Below are a sample of syllabi I have developed and slides of a variety of lectures delivered.
This is the syllabus for an MA module, Innovations in Journalism, to prepare students for evolving industry trends, including examinations of newer forms of journalism. explores the latest developments in the field, with an emphasis on both technological advancements and emerging practices in journalism. For example, I teach a session on augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) journalism entirely in a virtual environment using Meta Quest headsets, giving students an immersive, hands-on experience. Beyond technology, the module challenges students to examine new approaches to journalism that question established industry norms and challenge traditional media structures. Guest lecturers—including experts on drone journalism and advocacy journalism—further enhance students’ exposure to cutting-edge practices. A fact-checking assignment has also been incorporated, requiring students to apply rigorous critical analysis aligned with postgraduate expectations. This approach not only builds their practical skills but also encourages critical examination of journalism's evolving role in society.
MS-M18 module handbook (docx)
DownloadThis is the syllabus for Misinformation, Fake News and Fact-Checking, a second-year undergraduate course at Swansea University developed to address contemporary media challenges in a (mis)information ecology. Designed to be both rigorous and engaging, the module integrates formative assessments throughout, allowing students to practice fact-checking from the outset. For example, before the first session, students fact-check the module handbook for deliberate errors, while later formative assessments include verifying contradictory information about the module and real-time fact-checking of lecture content. I aim to balance serious inquiry with engaging activities; in one session on conspiracy theories, for example, students debate the 'flat earth theory' using ‘evidence’ from the Flat Earth Society, followed by a more sober examination of White Replacement Theory from a guest lecturer from the Southern Poverty Law Center who is an expert on white nationalist conspiracies.
MS-241 module handbook 2024-25 (docx)
DownloadThis is the syllabus for a course I developed on Social Media and Strategic Communication. The course is a mix of communication theory and practice-based assignments. For the final project, students produce a campaign for a non-profit organization. They must produce a website, video content, press releases, social media content, Alternative Story Forms and a strategy outline. Their final pitches are evaluated by a team of "angel investors" from a leading marketing agency, Ayima. I have partnered with Ayima with their staff providing guest lectures on areas of personal expertise most weeks of the course.
Social Media and Strategic Communication (pdf)
DownloadThis syllabus is for a course on Ethics in the Media. Topics covered include: the role of the media in society; how media influence politics and social issues; freedom of expression and censorship. We examine the ethics of being a good (or bad) journalist, the commercialization of society and whether social media is good or bad for us. Each class involves a lecture component augmented by student discussion, presentations and weekly examinations of case studies. The students take a trip to a children's marketing agency, Superawesome, and a guest speaker from Spin Brands relates the ethical issues which have been faced by their company.
Ethics in the Media (pdf)
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