
3
Start of Level 1
Finish of Level 1
YEAR 2
Semester 2
Semester 1
Code
Core Modules
Hrs/W
k Credits
L P
Code
Core Modules
Hrs/W
k
Credits
L P
Current Affairs
2+2
4
Media Literacy
2+2
4
Ethics of Journalism
2+2
4
Code of ethics for
Journalists
2+2
4
Media Technology
2+2
4
Crime and the Media 2 + 2
4
Advanced News Reporting
2+2
4
Global
Communication
4
Research and Analysis
2+2
4
 Start of Level 2
2+2
Finish of Level 2
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Diploma in Journalism
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND PLAN – PART TIME
YEAR 1
Semester 2
Semester 1
Code
Modules
Hrs/Wk Credits
Code
Modules
L P
Hrs/Wk
L
Credit
s
P
Social and Economic
Studies
1+2
3
News writing
2 +1
3
Research skills for
Journalists
2+1
3
Print Journalism
2 +2
4
Media Industry
2+1
3
Radio Reporting
2 +1
3
Communication Theory 2 + 1
3
Principles of TV
News
Start of Level 1
YEAR 2
Semester 2
Semester 1
Code
Modules
Hrs/W
k Credits
L P
Code
Modules
Hrs/W Credit
k
s
L P
Online Journalism
2 +2
4
Ethics of Journalism
2 +2
4
News Reporting
2+1
3
Media Technology
2 +2
4
Current Affairs
2 +1
3
2 +2
4
Advanced News
Reporting
Start of level 2
Finish of Level 1
YEAR 3
Semester 2
Semester 1
Code
Modules
Hrs/W
k Credits
L P
Code
Modules
Hrs/W Credit
k
s
L P
Research and Analysis
2+2
4
Crime and the Media
2+2
4
Media Literacy
2+2
4
Global
Communication
2+2
4
Code of ethics for
Journalists
2+2
4
Finish of Level 2

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MODULE OUTLINE
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1
Social and Economic Studies
Understanding Economics Modern Society and the Social Sciences Society, Community and the Individual
Imperialism to Globalisation The State and Civil Society The Sociology of Work and Social Stratification The
Sociology of Families Gender and Sexualities Race and Ethnicity: socio-economic analyses
Research skills for Journalists
How to carry out research for news and features, developing practical skills like interviewing people and taking notes
at the same time, identifying potential quotes, knowing where to look to find the information you need, assessing the
reliability of what you find and asking the right questions. The essential professional skills of writing to a specified
house style and producing copy that is grammatically correct and without errors of spelling or punctuation.
News Writing
Introduction, assessment regime; reading list, Space and time constraints; deadlines; news v features; media
consumption; news production; style Defining news; journalists v sociologists; muck-raking v gatekeeping;
determinants; social responsibility. Language; print v broadcast; tabloid v broadsheet; common error patterns;
vocabulary; abstraction obstructs. Redundant phrases; needless repetition; variation; agreement; syntax; clarity.
Sentence structure; incorporating the spoken word; third person summary; direct quotes; fair play. Basics of reporting;
accuracy; attribution and positioning; identification; spot v statement/opinion stories. Balance and fairness;
objectivity; opinions in news; verification; common problems; hoaxes. Approaching a story; pre-writing phrase;
understanding before writing; planning phrase; uses and limits of the inverted pyramid; story-telling and delayed intro
approaches. Intros; five Ws and H; telegram and key word techniques; problem intros. Building the body; action v
statement/opinion story structures; positioning denials; quotes in context; transitions; lists; background - essential,
non-essential and for interest.
Communication Theory
Introduction to theories of communication, theories of communication within different means of communication print, film, TV, radio, internet, photography, interpersonal, how the various modes of communication work, how
communication affects everyday life, who is communicating, what are they communicating and to what effect, what
meaning is made of communication, how meaning is made of communication and how does communication impact
on the social world?
Media Industry
In each of the twelve weeks, a particular part of the media industry will be identified and dealt with in a lecture by a
guest lecturer chosen for their expertise in the particular media industry.
