Class Theories of Journalism

In Theories of Journalism, the roots of university studies in the area of journalism are sought, the concept of journalistic objectivity is analyzed and the power of journalism and journalists is discussed. The goal is to unveil the backstage of the media and deconstruct the path that information takes until it becomes news. The contemporary crisis of journalism and its implications for the future of the profession and democracy will be debated throughout the semester.

1. From roots to theories
1.1. Historical context of the emergence of media studies
1.2. Theories about media and journalism
1.2.1. The mirror theory
1.2.2. The gatekeeper theory
1.2.3. Organizational theory
1.2.4. The agenda-setting theory
1.2.5. Constructivist theories
1.2.5. The news criteria
1.3. The «strategic ritual» of objectivity

2. The power of journalism
2.1. The «natural history» of Media Theory
2.2. The ideological nature of news in the press
2.3. Media: «instrument of powers», «fourth power» or «counterpower»?
2.4. Reconfiguring the power of the media and the influence of the internet

3. The power of journalists
3.1. The journalist's place in political and media apparatus
3.2. Journalism within the communication professions
3.3. The journalistic field
3.4. Autonomy and independence of the journalist

4. The Future of Journalism
4.1. The crisis or the crises?
4.2. Journalism and Democracy
4.3. New journalistic theories

Throughout the semester, we appeal on the permanent critical participation of students in the debate of the issues addressed. Theories of Journalism has four teaching hours per week. Two of these hours are dedicated to lectures on theoretical exposition and clarification of doubts (whenever necessary). In the other two hours, a model of cases' analysis is followed. The assessment is divided by a test (50%) and a final, individual work, of theoretical reflection on one of the topics of the subject (50%).

Bourdieu, P. (1997). Sobre a Televisão. Oeiras: Celta.

Hanitzsch, T., & Wahl-Jorgensen, K. (Editors). (2009). The Handbook of Journalism Studies. New York and London: Routledge.

Kovach, B., & Rosenstiel, T. (2004). Os Elementos do Jornalismo ¿ O que os profissionais do jornalismo devem saber e o público deve exigir. Porto: Porto Editora.

McQuail, D. (2003). Teoria da Comunicação de Massas. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.

Mesquita, M. (2004). O Quarto Equívoco ¿ O Poder dos Media na Sociedade Contemporânea. Coimbra: MinervaCoimbra.

Traquina, N. (2002). Jornalismo. s.l.: Quimera.

Traquina, N. (Org). (1993). Jornalismo: Questões, Teorias e «Estórias». Lisboa: Vega.