SHS

Disciplines and Ideas in the

Applied Social Science
Module 23

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HUMMS – Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Science
Module 23
First Edition, 2020

Copyright © 2020
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Anna Lissa Rebosa Patacsil

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos, Jr., P II and Rodel Rimando

Management Team:

ATTY. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, Ph.D

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

German E. Flora, Ph.D, CID Chief

Virgilio C. Boado, Ph.D, EPS in Charge of LRMS

Mario B. Paneda, Ed.D, EPS in Charge of Araling Panlipunan

Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II

Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II

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Disciplines and Ideas in
the Applied Social
Science
Module 23

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 Target

Journalism and communication are two exciting areas of study that

encompass a range of disciplines, including psychology, economics and political
science. Through the Bachelor of Journalism and Communication (BJC) students
gain an exceptional understanding of how communication and news gathering
processes affect lives and how it can harness new technologies to enhance
communication process.

In your previous lessons, you are done with the definition of communication
and its goals. Communication is a process of sending messages through verbal
and/or nonverbal means--speech (oral communication), writing (written
communication), signs, signals and behavior. Communication goals can include
getting and giving motivation, persuading, ensuring understanding, getting action
and changing behavior.

This learning material will provide you with information and activities that
will help you understand and explain the roles and functions of communicators
and journalists.

After going through this learning material, you are expected to:

 explain the roles, functions and competencies of communicators and

journalists (HUMSS-DIASS12-Ij-32); and
 observe and live by the professional values expected from a
communicator and a journalist.

Before going on, check how much you know about this topic.
Answer the pretest on the next page in a separate sheet of paper.

In your previous learning material, you have learned about the disciplines of
communication. In this learning material, you will learn about the roles, functions
and competencies of communicators and journalists.

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 Jumpstart

For you to understand the lesson well, do the following activities.

Have fun and good luck!

Activity 1. Illustrated Word Game

Study the four illustrations. Guess the word that was illustrated.

Original illustrations of Rodel Rimando, SDO Illustrator (2020)

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

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Activity 2. Elicit Responses

How would you describe the professionals or practitioners in the discipline of

communication?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.

Discover

The discipline of communication is populated by a wide variety of

professionals who are in communication practice. They are creative artists, writers,
editors, journalists, bloggers, educators, social advocates, businessmen and
businesswomen, preachers, scientists, politicians and news announcers and
anchors. These professionals are bound together by a desire and drive to send and
receive messages and make an impact on their audience. Because communication
is the most natural thing for humans, these professionals specialize to serve the
general public and the public of their choices. They operate with a wide variety of
mediums and media.

Roles of Communicators and Journalists

The foremost important role of communicators and journalists is to make

available information and evidence to inform the public about issues that matter to
them in the most neutral way possible. They provide facts to the public to form a
judgement and decisions. In some cases, they facilitate accurate processing and
analysis of such facts in a professional and ethical way.

Functions of Communicators and Journalists

Their functions include: to collect and document information, facts and

opinions, and present them for public analysis and deepening to the root of reality.
To communicate is to deliver truth and facts. Professional communicators and

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journalists are at the service of truth. They gather news, facts, and information that
are critical to public life and well-being. The functions include being present where
the news is happening and having the ability to record what is happening
accurately with available technology.

Competence of Communicators and Journalists

The competencies of the communicators and journalists are along their

delivery of roles and functions. They need to have listening, reading, writing and
speaking skills. Listening, reading, writing data and information-gathering skills
are necessary for communication as tools. Poor writing and speaking skills can
distort the message regardless of the good intentions of the communicator.

Explore

Here are some enrichment activities for you to work on to master and
strengthen the basic concepts you have learned from this lesson.
Enrichment
Activity 1: Read
Me! Understand Me!

Directions: Read about the roles of communicators and journalists. Understand

what you are reading.

The main responsibility of a journalist is to report the news to the people, be

it in strata, politics, economics, business, science, sports or entertainment news in
truthful, unbiased and apolitical way.

Both the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) and the Office of

Communications code of conduct detail accuracy as one of the major guidelines
that journalists should respond to. The PCC works to enforce their code of conduct
in the newspaper industry and is the cornerstone of the system of self-regulation to
which the industry has made a binding commitment.