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2
Print Journalism
The development of newspapers and magazines: the origins of dailies, Sundays, regionals, locals, and free sheets;
morning and evening newspapers; consumer, trade and specialist magazines; stakeholder, membership and in-house
publications. The market: What do newspapers and magazines do, and why? Who owns them and why? Who buys
them and why? Which ones make money, and why? The economics of the business and the technical and logistical
basics; costs and revenues; circulation, cover price and advertising; long-term trends in the newspaper and magazine
market. Sources of news: PA, Reuters and other agencies; Government and public services (police, courts); PR
industry and handouts (news v advertising); events, scheduled and unscheduled. Defining the news: Is it important? vs
Is it interesting? Reaction – ‘news is what your rival is printing’; the “watercooler” test; demand (public curiosity) and
supply.
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Radio Reporting
Multiple voices in radio. Interviewing techniques. Editing for impact. The use of sound. Ethical issues. Alternative
means of storytelling. Documentary features. The reporter Q+A
Principles of TV News
TV organizations in Mauritius and abroad. Who does what in TV. Words and pictures. Programmes and bulletins.
The grammar of television. Journalists and the powers that be. Laboratories: Studio procedure Writing to pictures.
Picture editing principles. Picture editing software
Online Journalism
Internet as mass medium; Journalistic applications of hypertext; Writing for online audiences; New relationships with
sources; New relationships with users, Copyright: impossible to protect on electronic networks; Defamation online;
New ethical issues ; Freedom of expression; New models of journalism
News Reporting
Intro guidelines and categories. Chronology, source obsession and overloading. Action and statement-opinion stories.
News lead, body and background. Variations in angles and writing technique. Background for understanding and
interest. Positioning of background. Interview technique for print. Interview research. Funnel and inverted funnel
techniques. Handling hostile sources. Anonymous sources and the reporter. Off-the-record requests and beat
friendships. PR techniques to foil reporters. Meeting and speech reporting guidelines. News/press conferences,
speeches, symposia. Information required and how to get it. Spot news - accident and fire stories. Crime reporting.
Obituaries. Briefs. Weather stories. Follow-up situations. Political reporting. Major tragedies and disasters. Financial
and business reporting. Reporting statistics. Sports reporting.
YEAR 2, SEMESTER 1
Current Affairs
In each of the twelve weeks, a given current affairs topic will be identified and dealt with in a lecture by a guest
Lecturer chosen for their expertise in the topic under discussion. These topics will be flagged for students at least a
week in advance, and reading materials related to the topic will be specified at that time.
Ethics of Journalism
Brief introduction to philosophical ethics. Journalism in the marketplace. Objectivity, bias and truth in journalism.
Governments and media ethics. Freedom of the press. The problems of maintaining ethical standards within media
Organizations dedicated to the pursuit of profit and power. The privacy of the individual v the public's right to know.
Ethical relationships in a tiered system: owners, editors and journalists. The setting of the news agenda. Investigative
journalism: are intrusions ever justifiable? Ownership of the media: monopoly v diversity. Women and the
media/minorities and the media. Censorship or 'necessary reporting restriction'. Politics and ethics - incompatible?
Media Technology
Media in the Information Age: Electronic production Online news & media The future of electronic media
Converging media technologies Social, Legal & Ethical issues: Privacy in the Information Age Copyright in the
Information Age Censorship v. Freedom of information, The Digital Divide, CyberCrime, Web Publishing & Design:
Web site architecture Basic HTML Using a WYSIWYG Web Editor Producing a web site – assignment, Workshop
Skills: Electronic research skills, Electronic presentation software, WYSIWYG Web production
Research and Analysis
Theories and methodologies in academic research and journalistic research; designing a research project - process,
elements and stages; researching and writing a literature review; content analysis; historical research;
information/library database skills; surveys & opinion polls; quantitative analysis; official documents; economic,
business and financial reports and documents; conducting interviews.
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Advanced News Reporting
Role of the interview in news gathering. Techniques in interviewing: handling reluctant interviewees. Identifying and
locating reluctant interviewees. Developing news angles. Role of follow-ups, backgrounders, commentary, etc.
