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
Synopsis
The unit provides a detailed exploration of the production practices, resources, technologies and genres of Online Journalism, 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 South African and African journalists of different modes of audience engagement and editorial positioning, including social networking media, blogs and wikis. It explores topical debates on the implications of the new medium and the possibilities it offers to citizens. It covers both news and longer form feature and documentary genres. Please be aware that access to certain technology/equipment will be required for the unit. Contact the unit coordinator for details.
Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit 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 online 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 online journalistic practices in the African context.
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