Whilst reporting the news, the journalists should take into consideration
the audience and prospective publication, their editor and importantly, their own
personal interest (for example, any legal obligations). While some journalists may
choose to go against what could perhaps be described as an ethical grain, others

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feel that a truly successful journalist would always consider them before
submitting anything for publication. However, one could put forward the interest of
public interest.

Accurate

A journalist has a service to the media prescribing public to make sure that the
news they report is accurate. Other laws are in place to make sure that journalists
do not impose upon court trials such as contempt of court.

Unbiased

Further to accuracy, journalists should ensure that their news writing is

unbiased and presents the basic facts for their audience to determine their own set
of judgement. Any opinions should be in the form of attributed quotes and a good
journalist will show both sides of the story.

Apolitical

Journalists should be nonpartisan or have no political affiliation. Hence,

they are free from political pressures or influences in making news reports and in
making judgements.

Plain English

To help with the readability and accessibility of their news stories,

journalists should ensure that their writing meets the style of their specific
publication and editor. Further to this, writing should be in plain English and
without jargon. This is especially important in writing stories from court cases,
council meetings and police statements.

Public Interest

The final area journalists wish to explore is public and human interest. For
their ethical responsibilities, journalists are encouraged to write interesting news
as that is what really sells newspapers. Public interest is the Holy Grail for
journalists and ideally all stories they write would draw a large amount of it.

Public interest can be used as a defense when journalists go a little too far
out of their way to obtain a story. For example, if a journalist goes against the
Communications code of conduct, but it can be said that the story holds a
significant amount of public interest, they may well escape unscathed. However, it
is easy to question the ethical consequences of these actions.

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 The journalist is not necessarily an advocate for the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child. While most people would favor protecting children and
ensuring the best for them, the journalist has a public-interest duty and adheres to
his/her professional ethics. The journalist retains the right to offer a critique where
appropriate and ensures that all voices are heard.

As discussed earlier, the media must act on public interest. It is widely

accepted that journalism’s role is to hold into account public personalities and
institutions whose functions affect social and political life. This is the source of
much of the material for stories. In the context of children’s rights and the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this can give us a new perspective.

For example, in a story about child abuse, the storyline should not just be
about the abuse itself, but governmental responsibility for children and their rights
and the protection children should have under the UN Convention. Almost all
countries in the world have ratified the convention and it is the job of the journalist
to hold these governments into account in light of the commitment they have made
by signing up the treaty.

Assessment 1.

Directions: Answer the following questions briefly. Use a separate sheet of paper
for your answers.

Q.1. Explain why the journalist has to ensure that the report they make is accurate
and free from bias.

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.

Q.2. A journalist has the responsibility of reporting news to the people in a truthful,
unbiased and apolitical way. What will happen if the journalist has political
affiliations? You may cite examples.

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
Q.3. Within the context of public interest, why should a journalist, not necessarily
be an advocate for the United Nation Convention of the Rights of the Child?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.

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Enrichment Activity 2. Correct Sequence

Directions: The functions of communicators and journalists are arranged in 3

simple steps. Arrange them by numbering them from 1-3.

_____ Editing and validating the data with facts and pictures

_____ Broadcasting the data/news to the masses through both print and
electronic -media

_____ Gathering data or news

Assessment 2.
Answer the question briefly.

Q.1. Why is it important for the communicators/journalists to validate the

data first before reporting them to the masses?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.

Enrichment Activity 3. Jumbled Words

Directions: Arrange the jumbled letters beside each illustration to form a word that
is very useful for a communicator and a journalist?

IGNLSITEN _________________

EARDNGI _________________

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 GWIRTNI _________________

KEASPGNI _________________

Original Illustrations of Rodel Rimando, SDO Illustrator (2020)

Assessment 3.

Direction: Answer the following questions briefly and concisely.

Q.1. What are the competencies/skills of a communicator or a journalist?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.

Q.2. Why do a communicator and journalist need these skills in their work?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.

