JBV3500 Sports Journalism Course description

Sports journalism constitutes an increasing part of the content in modern news media. Described as working in the toy department of journalism, sports journalists are balancing between information and entertainment, between fourth estate and fan club. Sports journalists of today have a lot of knowledge about social, political and economic implications of sports, but seldom find ways to report upon them. The aim of this course is to give the students ideas and skills on how to approach sports and sports journalism critically.

No required prerequisite knowledge, but note that the study has progression rules, see the generell part of the programme description.

Knowledge

The student has knowledge of

• open and hidden power structures in sports
• commercialisation and individualisation of sports
• doping and other ethical dilemmas
• fan culture and gender perspectives
• critical sports journalism

Skills

The student

• has a critical perspective toward sports journalism and analyse one's own and other's products in light of this
• can work independently in the field, access and critically evaluate stories and sources
• has an understanding of the various genres in sports journalism

General competence

The student

• can place sports journalism in a historical and genre context
• can reflect in a balanced and critical manner regarding one's own professional methods and work
• has strong language presentation skills

The course runs during the first part of the autumn semester, with three separate gatherings of intensive tuition, with lectures, workshops, group presentations and discussions.

The coursework requirements consist of three obligatory assignments. Two of the assignments will be journalistic products, and one will be an oral group presentation focusing on a subject from the required reading. 

The oral assignment must be approved by the instructor. In the event that the presentation is not approved, the student has the opportunity to hand in a written assignment by the established deadline where necessary improvements are made.

The assessment is an analytical discussion paper connected to one of the journalistic products.

Students who have failed the ordinary examination, and students with legitimate absence, are entitled to a new examination

All utilitites allowed as long as rules for source reference are followed.

The evaluation is graded according to a scale from A to E for passed and F for not passed.

Two internal evaluators will set the grades.

The course can be offered as a single course subject if there is capacity.

Entry requirements for single course applicants are: Higher Education Entrance Qualification and minimum 60 ECTS.