MJ5200 Climate journalism, theory and practice Course description

This course brings together theory and practice to explore the possibilities and challenges involved in contemporary reporting of climate and environmental issues. Climate change is a global problem, but it is experienced locally, as it is becoming a relevant dimension of ever more areas of life - and thus also across journalistic beats. Significant societal transformations need to take place over the next decade, and here journalism will have a key role to play. This course will help students pursue both the theoretical and practical development of climate journalism, including the understanding of journalism's own role in society, in a time of declared and perceived crisis.

Language of instruction is English.

None

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

Knowledge

• has advanced interdisciplinary knowledge of climate change, and of climate journalism
• has thorough knowledge of both the difficulties and the possibilities of climate change communication in the media and in journalism

Skills

The student

• is able to critically analyze different perceptions and experiences of global climate change in the media
• is able to relate these differences to the global and universal dimensions of climate change for the past, present and future of humanity and life on earth
• can explain and communicate climate change journalistically, with insights from from both the natural, social and human sciences.
• can find new and innovative ways to approach global climate change in the media and in journalism

General competence

The student

• is able to understand the basics of global climate change, with the help of knowledge from both the natural, social and human sciences.
• is well qualified to approach climate change as a justice issue, for example between, but also within, the global north and the global south
• is well qualified to discuss ethical questions in both science and journalism, including science’s and journalism’s own role in approaching global climate change
• has acquired journalistic skills of combining observations of different experiences of climate change with broader, theoretical perspectives

The course will be based on two to three gatherings of 2-5 days at Oslo Metropolitan University, including lectures, exercises and group work. One of the gatherings, or part of one gathering, may also entail field work/excursions.

The teaching takes place in person, on campus.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: Take part in a group work resulting in a presentation in a plenary session of the course where the curricula will be discussed. The scope of the presentation is from 15-30 minutes, and will vary depending on the size of the groups.
• Coursework 2: Hand in a term paper draft once during the gatherings. The length of this term paper is aprox. 5 pages.

The purpose of these work requirements is to ensure progress in both the readings of the curricula and the work with the term paper. All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version one time by the given deadline. If the student does not meet the set deadline(s), the student loses the possibility to hand in the paper/hold the presentation, and thereby loses the right to sit for the exam. In case of illness or other valid reasons for absence, the teacher can set an individual deadline for the course requirements.

There are no mandatory activities in the course, with the exception of the above mentioned work requirements.

For the main assessment, the students may choose one of two term papers. Both exam alternatives can be solved individually or in cooperation with one other student. If it is a cooperation between two students, the required length and scope of both alternatives for assessment will be expanded, in agreement with the course supervisor.

Either

• A journalistic product relevant to climate change, selected in agreement with the course supervisor. The journalistic product can be developed either in text/sound/video or photo, or a combination. The length will be agreed upon with the supervisor, but approximately 5-6 pages + images for an article (digital/print), 8-12 minutes for radio/sound, 4 minutes for TV/video and 8 images for a photo article.
• The journalistic product is to be accompanied by a reflection paper of 5-10 pages, discussing the journalistic work on a theoretical level supported by the course syllabus. Font and font size reflection paper: Arial or Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

Or

• An analytic, theory-based paper investigating a limited media output where global climate change is covered in a particular way. Length: 12-15 pages. Font and font size: Arial or Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

The term papers may be written in Norwegian, any Scandinavian language or English.

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

Grade scale A-F

All term papers will be assessed by an evaluation committee consisting of both an internal and an external examiner.