MJ4300 Science and the Media: Challenges for Journalism and Communication Course description

Part 1 Assessment of practical training

Practical training has requirements for attendance (90 %), self-presentation for the start of the practice and self-assessment for the mid- and final assessment.

Part 2 Supervised individual written exam

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take part 2 of the examination:

• Completed e-learning module. The workload for the students is estimated at approx. 30 hours. To be completed in June, before the autumn semester of the 3rd year of study.
• Planning and carrying out supervision for a group of first year students in cooperation with the practical training supervisor and contact lecturer (inspiration practical training).
• Academic in-depth assignment, on the topic of management and quality development. Groups of 3-4 students. An academic question is formulated based on the course’s learning outcomes. Methods for systematic improvement work are applied. Main findings are presented in a written summary of 1,500 words (+/- 10%). Oral presentation for fellow students, colleagues and the lecturer. Feedback from fellow students based on given criteria is part of the assessment of the required coursework.

Combined assessment and examination

Part 1 Assessment of practical training.

The assessment takes its point of departure in given criteria based on learning outcomes for the course, assessment criteria, the continuous assessment, the suitability assessment and compulsory activities carried throughout the practical training. Students’ practical training can only be assessed if their attendance is sufficiently high (90%). For more information, see the general part of the programme description about the assessment of practical training.

If the student has failed the practical training, the whole practical training course must be retaken. This includes associated requirements.

Part 2 Supervised individual written examination

• Four hours

Part 1 and part 2 can be taken independently of each other. The student must have obtained a pass on both parts in order to pass the course as a whole and earn the credits.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge of how science is put to use and how it shapes and is shaped by society
• has thorough knowledge of how the media represents science, scientific uncertainty and risks

Skills

The student

• is able to critically analyze practical journalistic work and science writing which covers scientific issues or uses scientists as expert sources
• is able to critically use this knowledge to explore other ways of representing science and science related issues in journalistic work and science writing
• can apply relevant methods to explore this area of journalism and science writing
• can inspire colleagues and students to reflect on the role of science in society and journalism/science writing
• is able to communicate key issues in the research area Science and the media

General competence

The student

• is able to analyze professional and occupational issues as well as questions in research ethics
• is well qualified to present academic scientific work as well as analysis of journalistic and science writing material and is able to give and receive constructive criticism and response
• is able to discuss ethical issues in science
• has acquired journalistic and/or science writing skills through practice and increased knowledge of the scientific processes and science reporting

Part 2 One A4 sheet of paper with the student’s own notes on both sides. The notes can be written by hand or on a computer, but must not include copies/photos from books/literature.

Part 1 Pass/fail. Part 2 Grade scale A-F.

Grade scale stated on diploma.

For the main assessment, the students may choose one of two individual term papers.

Either

• A reportage covering science or science related issues, followed by a reflection paper that discusses and analyzes the textual material theoretically helped by the syllabus, a total maximum of 15 pages. The length of the reportage may range from 5 to 7 pages. The reflection paper may range from 6 to 8 pages. Font and font size: Arial or Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

Or

• An analytic, theory-based paper investigating/analyzing a limited media output where science, scientific uncertainty or risks related to science are covered. The paper may range from 12 to 15 pages. Font and font size: Arial or Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

The term papers may be written in English or Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language).

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner. At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.