Course Title: Journalism: An Introduction

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Journalism: An Introduction

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2230

City Campus

Postgraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015

COMM2230

City Campus

Postgraduate

335H Applied Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009

Course Coordinator: Dr Mandy Oakham

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2619

Course Coordinator Email:mandy.oakham@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: Please email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course you will examine how news is gathered and reported across different journalistic platforms, including print, radio, television and online. You will investigate the changing newsroom structure and explore the issues facing journalists working in a multi-media newsroom, the requirements for sensitive reporting of diversity and trauma.  You will examine the protocols for reporting business, politics and police rounds. 

Please note as part of this course you will undertake an internship, which are offered in the mid-year break and during and after second semester. Further advice will be provided in class and through MyRMIT.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program learning outcomes

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Draw on knowledge of major theories underpinning journalism to reflect on, identify, evaluate and respond to ethical, legal, regulatory, social and cultural demands of multi-platform newsrooms
  • Acquire and apply knowledge of local and international perspectives and issues about journalism practice
  • Undertake research into contemporary theory and practice to explore possible industry and career directions


Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the approaches to different journalistic platforms
  • Describe and apply guidelines for the appropriate reporting of diversity, trauma and cross-cultural issues
  • Develop digital resources appropriate for career development, including digital CVs and e-portfolios
  • Identify and discuss issues arising in journalistic practice


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as workshops, project work, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, individual and group activities.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The University Library has extensive resources for journalism students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies: http://rmit.libguides.com/journalism The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing  and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.
 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment may include reports, reflective papers, projects and presentations, individually and in groups. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning.
Feedback will be 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.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment