Aims

By the end of the course, students will have the necessary (factual and contextual) basis and
information research methods needed to follow the most important current events.

Main themes

To provide students with the tools and data they need to acquire, within the context of their
information and communication training, an adequate understanding of the chief components of Belgian and international current events, and to monitor this understanding. The course aims to follow recent current events, and re situate the issues addressed in their political, economic, social, historical, cultural and societal setting.

Content and teaching methods

To this end:
the first part of the course will address questions of methodology when searching for sources of information;
the second part of the course will consist of a study and overview of the main news items; invited guests will complement students' understanding of the matters analysed;
seminars aimed at students' appropriation of an understanding of current events will be organised at as part of the course throughout the year;
at the end of each semester, a panel of teachers in the Department and of journalists will ask each student about items addressed and about current affairs.
At the end of the year, the putting together of dossiers of information and a journalistically based confrontation with a leading political figure will provide students with an opportunity to display the skill they have developed during the course.
The course requires active, ongoing participation on the part of students both in following current events and in putting together dossiers of information.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Assessment
The seminars, which will aim to develop students' understanding of current events, will include a weekly assessment. To assess the dossiers presented to the course, students will also be questioned twice a year by a panel consisting mainly of information professionals.
Support
General documents, reference materials and notes will be made available to students.
Supervision
The course will call for special supervision by an Assistant because of the weekly assessment. It will also require interventions by outside experts.

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