Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit enables students to experience contemporary media in print, audio-visual, public relations, or online settings. In consultation with the unit coordinator, students are assigned to industry placements in the commercial, government, or community sectors. Students build on skills and knowledge they have acquired in earlier units. They learn the ways theories of journalism apply to methods and practices in journalism and related occupations. They also develop critical insights to the profession of journalism in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse mass media environment

Objectives

This unit will:

1. Equip students with skills required to work in a professional media environment;
2. Provide experiential knowledge of the ways professional standards, methods, and practices apply in a particular media outlet;
3. Gain an understanding of professional relationships among practitioners, owners, and consumers of media;
4. Improve the ability to meet news writing and production deadlines;
5. Apply journalism skills acquired in undergraduate study, including the techniques of journalistic writing, interviewing, and news gathering;
6. Demonstrate the ability to analyse the relationship between journalism theory and practice in a contemporary workplace.

Assessment

Professional practice skills acquired during placement (minimum 70 hours) and awarded in consultation with placement provider, work portfolio or account: 50%
Critical analysis of professional practice experience, (1000 words) 20%
Class presentation: 10% (off campus students place presentations online)
Essay (1000 words): 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Elizabeth Hart

Contact hours

1 hour seminar in weeks 1 and 13. Consultation with unit leader during placement.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Journalism

Prerequisites

ATS1330 and ATS1331, plus three second level journalism units

Prohibitions

GSC3902, JRN3902