This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Indicative topics are:
• The changing patterns of foreign news coverage in the post war period, with particular reference to the developing world (colonial, cold war and 1990s)
• Case studies of foreign disasters and the media interpretation; Biafra, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Asian Tsunami.
• The role of citizen journalism in the coverage of faraway disasters
• The media understanding of types of disaster and complex emergencies, with reference to aid efforts and humanitarian intervention.
• The growth and emergence of NGOs, their use of marketing and communication techniques
• The role of the media in raising awareness for charitable fundraising.
• 24 hour news and the CNN effect
Total Contact Hours: 24
Private Study Hours: 126
Total Study Hours: 150
MA Multimedia Journalism - optional
MA in International Multimedia Journalism - optional
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 (2500 words) (35%)
Presentation (30%)
Essay 2 (2500 words) (35%)
Reassessment methods
Like for like
Allen, T and Seaton, J. "Introduction", in Tim Allen and Jean Seaton (eds), The Media of Conflict: War Reporting and Representations of Ethnic Violence, London: Zed Books, 1990
Cottle, S. Global Crisis Reporting. Berkshire: Open University Press, 2009
De Waal, A. Famine Crimes. Indiana University Press, Bloomington, 1997
Franks, S, Reporting Disasters - Aid and the media, forthcoming from Hurst and Colombia
Robinson, P. CNN Effect: The myth of news, foreign policy and intervention. London: Routledge, 2002
Vaux, T. The Selfish Altruist: Relief Work in Famine and War. London: Sterling, VA : Earthscan, 2001.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Develop a detailed understanding of the influence of broadcast media in the political sphere and on the voluntary sector.
2. Demonstrate sophisticated critical assessment of the impact of the internet on media power and media consumption.
3. Show a detailed knowledge of the central role that communications and media play at national, international and global levels of economic, political and social organisations along with the ability to articulate and explore the implications of this in detail.
4. Develop critical and sophisticated awareness of the diversity of approaches to understanding communication and media in historical and contemporary contexts.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Advance their knowledge and understanding of communications issues and develop new skills to a high level
2. Engage with complex forms of critical analysis, argument and debate and be able to express insightful conclusions clearly and effectively
3. Use independent learning techniques to continue their professional development, and demonstrate use of scholarly reviews and primary sources
4. Devise and sustain complex arguments and solve complex problems using ideas and techniques, including those at the forefront of the discipline.
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