Course Description
This course intends to expose students to the theory and practice of investigative journalism.
It is designed to equip students with skills and knowledge that will help them research and write an investigative story as a follow up to issues that affect a large number of people. Courses to be undertaken include finding an investigative story; interviews for an investigative story; researching for an investigative story; concerns in investigative journalism; investigative journalism &the law, and ethical decisions.
Learning Outcomes
· Identify and explain the capacities, limitations and socio-professional implications of reporting practices in Investigative journalism
· Examine, interrogate and research an investigative story, through the use of advanced research methods
· Explain and justify the selection of investigative and journalistic methods including their limitations
· Identify and describe the key ethical and legal obligations associated with investigative and data journalism
Course Content
· Conceptual definition of investigative journalism
· The investigative reporter
· Finding an investigative story
· Interviews for an investigative story
· Investigative Journalism Research
· Writing an investigative story
· Concerns in investigative journalism
· Investigative journalism and the law
· Ethical decisions
Required Reading Materials
· Houston, B., Len, B. & Steven, W. (2002). The Investigative Reporter’s Handbook. (5th. ed.). Boston: Bedford/St.Martin’s.
· Merrill, John C (2002). Journalism Ethics: Philosophical Foundations for News Media. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
· Spark, David. (1999). Investigative Reporting: A Study in Technique (Journalism Media Manual). Burlington, Massachusetts: Focal Press.
Optional Reading Material
· Wicker, Tom. (2002). On the Record: An Insider’s Guide to Journalism.Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.