LT238-6-SP-CO:
Research and Data Handling
2023/24
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Future
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
26 September 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module aims to support students develop advanced skills in research and investigation as journalists and researchers.
It will also give them confidence in handling sophisticated statistics-based stories, learning about research methods and engaging with flagship debates around data, artificial intelligence and the impact on the journalistic practice. The module gives special attention to the forms and meanings of data driven journalism.
The module aims to provide students with sophisticated research skills to complement their education as aspiring critical journalists. It will equip students with advanced skills enabling them to undertake independent research projects as well as understanding data and its role in journalism and the society. Student will also be trained in finding, assessing and reporting stories using big data and in researching social media networks.
By the end of the module, students will be expected to:
- be familiar with major traditions and methods in academic research.
- be able to use open sources for researching news stories.
- understand the main challenges and opportunities of big data, and how it can be used in investigative journalism.
- be acquainted with understanding statistics and their importance in the storytelling.
- understand how to use the FOI Act to extract information and source stories.
- develop an advanced understanding of flagship debates around issues such as privacy, artificial intelligence, information and disinformation, trust and truth.
Indicative syllabus
- An introduction module’s topics, themes and assignments. Presentation of main critical notions with examples from national and international media.
- Research methods (1): Introduction to main qualitative and quantitative methods such as structured interviews, participant observations and content analysis.
- Research methods (2): Introduction to survey, how to generate quantitative data and how to make sense of statistics for accurate journalism.
- Research methods (3): How to develop a research plan; preparation and mentorship for students’ assignments.
- Research in journalism. Accessing information, including the use of FoI (Freedom of information) and subject access request and researching social media platforms (guest talk).
- Data visualisation and its use in storytelling (guest talk).
- Data journalism; challenges and opportunities: Introduction to main concepts and examples from collaborative global investigative journalism.
- Data journalism in the age of post truth: When big data is a tool of repression, bias and discrimination. Examples from current affairs.
- Weekly two hours lecture and seminar
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
No
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can
be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements,
industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist
of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules.
The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.