Undergraduate - UnitATS3645 - Journalism and social research

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

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

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Organisational Unit	Journalism
Offered	Caulfield Second semester 2014 (Day) Caulfield Second semester 2014 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Deb Anderson

Notes

Previously coded JCS3603

Synopsis

This unit provides students with a thorough, critical introduction to the quantitative and qualitative methodologies of research in the social sciences for journalistic purposes, with an emphasis on computer-assisted research. Topics covered include introductory statistics, accessing and using databases in Australia, Europe and North America, archival and documentary research, memory and oral history, analysis of financial statements and company records, epidemiology, focus groups and interviewing.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students should be able to

demonstrate a superior knowledge and critical capacity to make effective usage of a range of social science research methodologies
demonstrate an advanced ability to use, discuss and analyse research and methodological techniques and approaches in a clear, concise and rigorous way
collaborate constructively with fellow students in learning and discussion processes, including online forums
produce their written work to deadline making effective use of the conventions of scholarly presentation (references, bibliography, etc)
work independently and in groups to achieve their learning outcomes
demonstrate a critical awareness of the strengths, limitations and socio-professional implications of scientific research practices for journalism

Assessment

Minimum requirement: attendance and participation as specified in the Unit Guide for the mode of delivery.
Minor project (1500 words): 30%
Class presentation and report (500 words): 20%
Major project (2500 words): 50%