Course Title: Introduction to Journalism

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Journalism

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COMM2406	City Campus	Undergraduate	335H Applied Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2009
COMM2406	City Campus	Undergraduate	345H Media and Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014

Course Coordinator: Dr Josie Vine

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 99253 596

Course Coordinator Email: josie.vine@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building Nine, Level Four, Room 56

Course Coordinator Availability: Wednesdays, 11 - 1, 1 - 3, or by appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

 None

Course Description

This foundation course will introduce you to the fundamental practices and structures of the journalism industry and prepare you for future courses in print, radio, TV and online journalism.  This course will examine how news platforms converge in the modern newsroom and  help you to be able to recognise the journalist’s role in this multi-platform media environment. 

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

  In this course you will develop the following program capabilities:
* Being able to critically reflect on the social, political, economic and global contexts in which communication takes place.
* Knowing the history and the theories underpinning the journalism and communication fields.
* Demonstrating the cognitive, research, analytical, critical thinking, communication and presentation skills required for undergraduate study and professional practice
* Being able to apply the ethics and regulations which govern modern media and communication practice.
* The ability to recognise news and to apply critical thinking, analytical skills and ethical practice in the gathering and presentation of news within the context of the professional requirements and demands of the multimedia newsroom.

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:
-    identify what makes news from a journalist’s point of view.
-    identify the ethical considerations which guide the gathering and reporting of news from a journalist’s point of view.
-    explore the different requirements of print, radio, television and online platforms when gathering and reporting news
-    identify newsroom structures and operations.

Overview of Learning Activities

You will explore the theoretical basis of journalism across media in lectures. You will learn by applying theoretical knowledge to practical journalistic tasks in tutorials. Readings, including newspaper, magazine and journal articles, book chapters and speeches by industry professionals will be made available to you during the course. As a journalism student you are expected to be an avid consumer of news. You will be expected to read news websites and newspapers; view TV news programs; and listen to radio new programs.

Overview of Learning Resources

   RMIT will provide yu with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program capabilities.  Assessment may include case studies and news quizzes. Feedback will given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/ or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student, as well as those f your teacher.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document.