ATS3808 - Investigative reporting - 2018

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

Arts

Organisational Unit

Journalism

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Margaret Simons

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Margaret Simons

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

Twelve credit points of second-year Arts units. As this is a third-year level unit, it is highly recommended that students only take this unit after they have completed two second-year level units in Journalism practice.

Prohibitions

AZA3808

Synopsis

This unit provides a detailed exploration of the research and reporting practices for in depth investigative reporting. It acquaints students with documentary and database sources, the practice of data journalism, the use of multiple research methods, the production of complex journalistic projects and an understanding of the legal framework in this field. It critically considers the professional and social implications and accountabilities of reporting in this specialised field. Contact the unit coordinator for details.

Outcomes

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

  1. demonstrate an ability to identify and research an investigative story, conduct interviews and gather appropriate evidentiary material in the appropriate medium
  2. 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.
  3. identify, observe key ethical and legal obligations associated with investigative journalism, and reflect critically on their own and others' performance in this regard
  4. work independently and collaboratively in learning and production processes, including online forums, to produce investigative reports
  5. demonstrate an ability to set and meet deadlines, and report under pressure
  6. demonstrate an awareness of local, national and international people and events relevant to current issues and media issues
  7. demonstrate a critical awareness of the capacities, limitations and socio-professional implications of reporting practices in investigative journalism.

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

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