NMD3901 Digital Investigative Journalism Bahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementBologna CommissionNational Qualifications
ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
NMD3901 Digital Investigative Journalism Fall 2 2 3 10
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Assist. Prof. BEHLÜL ÇALIŞKAN
Course Lecturer(s): Assist. Prof. BEHLÜL ÇALIŞKAN
Recommended Optional Program Components: None.
Course Objectives: Journalism is changing and so is investigative journalism. Investigative journalism is affected by emerging digital media and investigative journalists increasingly work in interdisciplinary teams drawing on expertise from fields such as law, economy, information technology and social science. This course aims to encourage investigative journalism in digital times, and seeks to deepen the understanding and knowledge of digital investigative journalism.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
The students who have succeeded in this course;
- has acquired knowledge on the variety of theories and methodologies within digital investigative journalism.
- has acquired solid knowledge on leaks and whistleblowing as well as related cases.
- has got advanced insight into how to collaborate across borders by using digital tools.
- has developed an advanced knowledge and understanding for ethical perspectives of digital investigative
journalism.
- can conduct an investigative journalistic project with digital methodologies.
- can analyze and reflect upon both traditional investigative journalism as well as recently developed methods and genres.
- can analyze theory and methodology of investigative journalism and also develop new ways to reflect upon modernized genres.
- is able to reflect upon and analyze both organizational and practical aspects of investigative journalism.
- is capable of gathering data in national as well as international contexts.
- is capable of analyzing other aspects of working with investigative journalism.

Course Content

- To be able to comprehend the reactions of the readers, the listeners, the audiences and the users to the changing roles of media environments, and to be able to provide and circulate an original content for them and to predict future trends.
- To be able to grasp global and technological changes in the field of communication, and the relations due to with their effects on the local agents.
- To be able to develop skills on gathering necessary data by using scientific methods, analyzing and circulating them in order to produce content.
- To be able to develop acquired knowledge, skills and competence upon social aims by being legally and ethically responsible for a lifetime, and to be able to use them in order to provide social benefit.
- To be able to operate collaborative projects with national/international colleagues in the field of new media, journalism and communication.
- To be able to improve skills on creating works in various formats and which are qualified to be published on the prestigious national and international channels.

Course Teaching Method includes discussion, case study, demonstration and practice, assignments, project preparation, individual and group work.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Overview of the course, the syllabus and the textbooks
2) Investigative journalism in the digital age
3) Open-source intelligence and journalism
4) Investigating people and social media accounts
5) Search techniques on the internet
6) Investigating websites
7) Image and video verification
8) Geolocation
9) Network analysis
10) Leaks journalism
11) Data journalism
12) Collaborative investigations across borders
13) Presentation of projects
14) Review of the semester

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Gray, J., Chambers L., Bounegru L. (Ed.) (2018). The Data Journalism Handbook. How Journalists Can Use Data to Improve the News. http://datajournalismhandbook.net/1.0/en/.

https://www.cjr.org/tow_center_reports/guide-to-osint-and-hostile-communities.php
References: Gray, J., Chambers L., Bounegru L. (Ed.) (2018). The Data Journalism Handbook. How Journalists Can Use Data to Improve the News. http://datajournalismhandbook.net/1.0/en/.

https://www.cjr.org/tow_center_reports/guide-to-osint-and-hostile-communities.php

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 13 % 10
Midterms 1 % 40
Final 1 % 50
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 50
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 50
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 2 28
Application 14 2 28
Study Hours Out of Class 14 14 196
Midterms 1 4 4
Final 1 4 4
Total Workload 260

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Build up a body of knowledge in mathematics, science and Energy Systems Engineering subjects; use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve complex engineering problems.
2) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex Energy Systems Engineering problems; select and apply proper modeling and analysis methods for this purpose.
3) Ability to design complex Energy systems, processes, devices or products under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; apply modern design methods for this purpose.
4) Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for solving complex problems in Energy Systems Engineering practice; employ information technologies effectively.
5) Ability to design and conduct numerical or pysical experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for investigating the complex problems specific to Energy Systems Engineering.
6) Ability to cooperate efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; and show self-reliance when working on Energy Systems-related problems
7) Ability to communicate effectively in English and Turkish (if he/she is a Turkish citizen), both orally and in writing. Write and understand reports, prepare design and production reports, deliver effective presentations, give and receive clear and understandable instructions.
8) Recognize the need for life-long learning; show ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continuously educate oneself. 3
9) Develop an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility, and behave accordingly. Be informed about the standards used in Energy Systems Engineering applications.
10) Learn about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; develop an awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
11) Acquire knowledge about the effects of practices of Energys Systems Engineering on health, environment, security in universal and social scope, and the contemporary problems of Energys Systems engineering; is aware of the legal consequences of Energys Systems engineering solutions.