Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

This course immerses students in the dynamic, changing and fast-paced world of journalism production. It also critically examines the media's influential role in the production and dissemination of particular types of knowledge about the world.

Gippsland students have access to a new journalism hub and the latest Macintosh computers for researching and producing stories. Lecturers are experienced industry professionals and academics who guide and support students through the exciting processes of news production, alongside critical engagement with media theory.

Students begin producing news stories within the first weeks of the course, developing a news sense, interviewing sources and gathering news in a regional setting. The course incorporates the fundamentals of reportage with the demands of cutting-edge technology and explores the constant dilemmas and pressure of delivering news around the clock.

In the final year of the course students have the opportunity to work in various media organisations alongside experienced professionals in their local area, honing and expanding skills developed during the course.

The degree is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to enable graduates to seek employment in a variety of media and communication industries. Students will graduate with a broad understanding of news production and a considered view of the media's influence in society.

Areas of study

In addition to the journalism major, minors can be taken in:

• Australian Indigenous studies
• Australian studies
• communications
• community studies
• history-politics
• philosophy
• psychological studies
• psychology
• public relations
• social and community welfare
• sociology
• writing.

For information on the journalism major and all minors offered, refer to the 'Areas of study' section in this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-arts.html.

Students must complete the following:

(a.) a journalism major (48 points) - as on-campus and off-campus sequences differ, refer to 'Areas of study' at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2010handbooks/aos/arts-ug-journalism.html for details

(b.) an arts minor (24 points)

(c.) a further 24 points at first-year level including:

• COM1010 Media studies
• COM1020 Introduction to communication studies

(d.) additional units to make up a total of 144 points.

No more than 10 units (60 points) are to be completed at a first-year level.

Students must complete a minimum of 36 points at third-year level (across the duration of the degree).

Of the 144 points, 96 points must be completed within the Faculty of Arts. The remaining 48 points may be taken from disciplines in the Faculty of Arts or disciplines outside the faculty.

Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)