Journalism is considered a “knowledge profession” (Donsbach, 2014), and journalists have been described as “knowledge brokers” (Gesualdo et al., 2020). Building on these concepts, the course delves into the methodology of one of the largest comparative research endeavors in communication research: the Worlds of Journalism Study (WJS). We examine its sampling strategy, questionnaire design, and approaches to data analysis, with a particular focus on critically reflecting on Western biases in journalism research.

Based on their reading and discussion of the relevant literature, students will critically review existing measures and develop their own approaches to measurement and data analysis.

Introductory literature:

Donsbach, W. (2014). Journalism as the new knowledge profession and consequences for journalism education. Journalism, 15(6), 661–677.

Gesualdo, N., Weber, M. S., & Yanovitzky, I. (2020). Journalists as knowledge brokers. Journalism Studies, 21(1), 127–143.

Worlds of Journalism Study: https://worldsofjournalism.org/wjs3/

Course requirements and assessment:

In accordance with the study regulations, students are required to prepare two short presentations (10 minutes each), one focusing on measurement and the other on analytical strategies, and to reflect on their proposed approaches in a project report of 13–15 pages. The report is due on 15 March 2027.

Important note for incoming Erasmus students: Please note that this is a Master’s-level seminar and is therefore only open to MA students.

Kurs im HIS-LSF