Model curricula for journalism education for developing countries ...

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APPENDIX 3
Detailed Course Outlines (Syllabuses)
These syllabuses have been commissioned to illustrate how courses might be
organized. They are model syllabuses that are offered in the expectation that they
would be adapted to local and national conditions. Each syllabus contains ideas,
methods and material that may serve as inspiration to other teachers and planners.
Foundations of Journalism: Logic, Evidence and Research
Level of course: First year, Bachelor of Journalism degree program (15 weeks).
Course description: This course will provide students with logical, analytical and
research abilities that are fundamental for informed journalism on public issues. The
course is divided into an introduction and four sections. The introduction explores the
logical analysis of arguments, language and evidence. The first section explores how
these skills can be used to analyze bogus claims by groups that seek to manipulate
journalists. Sections two, three and four apply these skills to important areas: (a)
the use of numerical information, e.g. in polling, (b) health and environment, and (c)
reporting on genes and genomics. Other topics than health and genes can be used
to test the student’s logical skills. Genes and health issues are chosen as examples
of topics of relevance to many types of students.
Mode: Lectures, workshops by guest speakers (e.g. scientists) case studies and
classroom discussion. Each student will participate in a seminar (as an individual or
member of a group) that presents the issues surrounding a case.
Pedagogical approach: The approach favours the active engagement and testing
of knowledge. Students apply skills and knowledge to specific issues through
assignments, seminars and discussion. Lectures are one of several pedagogical
tools. The course starts from general skills and knowledge. Then the task is to find
engaging ways to show how such critical skills and knowledge help journalists
assess information and alleged experts.
Number of hours per week: (2 hours: 1-lecture/discussion; 1 - hour seminarassignment)
Required and recommended texts:
Required: Instructors can choose two required texts from these four textbooks.
On logic and evidence: Leo Groake, Christopher Tindale and Linda Fisher.