I am aware that teaching this subject may be difficult, for undergrads they might not see the relevance in learning about a Limerick based newspaper if they have no association with the area. For this reason, I think it best that this subject would be taught as a case study. In this format I could present my research on The Limerick Leader as an example of a local newspaper, and the students could then use what they have learned to research their own local newspapers or even other media outlets.
Aim of Module
- To show students the relevance of popular local press in society and its importance as a legitimate historical source.
Module Content/Areas of Research
- A brief historical accounnt of the Limerick Leader.
- Understanding why this paper and other local publications are worthy of research.
- The Leader in society.
- Breaking Stories and their effects.
- Battling against Limericks negative reputation in the media.
- Journalism and reporting - The leader as a stepping stone? A look at Fergal Keane.
- The successes and failures of the leader from 1889 to present.
Presentation and Teaching
- Teaching oints of my research in a classroom that can act as a foundation for multiple class discussion on various topics.
- Case Study Format - Using the example of a specific outlet to teach skills and methods that can be applied to other research topics.
- Engagement with primary sources - Limerick Leader articles that are available in UL library and online.
- Using powerpoint and presentations as opposed to mundane lecturing.
- Involvement of guest speakers - faculty from The Limerick Leader.
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
- Engage with primary sources.
- Show interview and research skills.
- Apply skills to other media outlets.
- Participate in gropu discussion.
- Understand and Evaluate the importance of regional press.
Assessment
- MCQ quiz, small percentage, based on central important facts specifically concerning the Limerick Leader.
- Class attendance and participation.
- A choice of essay questions based specifically on the Limerick Leader.
- A choice of general essay questions that can be answered based on what has been learned in class.
2 comments:
Interesting topic Emma I think it would be a very good module especially as newspapers can often be deemed as perhaps unreliable sources due to the bias of journalists etc.
However of course they are often our only historical source for certain areas of history and so think it is very worthwhile to emphasise their importance.
The example of The Limerick Leader would also be benificial as nationally Limerick receives negative media coverage while in Limerick the portrayal is of course more fair and thus more reliable and accurate. Such a paper would thus counter other portrayals of Limerick in newspapers and reveal the importance of accuracy in journalism and how factors such as location, reputation and sensationalism can often play a huge role in how stories are written etc.
After completing some research, I actually think that it is not possible to say that Limerick based newspapers are more fair and reliable. Evidently they too are bias in a way, as they have to appeal to their target market which is the people of Limerick and these people do not like to have their city viewed in negative ways in any shape or form. Therefore the Leader along with other Limerick newspapers has to portray Limerick positively in their reporting. It is impossible to find a single newspaper without some kind of ulterior motive or bias opinion!
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