Great job! You have understood the lesson. Are you ready to
summarize?
Essay Rubric

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Name: __________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Directions: Your essay will be graded based on this rubric. Consequently, use this rubric as a guide when writing
your essay and check it again before you submit your essay.

Essay Rubric

Traits 1 2 3 4

Focus & There is one clear, There is one clear, There is one topic. The topic and main
Details well-focused well-focused topic. The main ideas are ideas are not clear.
topic. The main The main ideas are somewhat clear.
ideas are clear clear but are not well
and are well supported by detailed
supported by and accurate
detailed and information.
accurate
information
Organization The introduction The introduction is The introduction There is no clear
is inviting, states inviting, states the states the main topic. introduction,
the main topic, main topic, and A conclusion is structure, or
and provides an provides an overview included. conclusion.
overview of the of the paper. A
paper. conclusion is
Information is included.
relevant and
presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is
strong.
Voice The author’s The author’s purpose The author’s purpose The author’s purpose
purpose of writing of writing is somewhat of writing is somewhat of writing is unclear.
is very clear, and clear, and there is clear, and there is
there is strong some evidence of evidence of attention
evidence of attention from the from the audience.
attention from the audience. The The author’s
audience. The author’s knowledge knowledge and/or
author’s extensive and/or experience experience with the
knowledge and/or with the topic is/are topic is/are limited.
experience with evident.
the topic is/are
evident.
Word Choice The author uses The author uses vivid The author used The author’s purpose
vivid words and words and phrases. words that of writing is done.
phrases. The The choice and communicate clearly,
choice and placement of words is but the writing lacks
placement of inaccurate at times variety.
words seem and/or seems
accurate, natural, overdone.
and not forced.
Sentence All sentences are Most sentences are Most sentences are Sentences sound
Structure, well constructed well constructed and well constructed and awkward, are
Grammar, and have varied have varied structure have a similar distractingly
Mechanics, & structure and and length. The structure and length. repetitive, or are
Spelling length. The author makes a few The author makes difficult to
author makes no errors in grammar, several errors in understand. The
errors in mechanics, and/or grammar, mechanics, author makes
grammar, spelling, but they do and/or spelling that numerous errors in
mechanics, not interfere with interferes with grammar, mechanics
and/or spelling. understanding. understanding. and/or spelling that
interfere with
understanding.
Reviewer’s
Comments

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 Deepen

Activity 1. Breaking News (Recorded Video Reporting)

Directions: You are to choose any of the breaking news. Prepare your news
segment. Read the criteria in scoring your output and performance on the next
page. Use it as your guide.

1. A hurricane is due to pass over the country next week. You’ve been told to report
about it. Prepare your news segment.

 Where will it strike?

 How strong will the winds blow?
 What is the category of the hurricane?
 What is the government saying?
 What should people do?
 Do you have any advice on how to stay safe?

2. A murder has happened in a quiet neighborhood. You’re on duty to report the

case on the news. Prepare your news segment.

 What happened? When did it happen?

 Who was murdered?
 What is the police saying?
 What are the residents saying?
 Are they scared?
 Is the killer still at large?

3. You are going to interview Coco Martin/Angel Locsin tonight. Prepare your
questions and ask them to the actor/actress.

 What new film is he/she in?

 What does he/she like to do?
 What is his/her upcoming film?
 What other questions would you like to ask them?
 Find out more about what their future holds.

4. The bank has been robbed and is closed until further notice. People can’t
withdraw, change or deposit money. It’s chaos. You are to report the story.

 When did it happen?

 How did it happen? How many robbers were there?
 Was there anyone hurt?
 What’s happening in town?
 When will it reopen?

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  What else is happening?

5. The government has voted to stop funding students’ stipends. Students are
angry and there are protests outside the parliament.

 What can you say?

 What is going on?
 What are people saying?
 Is it getting dangerous and violent, or is it peaceful?
 Has the government made any statement yet?

6. A deadly virus has been discovered and has infected people nationwide. Give
your news segment on it.

 Where did it start?

 Do you know how it is transmitted yet?
 Has anyone died? How many?
 Is it spreading fast? What are the symptoms?
 What was being done to control it?
 What can be done to stay safe?
 Any last advice.

