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
South Africa School of Social Science
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Prerequisites
Twelve credit points of second-year Arts units.
Prohibitions
ATS3806
Synopsis
This unit undertakes a rigorous exploration of the research and reporting practices for business, industrial and economic reporting. It examines key documentary sources, geographical locations, personalities and institutions, and contemporary issues in this field particularly as they apply to South Africa and Africa. It places contemporary issues in their broader historical and geographical contexts, while critically analysing the professional and social implications of reporting in this specialized field. Access to certain technology/equipment will be required for this unit.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
- demonstrate an ability to identify and critically research a business/industrial/economic story, conduct interviews and gather appropriate evidentiary material;
- demonstrate an ability to report on business, industrial, economic issues in a clear, concise, factual manner using several elements in a coherent package;
- identify, observe and evaluate key ethical and legal obligations associated with business /industrial/ economic journalism. Demonstrate the capacity to work independently and in a group. Demonstrate the capacity to work collaboratively in learning and production processes, including online forums, to produce business/industrial/economic stories;
- demonstrate an ability to meet deadlines, demonstrate an awareness of relevant local and national events in an African context;
- Identify events relevant to current issues and media issues;
- demonstrate a critical awareness of the capacities, limitations and socio-professional implications of reporting practices in the field of business, industry and economics, in South Africa, Africa and internationally.
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