Undergraduate - UnitATS3808 - Investigative reporting

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 First semester 2014 (Day) Caulfield First semester 2014 (Off-campus) Malaysia First semester 2014 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Mr William Birnbauer

Notes

Previously coded JRN3303

Synopsis

This unit provides a detailed exploration of the research and reporting practices for in depth investigative reporting. It canvasses the major documentary and database sources, contemporary case studies, key institutions, and legal framework in this field. It places contemporary practices in their larger historical and geographical contexts, and critically considers the professional and social implications and accountabilities of reporting in this specialized field. Contact the unit coordinator for details.

Outcomes

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

demonstrate an ability to identify and research an investigative story, conduct interviews and gather appropriate evidentiary material in the appropriate medium
demonstrate an ability to report on an investigation in a clear, concise, factual and meaningful way using a variety of elements in a coherent package.
identify, observe key ethical and legal obligations associated with investigative journalism, and reflect critically on their own and others' performance in this regard
work independently and collaboratively in learning and production processes, including online forums, to produce investigative reports
demonstrate an ability to set and meet deadlines, and report under pressure
demonstrate an awareness of local, national and international people and events relevant to current issues and media issues
demonstrate a critical awareness of the capacities, limitations and socio-professional implications of reporting practices in investigative journalism.

Assessment

Minor project 1(800 words plus 300 word reflection): 15%
Minor Project 2(1000 words plus 400 word reflection): 30%
Major Project(2000 words plus 500 word reflection): 45%
Online contribution: 10%