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Name: __________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Rubric For Evaluating News Reports

Criteria 4 3 2 1
Opening & Clearly, quickly Established focus of The audience had Little or no
Introduction established the the speech, but not an idea of what introduction,
focus of the speech, very clear. Gained was coming, but such that
gained audience attention. the introduction audience did not
attention did not clarify the know the
main focus. speaker’s main
focus.

Content Main items in the Main items of the The audience Presentation
headline clearly headline fairly infers main jumps between
stated and clear; some missing headlines; holes random topics.
explained; logical, links or transitions. are evident. Main items of
smooth headline unclear.
organization
Clarity & Highly detailed, Reports all the Reports the news Incomplete,
Organization well organized, news items in an items without reports, few
shows a strong organized way. much research. details, too brief,
research of the disorganized or
issues covered. confusing.

Voice and Manner Loud, clear, relaxed Loud, clear, with Varies from loud Difficult to hear
with few pauses. some pauses to and clear to or understand,
Well prepared, gather thoughts. difficult to seems
presentation. Seems well understand, unprepared or
prepared, seems prepared, has body
somewhat nervous. may have some movement that
nervous and significantly
distracting distract the
behavior. listeners.

Eye Contact Consistent eye Eye contact mainly Sometimes looks Little or no eye
contact with many with the teacher or at the audience; contact with the
members of the one member of the often looks at audience.
audience; rarely audience; notes or
looks at notes. occasionally refers elsewhere.
to notes.

Audience Listens attentively Listens and Listens, but Does not listen or
& remembers the participates. doesn’t participate in
important news participate. discussions.
items.

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 Gauge

Directions: Read carefully each item. Write only the letter of the best answer for
each test item. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.

1. A journalist’s first obligation is to the truth. Which best explains this statement?

A. A journalist serves as a monitor of the powerful and offers voice to the

voiceless.

B. When citizens have reliable access to information, bad people would be able to
get away with their crimes.

C. This is an essential thing for a democratic society to have where everyone is

ready to doubt everything.

D. When citizens have reliable access to information that they trust is truthful,
they can make better decisions and better govern themselves.

2. Which situation shows that a journalist ensures that his news writing is
unbiased and presents the basic facts for his/her audience to determine their
own set of judgement?

A. A journalist will show both sides of the story.

B. A journalist will uphold the interest of the public.

C. A journalist will use plain English in his news report.

D. A journalist will serve as the defender of the poor only.

3. The journalist is not necessarily an advocate of the rights of the child. What
could be the best explanation for this statement?

A. This is to ensure that all the voices are heard.

B. This is to avoid the prejudices of the public and the few elite.

C. This is to provide unequal opportunities for both parties to be heard.

D. This is to ensure that the government will act to solve the problem of child
abuse.

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4. Powerful people often get away with their bad deeds. If a journalist was not there
to expose them, these powerful people would just get away with it. Which role of
a journalist is being fulfilled?

A. A journalist as the defendant and champion of the less fortunate people

B. A journalist as the critique of the works of the powerful people in their

country

C. A journalist as an independent monitor of power and offers a voice for the

voiceless

D. A journalist as the spy who works as an undercover for the government to

solve crimes

5. Why is it important for the journalists to validate data gathered with facts and
pictures first before reporting them to the masses?

A. It is done to safeguard the credibility of the journalist.

B. It is done because their stories are intended for publication.

C. It is done to impress their readers and audience with their stories.

D. It is conscientiously made to ensure complete accuracy in their stories.

6. How can lack of competencies such as writing and speaking of communicators

and journalists risk the delivery of their roles and functions?

A. Poor writing and speaking skills can bring misfortunes to their readers and
audience.

B. Lack of skills in reading and writing cannot qualify anyone to become a

communicator or a journalist.

C. Lack of competencies among the communicators can do no harm because

their work will not be published anyway.

D. Poor writing and speaking skills can distort the message regardless of the
good intentions of the communicator/journalist.

7. Which of the following is a function of a journalist or communicator?

A. To collect and document information

B. To communicate and deliver truths and facts

C. To report news that was not presented for public analysis

D. To be wherever the news is happening and be a silent observer

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8. A journalist must be an independent voice. He should not act formally or
informally on behalf of special interest, whether political, corporate or cultural.
In which situation shows that a journalist is apolitical?

A. The journalist secretly meets an influential person for personal reasons.

B. The journalist endorses a particular politician to a higher government

position.

C. The journalist sees to it that the good deeds of the candidate will not be
published.

D. The journalist does not accept any invitation or bribe from any politician
during the election campaign.

9. Why does freedom of speech increase the controversial nature of media ethics?

A. Media ethics deals with voluntary conduct.

B. Many people are afraid to raise their opinion.

C. Many people feel free to speak out against ethics.

D. Some countries do not encourage freedom of speech.

10. Which of the following is NOT one of the roles of an independent journalist?

A. Bring diverse interest together to solve certain problems.

B. Provide independent voice by standing up and be counted.

C. Reporting the news that is democratic, substantive and balance.

D. Tap the expertise of many partners to name problems and frame a set of
solutions.

11. A journalist should be good in writing and in speaking. What happens if a

journalist is poor in writing and speaking?

A. Poor writing and speaking skills can distort the message.

B. Poor writing and speaking skills can destroy the message.

C. Poor writing and speaking skills can lessen the effect of the message.

D. Poor writing and speaking skills can strengthen the effect of the message.

12. Professional communicators are at the service of truth. While reporting the
news, the journalists should take into consideration important factors. Which
should be taken with the greatest consideration?

A. The editor
B. The audience
C. Legal obligations
D. Prospective publication

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13. A journalist could put forward the interest of public interest. They gather news,
facts, and information that are critical to public life and well-being. The
functions include being present where the news is happening and having the
ability to record what is happening accurately with available technology. Why
should a journalist go to where the news is happening?

A. To ensure accuracy of his news story

B. To ensure the quality of his news story

C. To ensure the readers’ entertainment of his news story

D. To ensure high saleability of his news story to the public.

14. The credibility of the journalist is very important in making his news stories.
Which situation shows the credibility of a journalist?

A. A journalist never listens to anyone’s opinions and point of view.

B. A journalist makes his news stories with accuracy and objectivity.

C. A journalist gets money from influential people for his news stories.

D. A journalist makes his news stories with accuracy and subjectivity.

15. Independent journalists have different important roles in covering rural-urban

and other kinds of complex issues. Which role is being demonstrated when they
stand up and be counted?

A. Help clear the fog

B. Dig deep and fill the gaps

C. Provide the independent voice

D. Bring diverse interest together

Great job! You are almost done with this learning material.

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Answer Key

15. C

14. D

13. A

12. C

11. B

10. D

9. D

8. D

7. B

6. D

5. D

4. C

3. A

2. A

1. D

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References

Printed Materials

Bernardo, R. B. & Ranche, C. R. (2016). Professionals and Practitioners in

Communication. Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences.1st
Edition, pp. 89-98.

Sampa, E. S. (2016). Professional and Practitioners in Communication. Disciplines

and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences.1st Edition, pp 122-123.

Website

Ahmad Z. (2013, June 30) Roles and Responsibilities of Journalist. Retrieved July
22, 2020 from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/journalism/roles and
responsibilities-of-journalist.php

Bradley, J. S. (2008, September 8). The Functions of a Journalist.Retrieved July

22, 2020 from http://www.slideshare.net/jadedbradley/the-functions-of-a-
journalist-presentation

International Reading Association (2013). Essay rubrics. Retrieved July 22, 2020
from
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/printouts/Essay%20Rubric.
pdf

Rimando, Rodel. Illustrations for illustrating words. Retrieved July 10, 2020 from
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KXrpwR_mM7DbuPCON_F55La0w
SV9mvH5?usp=sharing

Rubric News Reports (2017). Retrieved July 24, 2020 from

http://cwsei.ubc.ca/resources/files/RubricNewsReports.pdf

Williams, E. (2018, June 29). Duties and Responsibilities of Journalists. Retrieved

July 20, 2020 from
http://outlookafghanistan.net/topics.php?post_id=7750#ixzz6StzGYnkg

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