JRN2903 - Online journalism

Leader(s): Dr Usha Manchanda Rodrigues

Offered

Berwick Second semester 2009 (Day)
Caulfield Second semester 2009 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2009 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Sunway Second semester 2009 (Day)
Singapore Second semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit is designed to develop students' skills in the area of online journalism. It considers the role of the journalist in the 'information society'; issues of access to and distribution of information; and the applications and potentials of online and convergence journalism. The legal and ethical issues confronting the online journalist will be considered. The wider implications of the electronic networks and online news outlets will be addressed through contemporary debates, for example the projected demise of newspapers; the role of electronic literacy in contemporary society; the emergence of multi-media story telling and convergence journalism.

Objectives

At the end of the semester, students will have a good knowledge of:

1. the development of the Internet, in particular the world wide web, and its impact on the media and in the society; 2. the critical discourses related to the information society;

3. the differences between traditional print and broadcast journalism, and online and convergence journalism;

4. how the practice of journalism is being shaped by new information technologies;

5. what skills are needed to work as an online or multi-media journalist;

6. the ethical and legal issues confronting online journalists;

7. what skills are required to produce a multi-media news web site.

Assessment

Written assignments: 50% (2000 words)
Multi-media project: 40%
Team work and participation: 10%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour laboratory) per week

Prerequisites

JRN1902 and JRN1903 or equivalents

Prohibitions

GSC2903, GSC3913, JRN3903