Module: JPU6103-20 Investigative Journalism

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Katharine Reeve

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.reeve@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module will help you understand how to approach and carry out a piece of investigative journalism in your chosen field of interest such as environment, health, food, inequality where there might be questions of public concern and/or injustice. In the context of the link between democracy and freedom of the press, you will examine case studies to consider the challenges and risks faced by journalists (and their publications), the importance of rigour in gathering and fully documenting evidence, and the checks placed upon journalists by editorial and industry standards, ethics, and the law.

Investigative journalism requires an eye and ear for questions which appear to warrant further attention and the ability to follow up leads. It requires the instincts and tenacity of a detective, alongside rigorous professional judgement and the meticulous gathering, assimilation and assessment of often complex source materials (and potentially litigious stakeholders). The investigative journalist is often faced with a large amount of material, complexity and a variety of potential angles, and so needs to develop the skills of assimilation, relevant distillation and concision. Increasingly, investigative journalism can be carried out collaboratively and internationally, and is aided by digital technology. You will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by new and emerging ways of working.

Initially, you will identify an area of personal interest and, through scoping desk research, develop a question you would like to address. You will then carry out desk and primary research to understand more about your topic and to identify possible original material and angles, and a risk assessment. You will learn how to construct and argue your case through a well-structured, clearly-written and engaging feature article. You will also fact-check and edit your article carefully to ensure it does not expose you or your publication to legal or ethical challenge.

2. Outline syllabus

You will follow a series of specialist journalism and publishing workshops on:

• Regulatory guidelines, legal, ethics, privacy (and media watchdogs)

• Editorial guidelines

• Scoping a topic of interest to identify a question for investigation and the assessment of challenges and risks

• Specialist knowledge of a field (e.g. food industry, environment, health)

• Research techniques

• Available sources (e.g. open/public; FOI, interviews, specialist research)

• Keeping research records, confidentiality and information security

• Fact checking

• Balancing evidence and storytelling

• Effective publication strategy

3. Teaching and learning activities

Learning will be through lectures, workshops, tutor-supported individual work, progress reviews and feedback. Visiting specialist industry speakers.

Teaching and Learning resources include online library resources/ access to international trade and academic journals and reference works; and websites.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research Plan (equivalent to 1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 30

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Feature Article (3,000 words) with a publication Plan (equivalent to 3,500 words)

• % Weighting: 70