Monash University Handbook 2011 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.

This course consists of a journalism major, an arts minor, a core unit and additional units to a total value of 144 points.

Students must complete the following:

(a.) a journalism major (48 points)

As on-campus and off-campus sequences differ, refer to the journalism entry in 'Areas of study' at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/ug-journalism.html for details

(b.) an arts minor in a different available area of study (24 points)

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

• ATS1277 Media studies
• ATS1278 Introduction to communication studies

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

By combining some of the core arts requirements, students can complete a double major in two different arts disciplines. For more details on this option, contact the Faculty of Arts.

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.

Areas of Study

Minors can be taken in the following available areas of study:

• Australian Indigenous studies
• Australian studies
• communications
• community studies
• community welfare and counselling
• history-politics
• philosophy
• psychological studies
• psychology
• public relations

social and community welfare

• sociology
• writing

Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)