Journalism & Media
BA in Journalism with a Language (DT 553)
This four-year honours degree programme is jointly delivered by the School of Media and the School of Languages. This modularised, applied and multi-disciplinary programme has been running successfully for a number of years. Students gain a thorough understanding of the importance of journalism in a democratic society, become skilled in the practice of newspaper and broadcast journalism, and develop the linguistic and intercultural skills to communicate effectively in Irish or a foreign language.
The course places great emphasis on student-centred learning and transferable skills; communication and interpersonal skills, intercultural competence, team work and time-management skills. At the end of the 4-year course, graduates are well equipped to meet the demands of the workplace in Ireland and abroad.
The programme is based around three areas of study: journalism practice, critical studies and language.
Journalism Practice:
This core area provides students with a thorough grounding in the practice of online and print journalism and broadcasting. Students can, through a variety of simulated activities, experience a typical working day in a professional journalism environment and the programme is designed to be flexible enough to allow for study and reporting on visits to courts, galleries, meetings and other events.
Critical Studies:
This area gives students a critical framework within which to explore journalism in its wider social and historical context. It develops the students analytical, critical and theoretical skills.
Language:
The study of a language is an exciting and enriching educational experience for students and it enhances their profile when pursuing careers as journalists and in a variety of other professions. Subject to demand, Irish, French, German and Spanish are currently offered. Students study general language and communication skills and the literature of the target language, as well as the media landscapes and cultural contexts of those countries where the language is spoken.
An essential part of the programme is the semester abroad. Students spend the second semester of the third year in a journalism school in the country of their chosen language. Students of Irish undertake a work placement in an Irish language media organisation; they may also spend this semester abroad, provided they undertake the required Irish language placement at an agreed alternative time. During the semester abroad students not only considerably improve their linguistic skills, but they also experience at first-hand the cultures and academic world of their country of residence. Many former students have found this stay abroad the highlight of their studies.
This unique course in Journalism with a Language offers graduates many opportunities in the national or international workplace, or for further studies. Students deepen their understanding of the ethical issues facing journalists. They acquire a high standard of professional training and education, as well as a wide range of transferable skills that are essential for employment in journalism and related fields and indeed for post-graduate study. Students also achieve high levels of fluency in Irish or one of the foreign languages, including the ability to research and work professionally through the target language. They also develop intercultural competencies that allow them to mediate successfully between cultures.
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Languages in the B.A. in Media Arts (DT552)
The language component of the B.A. in Media Arts (DT552) is designed to improve your language skills and to allow you deepen your knowledge of cultural traditions, particularly in the area of film, media and literature. Students study a language for seven of eight semesters and currently they may decide to take French, German or Irish.
During the first four semesters, students have four class contact hours, divided between language learning and cultural/literary studies.
In first year, students receive comprehensive language tuition to ensure they have the necessary competence and confidence for advanced language learning. In the cultural and literary strand, the course feeds into the 'narrative' theme of the overall first year of the degree, exploring genres and forms of 'story-telling', be they classical 'archetypes' or more contemporary forms.
In second year, language learning centres on themes and topics related to the media, thereby allowing you greater insight into contemporary developments. In the cultural-literary strand you will explore issues of identity, multiculturalism and cultural perspective through exploration of contemporary film and literature.
In your third year you will study contemporary film and the relationship between language and media production.
Finally, in the first semester of fourth year, students formulate a treatise in the foreign language on a topic of their choice that relates to their language study and/or to Media Studies.
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