Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an opportunity for a detailed research and reporting exercise at a high level. Students choose their particular focus and medium on the basis of their undergraduate specialisations. Lectures and case studies will be presented relevant to the students' nominated interests, and students will engage constructively and critically with each other's contributions via a MUSO site. There will be a series of lectures and learning materials drawing on the JCS Journalism Studies strand of subjects, and students will be required to complete and defend a scholarly exegesis of their journalistic practice and production.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an advanced ability to identify and research a story, conduct interviews and gather appropriate evidentiary material in the appropriate medium;
2. demonstrate an advanced ability to report in a clear, concise, factual and meaningful way using a variety of elements in a coherent package;
3. identify, observe key ethical and legal obligations associated with journalism, and reflect critically on their own and others' performance in this regard;
4. reflect on their professional practice and production in a scholarly exegesis in both written and verbal modes;
5. work independently and in groups to achieve their learning outcomes;
6. demonstrate an ability to set and meet deadlines, and report under pressure;
7. demonstrate a critical awareness of the capacities, limitations and socio-professional implications of journalistic practices with respect to their chosen field of reporting;
8. demonstrate an advanced capacity at an Honours level for professional journalistic practice.

Assessment

Minimum requirement: attendance and participation
Minor project (3000 words): 30%
Major project (feature/current affairs report - 5000 words or 20 mins): 50%
+ Online critical reflection/exegesis and in-class invigilation: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Peter Manning

Contact hours

One 3-hour seminar per week