This course aims not only to foster a knowledge of the specific subject matter of journalism in theoretical form but also to provide the tools for its practical application, that is, in translating the ability to understand into a critical approach and autonomy of judgment so as not to passively “suffer” information transmitted by the various, countless media sources. The ability to learn is connected in the appropriate use of language with respect to the discipline and in the ability to interact between source and user, through knowledge of the rules, rights and duties of both parties involved.

· News and the criteria of newsworthiness; actors in the information process, sources and the rule of the “five Ws”.

· How information languages are changing; from Gutenberg to online information; 

· Writing technique, rules, settings and the most common errors;

· Substantive truth of facts and putative truth;

· Interview techniques in the various media, agency journalism and press offices;

· Judicial reporting;

· The potential of the web and the role of social media;

· Fake news, post-truth, misinformation and disinformation;

· Standards and codes of ethics; information and privacy, the role of information: responsibilities and duties;

· Information and minors 

· The essentiality of news, information in crisis situations and in case of suicides;

· The print media in comparison with other media; 

· Elements of the history of journalism.

Students should achieve:

1. Essential knowledge of the various journalistic languages and sources of information.

1.1 Students achieve this basic knowledge through attendance of lectures and study of texts discussed in the classroom.

2. The ability to apply knowledge and understanding of news and newsworthiness criteria.

2.1. Skills acquired through in-class practice time.

3. Skills of judgment on the role of information, responsibilities and duties, the essentiality of news, information in crisis situations.

3.1. This judgment skill should be applied in classroom discussion with the lecturer, during exercises, and in preparation for the final exam.

Teaching:

Lectures and exercises on journalistic writing

Attendance

Students must participate in at least 3/4 of the lessons

Course Books:

Alessandro Barbano, “Manuale di giornalismo”, Edizioni Laterza;

Michele Partipilo, “La deontologia del giornalista. Dalle Carte al Testo unico”, Centro di Documentazione Giornalistica.

4. Communication skills. Students are expected to interact in the classroom through questions, exchanges with fellow students, writing short presentations during practice.

4.1. Skills that are practiced in the classroom through exercises in writing technique, rules, settings and interview technique.

5. Ability to learn various information languages and writing techniques

5.1. Skill to be enhanced through debate with the lecturer and fellow students.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures and exercises on journalistic writing

Attendance

Students must participate in at least 3/4 of the lessons

Course books

Alessandro Barbano, “Manuale di giornalismo”, Edizioni Laterza;

Michele Partipilo, “La deontologia del giornalista. Dalle Carte al Testo unico”, Centro di Documentazione Giornalistica.

Assessment

The course will conclude with a pre-examination exercise and then verification of learning through an individual oral exam based on the reference texts for the exam. These are aimed at assessing both the student’s learning of the content and his or her ability to rework and argue. There is the possibility of submitting a written paper, on a topic agreed with the lecturer, regarding an in-depth study of a particular specificity of the subject. The student’s ability for analytical and critical thinking will be evaluated.

Excellent grades: the student’s possession of good critical and in-depth skills; the ability to link together the main themes addressed in the course; the use of appropriate language with respect to the specificity of the discipline.

Good grades: the student’s possession of a mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relative critical ability and ability to connect the topics covered: the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades: the student’s attainment of a minimal knowledge of the topics covered, even though there are some formative gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Low/negative grades: difficulty in the student’s orientation to the topics addressed in the examination texts; formative gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

This course does not differentiate between “attending” and “non-attending” students with regard to teaching methods, attendance obligations, course books or assessment.

 

Course books

Alessandro Barbano, Manuale di giornalismo, Edizioni Laterza

Assessment

An individual oral exam based on the reference texts for the exam, which aims to assess both the student’s learning of the content and his or her ability to rework and argue. There is also the possibility of submitting a written paper, on a topic agreed with the lecturer.

Excellent grades: the student’s possession of good critical and in-depth skills; the ability to link together the main themes addressed in the course; the use of appropriate language with respect to the specificity of the discipline.

Good grades: the student’s possession of a mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relative critical ability and ability to connect the topics covered: the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades: the student’s attainment of a minimal knowledge of the topics covered, even though there are some formative gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Low/negative grades: difficulty in the student’s orientation to the topics addressed in the examination texts; formative gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.