12. Module ContentThis module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an in-depth journalistic investigation into a specialist journalism topic of your choice. You will be introduced to advanced tools for investigative journalism, including modern technology and database journalism, computer assisted research and consulting public records, but also freedom of information legislation and social networking. You will learn how to access contacts, gain the trust of witnesses and evaluate tip-offs and information from human sources such as insiders, whistle-blowers, axe grinders, corporate representatives or consumers. You will discuss ways to check the authenticity of documents, to uncover miscarriages of justice and carefully guarded evidence for political and corporate corruption, and to see through inaccurate claims made by professional propaganda machineries. Following the money is key to any journalistic enquiry, so you’ll be introduced to the global world of business and finance, gain an insight into the impact markets thousands of miles away can have, and gain an understanding of political risk and why it matters. You’ll be introduced to key issues in global economics and to the way organisations report their finances, and you’ll learn what to look for in financial statements. You’ll learn to track the financial trail of international criminal networks, unearth financial secrets buried in tax havens and to understand and unpick company and stock market records with a view to informing your investigation. You’ll receive tips for building a sturdy case, formulating a strong story and managing an investigation over a sustained period of time. You will be introduced to strategies for finding exclusives, for identifying ideal interviewees, and learn to digest complex information and to package stories to appeal to non-specialist audiences. You will also compare ethical, regulatory and legal frameworks for investigative journalism around the world, including press freedom and censorship, the rise of super-injunctions, libel laws, privacy laws, anonymity, confidentiality and the protection of sources in different world regions. You’ll debate the value of going undercover, taking on a false identity, fabricating set-ups, employing private investigation agencies and check book journalism. Finally, you’ll also learn about the practical and legal implications of cross-border investigations.