University of Namibia
Department of Social Sciences
H3521CJ: Introduction to Journalism
Course Outline (2024)
NQF level: 8
Contact hours: Mon. 14:30 | Tue. 13:30 | Thu. 11:30 | Fri. 13:30
Venue: X149
Notional Hours 160
NQF credits: 16
Prerequisites: None
Options: Compulsory
Semester offered: 1st
Lecturer: Dr. Stanley Tsarwe
Office: AA029
E-mail: [email protected]
Consultation hours: Mon – Fri 8.30-10.30. Or just drop in.
Class attendance:
Class attendance is compulsory. If you are unable to meet a deadline, you are expected to inform me
in advance (at least a day before deadline) with evidence supporting your inability to meet the
deadline. Otherwise you will be penalized for late submission. Tests and the final examinations are
based on lectures and discussions in class and extra readings. It is also good manners to inform me if
you will not make it to class. It is a university policy that if you do not achieve 80% attendance you
will not be allowed to write the final examination.
Course description:
The course introduces students to the historical development of journalism from the sentinels to
satellites, background and issues in journalism, researching and recording information, newspapers
and magazines, print layout and production, online journalism, social media, multimedia journalism,
information graphics, data-driven journalism, health and safety, central and local government,
careers and training. The focus will be on developing critical thinking in the use of the English
language in news story writing.
Methods of facilitation of learning:
Lectures, project and problem-based learning, group work, class discussions and presentations.
Resource: Course Outline; PowerPoint presentation, Reading lists, UNAM Portal/Moodle Learning
Management System
Assessment Strategies:
Continuous Assessment 60% (minimum of 1 test and 2 assignments), Examination 40% (1x3 hour
paper).
Quality assurance arrangements:
Internal and external moderation of assignments
Peer review of course outlines and teaching.
Student evaluation of lecturers and the course at the end of every semester
Regular review of the programme and course content in consultation with stakeholders
Timely grading and feedback on assignments
Learning outcomes (LO):
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Trace the history of journalism
2. Compare and contrast traditional and online journalism
3. Write for the student newspaper by demonstrating an excellent grasp of the English
language
4. Apply infographics and data journalism in news stories
5. Recall journalism concepts
6. Review issues in journalism practice
7. Outline impact of social media on journalism practice
Course Content
Week 1: Introduction
Course Outline
Getting to know each other
Setting ground rules
Introduction to the module
Week 2: Outcome 1: Trace the History of Journalism
Evolution of the printing press
Journalism as Story telling
What is news and news values
Journalism norms and values
Week 3: Outcome 2: Compare and contrast traditional and online journalism
Traditional journalism
Online journalism
Differences and similarities
In class test
Week 4: Outcome 2: Compare and contrast traditional and online journalism
Social media impact on journalism
Journalism ethics
Online Surveillance and Safety
New ways of data gathering
Week 5: Outcome 3: Write for the student newspaper by demonstrating an excellent grasp
of the English language
News ideas for the magazine
Writing news articles for the student newspaper
Language and structure
English for mass communication
Week 6: Outcome 3: Write for the student newspaper by demonstrating an excellent grasp
of the English language
Writing stories for the student newspaper
Selecting qualifying stories for the student newspaper
Editing stories for the online newspaper
Assignment 1
Week 7. Outcome 4. Apply infographics and data journalism in news stories
Data journalism
Visualization: using excel to create bars, chats, tables
Creative pivot tables in excel
Week 8. Outcome 4. Apply infographics and data journalism in news stories
Data ethics
Data safety
Assignment 2
Week 9: Outcome 5. Recall journalism concepts
Fact checking / Adversarial Journalism / Audience / Bad News / Bias / Context Analysis /
Defamation / Dumbing Down / Editor / Embargo / Embedded Journalist / Ethics / Focus
Groups / Free Newspaper / Gatekeeper / Hard News /Ideology / Impartiality /
Infotainment.
Week 10: Outcome 5. Recall journalism concepts
Investigative Journalism / Mass Communication / Media Effects / Media Mogul /
Multimedia / Myth / Narrative / Digital Media / News Management / Off the Record /
Online Journalism / Photojournalism / Propaganda / Self-regulation / Sensationalism /
Tabloid.
Week 11: Career Prospects
Career prospects for journalism students
Journalism, the newsroom and gender dynamics
Newsroom cultures, practices
Week 12:
Revision
Learning Resources
Prescribed
Rudin, R., & Ibboton, T. (2013). An introduction to journalism: Essential techniques and background knowledge.
New York, NY: Focal Press.
Recommended
Nelmes, J. (2012). Convergent journalism: An introduction: Writing and producing across media. Burlington M.A.:
Focal Press.
