ATS2087 - Lifestyle journalism - 2017

This unit explores the research and reporting practices of Lifestyle Journalism, which fall into the category of popular journalism. Lifestyle Journalism is associated with travel, entertainment, leisure/fashion, lifestyle, food, music, arts and gardening. Each time it is offered this unit will focus on four of those categories, which may change from time to time. Students will produce multimedia packages.

Students will also develop a special project through individual consultation with the tutor or lecturer to produce a high standard of lifestyle journalism.

The successful packages will be showcased on Monash's journalism website, Mojo, or published on other lifestyle websites.

Please be aware that access to certain technology/equipment may be required for this unit. Contact the unit coordinator for details.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Acquire a conceptual overview of lifestyle journalism and its function in the media industry.
2. Demonstrate an ability to identify and research a lifestyle journalism story, conduct interviews and gather appropriate evidentiary material in the appropriate medium.
3. Demonstrate an ability to report on lifestyle journalism stories or events in a clear, concise, factual and meaningful way using a variety of elements in a coherent package.
4. Identify and observe key ethical and legal obligations associated with lifestyle journalism and reflect critically on their own and others' performance in this regard.
5. Work independently and collaboratively in learning and production processes, including online forums, to produce lifestyle journalism reports.
6. Demonstrate an ability to set and meet deadlines, and report under pressure.
7. Demonstrate an awareness of local, national and international people and events relevant to current issues and media issues related to lifestyle journalism.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the PR/ market orientation in which lifestyle journalists provide entertainment or information.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the motivational aspects of lifestyle journalists (i.e. levels of critical inquiry in portraying daily life activities).

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Andrea Baker

Journalism

Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units.