AZA1328 - Journalism 1: Introduction - 2018

The unit provides a critical introduction to the key concepts and practices of research and reporting for South African and African news journalism; the social, professional and legal context for journalism production; the technical production and narrative conventions for at least two different media (print, online, radio and/or video). Students research and produce original news stories to deadline in at least two media, produce a critical evaluation of their own performance and constructive feedback for their peers.

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

1. Demonstrate an ability to conceptualise what a news story could be, and identify and research a news story, conduct interviews and gather appropriate evidence.
2. Demonstrate an ability to report in a clear, concise, factual way using news conventions in at least two media.
3. Identifyand observe key ethical and legal obligations associated with news reporting in the African and South African context, 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 news 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 journalistic practices in different media.

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

Journalism studies - South Africa