The module will focus on the examination of critical issues in sports journalism through theoretical analysis, indicating wherever possible the potential for the use of theory to inform practice. Topics are drawn from current debates in sports journalism, including history of the sports media, globalisation, ownership, censorship and control, commodification, sports PR, objectivity, ethics, representations of race and gender in sport, technological changes in sport and the media.



Students will use assessed discussion board forums to share ideas and respond to class materials/readings.

Assessment 1 = Learning Outcomes 1-4

Assessment 2 = Learning Outcomes 1, 3



The first assessment (essay) will allow students to address a single topic (from a choice of questions) relating examining the role of sports journalists and the sports media in handling both everyday and significant issues in sport. These issues will include race, gender, corruption, ownership, and control.

The second assessment (contributions to asynchronous discussion board topics) will enable students to widen their scope of research (both historical and contemporary) in order to contribute effectively to and engage effectively with debates. These debates will be led by current and developing topics within sport and the sports media, giving the module an immediate flavour in terms of content.



Employability

A knowledge of how the sports media has developed and how it works (the bigger picture) is essential for any journalist wishing to work effectively within the industry and is an appreciation valued by any employer.



Diversity

See above. The module will examine closely media representation of issues such as race, gender, inequality, etc on a topic-by-topic basis, not only in the UK media but in global media.

13 x lectures (3 hours) - total 39 hours (13x3 online) to introduce, outline and examine and discuss the role, influence and effectiveness of the sports journalist and the sports media.

Directed study and independent learning focused on in the student's own time - total 161 hours.

Overall time commitment - 200 hours

Key Information Set:
19% scheduled Learning and Teaching activities
81% guided independent learning

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of critical issues in sports journalism.

2. Employ advanced critical analysis with reference to concepts and debates in the interpretation of sports journalism practice.

3. Communicate findings accurately, concisely, logically and thoroughly through discussion boards and a formal academic essay.

4. Evaluate the strength of the relationship between sports journalism studies theory and industry practice.

This module takes a broader overview of the work of sports journalists and the sports media beyond what simply appears on the ‘back pages’. It looks at how the sports media covers major issues such as corruption, racism, and sexual inequality and considers whether some of the issues within sport are also reflected within the sports media?

Wenner, L. MediaSport, Taylor & Francis, 2012
Nicholson, M. Sport and the Media: Managing the Nexus, Routledge, 2007
Markula, L. Olympic Women and the media, Macmillan, 2012
Rowe, D. Sport, Culture and the Media, Open University Press 2004

Newsroom facilities

Blackboard VLE (including Discussion Forums)

Library