ZURb1625 Investigative Journalism

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Milorad Ivanović (lecturer)
Mgr. Iveta Jansová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Iveta Jansová, Ph.D.
Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Boris Rafailov, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Fri 22. 9. 10:00–13:40 bude_upresneno, Fri 29. 9. 10:00–13:40 U42, Fri 13. 10. 10:00–13:40 U42, Fri 27. 10. 10:00–13:40 bude_upresneno, Fri 10. 11. 10:00–13:40 U42, Fri 24. 11. 10:00–13:40 bude_upresneno, Fri 8. 12. 10:00–13:40 P21a
Prerequisites
To qualify for the course, no prior journalism experience is required. The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 19/40, only registered: 0/40, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/40
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary to excel in investigative journalism by providing a curriculum that is informed by international best practices, aligned with international and European standards for journalism education, fosters cross-border collaboration, centers on fact- and evidence-based reporting, embraces digital journalism techniques, emphasizes practical, hands-on experience, prioritizes journalistic production over theory, and utilizes a blended learning approach to maximize student engagement and participation.
Learning outcomes
A key feature of this course is learning by doing. Throughout the semester, students will actively engage in investigative journalism projects. They will be tasked with conducting field reporting and applying the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom. This hands-on approach encourages creativity, innovation, and collaboration among students. The fundamental framework for these investigative projects will be established at the beginning of the semester. Over the course of the next three months, students will work on their stories under the mentorship of the professor, refining their skills and producing impactful journalism.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the Investigative Journalism Course
  • 2. The Investigative Process I
  • 3. The Investigative Process II
  • 4. Work with sources
  • 5. Ethical dilemmas
  • 6. Media Trauma
  • 7. Freedom of Information Act
  • 8. Producing TV Investigations and Use of Social Media
  • 9. Investigative Journalism, PR, and Spin
  • 10. Introduction to OSINT (Open-source intelligence) and Artificial Intelligence
  • 11. Cross-border Investigations
  • 12. Fact-checking and Legal Risks
  • 13. Editorial Session
Literature
  • „Digging Deeper”, Sheila S. Coronel „Training Manual: Reporting on Corruption“, Prof. Dubravka Valić Nedeljković, Milorad Ivanović, Saša Leković, Council of Europe „Best Practices in Trauma Reporting“, Dart Center
Teaching methods
The classes will be taught through a combination of lectures, drills, hands-on classroom learning, and workshops. A lot of the learning will be through field reporting outside the classroom. Through story workshops, editing, rewrites and revisions of their work, students will learn the craft of reporting, writing, and story presentation.
Assessment methods
There won't be a knowledge exam in this course. Instead, the student's grade will comprise two components: 50% of the grade will be based on weekly online activities. Each week, students will need to submit an online task related to the lessons covered in the previous week. These tasks can consist of brief theoretical essays (around 3-4 paragraphs) or practical exercises related to the investigation they are conducting. The remaining 50% of the grade will be determined by their engagement in the investigative project they choose to undertake. In cases where a project cannot be completed by the end of the course (due to complex topics, insufficient evidence, or other valid reasons), students will be required to submit a research memo instead.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: bloková výuka.
Teacher's information
Milorad Ivanović (Serbia) currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of BIRN Serbia (Balkan Investigative Reporting Network). His career spanning two decades has seen him hold prominent positions in leading Serbian and international media outlets.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2023/ZURb1625