Numbers in the news: appropriate use of statistics. Evaluating and carrying out opinion polls for news media. Modes
of specialist reporting: politics, business, economy, science & technology. Documentary sources on business,
property, institutions, individuals. Electronic information sources: online databases; computer conferences; search
techniques; identification of databases particularly useful for journalists; bibliographies, biographies, encyclopedias,
dictionaries, directories etc. The Internet: identification of useful and reliable sources of information on the Internet.
Practical exercises: reporting opinion polls, statistical surveys, business transactions, financial performance, scientific
findings, etc Assessment: Weekly reporting assignments all count towards final grade.
YEAR 2, SEMESTER 2
Media Literacy
Introduction to the process of accessing, analyzing, evaluating and creating messages in a wide variety of media
modes, genres and forms. Usage of an inquiry-based instructional model measuring what people watch, see and read.
Tools to help people critically analyze messages to detect propaganda, censorship, and bias in news and public affairs
programming. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each medium. Awareness of the potential for
misrepresentation and manipulation (especially through commercials and public relations techniques), and understand
the role of mass media and participatory media in constructing views of reality.
Code of ethics for Journalists
How media law has developed?, What is libel?, The defences to libel and claims of defamation, Contempt of court in
crime reporting, Contempt of court in court reporting, The major reporting restrictions, The law of copyright, Online
media and the law, The PCC, Privacy laws and European law, Freedom of information legislation. Law of Torts;
Basic principles: nature and function of tort law; causation; damage, remoteness and foreseeability; concurrent
wrongdoers; vicarious liability; remedies; tort as a compensation mechanism; alternative mechanisms.Different torts
(indicative): negligence: general rules of duty and standard of care, physical and economic loss; incidents of
negligence; products liability, professional negligence, occupiers'' liability, nervous shock, employers'' liability,
trespass, defamation; nuisance, Liability for Defective Products Act, 1991; Occupiers Liability Act, 1995; Civil
Liability Act, 1961 (and amending Acts); Statute of Limitations, 1957; Statute of Limitations (Amendment) Act,
1991, Statute of Limitations (Amendment) Act, 2000; Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) Act 2003
Crime and the Media
Defining & Measuring Crime, Crime and Economic Development, White Collar Crime, Moral
Entrepreneurs, Drugs and Crime, Crime Reporting: An Overview. Crime Reporters & Sources. Investigative
Journalism, Crime Reporting & Public Opinion, Policing Society, Prisons and Punishment. Introduction to
the Criminal Justice System – origins and purpose of criminal law; evolving and changing definitions of
criminal behaviour; brief introduction to criminological theories; Criminal Liability – burden and standard
of proof; elements of a crime; secondary liability, including common design, Inchoate offences – attempt,
incitement, conspiracy; defences to inchoate offences, General defences – infancy, intoxication, insanity,
automatism, self-defence, provocation, duress, necessity, entrapment, mistake, consent, Offences against the
Person (Fatal) – Murder and manslaughter – critical analysis of murder rates, Offences against the Person
(Non-Fatal): assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, syringe attacks – societal influences on
development of non-fatal offences, Sexual Offences – sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, rape,
critical perspectives on sexual offences, offences against Property; theft, robbery, burglary, handling stolen
property, criminal damage. Human Rights.
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Global Communication
World Communication politics: origins and evolution. Human rights and cultural rights. Theories of Globalisation.
Mediated experience and media imperialism. The rise of global media conglomerates. Public policy for television and
film: implications for assessing trade disputes. Geolinguistics, the Anglophone world and cultural discount in film and
television flow. The future of the audiovisual industry. Cinema and video in diasporic markets and the formation of
diasporic identities. International co-production in film and television and programme format transfer. The
international advertising industry. Global public relations and global civil society. The global music recording
industry and corporate strategies for popular music. Protection of international property rights in the digital age. The
structure of global news production: international news agencies and the foreign press corps. The evolution of global
wholesalers in television news and the rise of regional news exchange mechanisms. The structure of dominant news
flows and the possibilities for contra-flows: agenda-setting in international news. The influence of satellite and
electronic news gathering on global news dissemination. Global-local relations in journalism and the Global
Newsroom. International journalism and world systems theory: network analysis of news flow. Third World news
dependency and the notion of media imperialism. The role of journalism in international relations: conflict and war.
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