Journalism Theories

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Classes are taught using the expositive method combined with the active method, allowing that for each syllabus content students perform pedagogical activities either in groups or individually.

Learning Outcomes

Recognize the various stages of consolidation of journalism studies as part of the investigation of mass communication;

Demonstrate knowledge in the field of a comprehensive theoretical set of theories, concepts and perspectives about journalism, recognizing the respective epistemological stimuli;

Acquire skills for understanding journalism from its institutional and communicational matrix, translated in the understanding of professional practice as constructed within social bodies with specific logics, languages and practices;

Develop critical skills to identify and question the normative principles related to the practice of journalism.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Part I - The investigation of media effects and journalism studies

1. Lines of investigation of mass communication effects

2. Fixing the 'agenda'

3. Spiral of Silence

Part II - Concepts and normative models of journalism

4. The Western Model

5. Socialist Model

6. Development model

7. Participative-democratic model

Part III - Theories of Journalism

8. Theory of the mirror

9. Theories of personal action and political action

10. Organizational Theory

11. Constructivist Theory

12. Structuralist theory

13. Interactionist theory

Part IV - Information values and news production

14. Normative assumptions of journalistic writing

15. Criteria of newsworthiness

16. Productive routines and journalistic sources.

Head Lecturer(s)

Rita Joana Basílio de Simões

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 25.0%
Synthesis work: 25.0%
Frequency: 50.0%

Bibliography

Kunczik, M. (2002). Conceitos de Jornalismo, São Paulo: Universidade de São Paulo.

ConcHanitzsch, T. e Wahl-Jorgensen, K (2009) [eds.]. The Handbook of Journalism Studies, New York, London: Routledge.

McCombs, M. (2004). A Teoria da Agenda: A Mídia e a opinião pública, Petrópolis: Editora Vozes.

McQuail, D. (1991). Introducción a la Teoria de la Comunicación de Masas, Barcelona: Paidós.

Mesquita, M. (2004). O Quarto Equívoco, Coimbra: MinervaCoimbra.

Schudson, M. (2010). Descobrindo a Notícia: Uma história social dos jornais nos Estados Unidos, Petrópolis: Editora Vozes.

Sousa, J. P. (2000). As Notícias e os Seus Efeitos, Coimbra: MinervaCoimbra.

Traquina, N. (2002). Jornalismo, Lisboa: Quimera.

Traquina, N. (1993) [org.]. Jornalismo, Questões, Teorias e «Estórias», Lisboa: Veja.

Traquina, N (2000)  [org.]. O Poder do Jornalismo: Análise e textos da teoria do Agendamento, Coimbra: MinervaCoimbra.

Traquina, N. e Mesquita, M. (2003). Jornalismo Cívico, Lisboa: Livros Horizonte.