Year co-ordinator: Ms Kayla Roux

Room: 227

Email: k.roux@ru.ac.za

Class lectures:

• Monday 4.05pm
• Tuesday 12.20-1:05pm
• Wednesday 2.15-3pm
• Thursday 3.10-3:55pm

Please note all our lectures and tutorials are currently online due to Covid-19 regulations. This exclusive focus on online learning will be reviewed from time to time, as we adapt to the changing conditions of the pandemic, and until we get the go-ahead to have face-to-face classes. All learning resources (such as lecture presentations, notes, and videos) are published on the zero-data rated JMS Ruconnected site. All tutorials will be held face to face.

OVERVIEW OF JMS1

JMS1 serves as an introduction to the fields of Journalism Studies, Media Studies, Cultural Studies, and Communication Studies. Students learn about the theory and practice of journalism, media production, and communication more generally. As part of such learning, they become familiar with core concepts in the study of media and communications, including normative theories of journalistic practice, the fundamentals of media law and ethics, and theories of genre. They apply such learning to the production of their own journalistic work, with an emphasis on content for web-based platforms.

In the School of JMS, we locate teaching and learning about the media within a Cultural Studies framework. We apply this framework to an exploration of the relationship between media and society. In JMS1, we achieve this purpose by organising the learning programme around the Circuit of Culture, which is a model of analysis drawn from Cultural Studies. This module emphasises different moments within processes of media production and communication, particularly the moments of production, representation, consumption, regulation, and identity. Each of the modules in our programme returns to the discussion of these moments. 

As part of this focus on the relationship between media and society, we pay particular attention to the South African context. We ask the broad question: What is it like to live in a highly mediated world in our highly unequal society? And what is at stake?

In these modules, you will experiment with different mediums, genres, and ideas spanning the world of journalism, communications, and media studies.

Semester One

Mapping the fields: what does it mean to live in a mediated world? Where do we stand in it, and why does this matter?

Digital storytelling: an introduction to storytelling from a personal perspective, with an emphasis on multimedia and digital technology.

Fact-based writing: learn how to do original research and interviews so that you can experiment with crafting different pieces of journalistic writing, from profiles to news features.

Media accountability and the law:From free speech to copyright and defamation, we give you the low-down on creating trustworthy and responsible media – led by ethical and legal principles.

Semester Two

Introduction to popular media culture: we take a look at popular culture through a number of different theoretical lenses, from investigative journalism to music videos and series. Learn how to decipher the underlying meanings behind the everyday messages we consume.

Introduction to media studies in the digital age: from news-writing bots to drone journalism, digital technology is changing everything about how we do what we do. Here we take core concepts from media studies and apply them to the ever-changing digital landscape of the 21st century.

Entry to JMS2

There are 120 places in JMS 2.

To make sure you qualify for a place, work consistently all year and aim for good marks in every course and exam. Hand in all work required for the coursework component of your courses. To miss even one assignment is to jeopardise your chance of a place.

You need to do VACATION WORK in the first half of the year to get industry-related experience. You must get a media-related job (minimum 40 hours) during the April or June vacations and/or you may choose to work for campus or Grahamstown media oulets such as Activate, The Oppidan Press, Grocott’s Mail, Audio Grahamstown or RMR during the course of the year, and/or complete a portfolio of tasks set by your lecturers throughout the year. Students who do a variety of media work are at an advantage in their applications, but only work from the current year will be considered. You will be briefed in more detail on what is to be included in your JMS2 application in the first term, and all relevant information will be posted online.

Your JMS2 application must contain the following:

1. A completed questionnaire that provides the information we require to help us realise the goals we have set ourselves as a school.
2. A concise and well-written motivation letter.
3. A portfolio of extra-mural activities: for example, evidence of active membership of student societies, a report on involvement in volunteer work, or a report on participation in any form of social action.
4. A critical reflection on your vacation work and/or campus media work.
5. An evaluation form to be completed by your media employer/s;

OR

1. At least 4 out of 6 portfolio assignments set by your lecturers throughout the year.
2. A questionnaire on your tutorial performance to be completed by your tutor. Your tutor will complete this on your behalf. You do not need to submit it yourself.

This information, your tutor’s report, and most importantly, your academic marks, are used to inform the selection process for acceptance into JMS2.

You will submit your application in October; date and place to be announced. You will not be considered for a place in JMS2 if you do not make this submission. When the final year results are announced we will offer 120 places to successful candidates. To ensure your place, you must send us a letter of confirmation (method to be specified) to reach the school by a set date to be announced. If we do not get your letter, we will not hold your place for you and it will be offered to someone else.

NB: You will not qualify to enter JMS 2 unless you have passed at least two other first year credits in addition to JMS 1. Vacation work is to be completed during the April and/or June/July vacations. Do not leave this to the September vacation.

Last Modified: Tue, 04 Apr 2023 16:08:04 SAST