6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit provides a detailed exploration of the production practices, resources, technologies and genres of reporting digital news, including video, audio, graphic and interactive formats. It explores the research capacities and information sources available through the internet. It critically considers the implications for journalists of different modes of audience engagement and editorial positioning, including social networking media, blogs and wikis. It covers both news and longer form feature and documentary genres. Please be aware that access to certain technology/equipment will be required for this unit. 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 a news story, conduct interviews and gather appropriate evidence
- demonstrate an ability to report in a clear, concise, factual way using news conventions in at least two media
- identify, observe key ethical and legal obligations associated with news reporting, and reflect critically on their own and others' performance in this regard
- work independently and collaboratively in learning and production processes, including digital forums, to produce news 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 journalistic practices in different media
Assessment
Within semester assessment: 100%
Workload requirements
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
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Prerequisites
Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units. It is highly recommended that students only take this unit after they have completed two first-year level units in Journalism.