Course Title: Journalism Ethics and Regulations

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Journalism Ethics and Regulations

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COMM2410	City Campus	Undergraduate	335H Applied Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2009
COMM2410	City Campus	Undergraduate	345H Media and Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014

Course Coordinator: Ms Fiona McIntyre

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Coordinator Email: fiona.mcintyre@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 4

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

COMM2406: Introduction to Journalism
COMM2092: Reporting and Newswriting

In addition to B.Comm (Journalism) students, this course is open to Bachelor of Business students taking a Journalism Minor ONLY.  There are 40 places available for Bachelor of Business students.

Course Description

This course examines the theoretical, ethical and regulatory concepts that underpin journalistic practice and introduces you to the basic theories which govern journalistic practice and help define the role of journalism and journalists in society.  It will also introduce you to the laws and regulations which govern journalists and media organisations.  

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Through critical examination, thinking and analysis, you will learn about the laws and regulations, theories and ethics that underpin journalistic practice. On completing this course, you will have developed capabilities in:

* The cognitive, research, analytical, critical thinking, communication and presentation skills required for undergraduate study and professional practice.

* The application of ethics and regulations which govern modern media and communication practice.

* The recognition of news and the application of 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 multi-media newsroom.

* The professional skills to work in a converged, multi-media newsroom and ability to adapt to future changes in newsroom practice.

On completing this course, you will:

* Have basic knowledge of the key regulations and legislation that affects journalistic practice

* Be able to apply critical thinking within an ethical framework to the gathering and reporting of news

* Have basic knowledge of the purpose and role of journalists and news media in modern society

* Have the basic skills to practise journalism in Australia’s framework of self-regulation and legislation.
 

Overview of Learning Activities

 Lectures will provide an overview of the ethical, regulatory and legislative issues related to Australian journalism; tutorials will include discussion of issues set out in the lectures and in-class practical exercises.

Overview of Learning Resources

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

As well as the set text for this course, further readings will be provided.

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 in this course will include written reports and in-class exercises.
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 of your teachers.Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document