Course Title: Journalism Technologies

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Journalism Technologies

Credit Points: 24.00

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2653

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023

Course Coordinator: Mr Tito Ambyo

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3717

Course Coordinator Email: arsisto.ambyo@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: B009 F04 R053

Course Coordinator Availability: Please check with course coordinator


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

BP220 Students: Successful completion of COMM2836 Journalism Law and Ethics and Comm2835 Journalism Reporting and Writing
BP222 Students: Successful completion of COMM2836 Journalism Law and Ethics and Comm2835 Journalism Reporting and Writing

OR

Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information: Credit at RMIT


Course Description

In this course you will develop the digital literacy to produce journalism across multiple platforms. Through the introduction and examination of a range of devices, applications and theory, the course focuses on the use of communication techniques in the digital environment. The course will introduce data journalism, information management, basic code, deep search and search engine optimisation techniques. It will enable you to critically evaluate the tools available to produce outstanding journalism. Using sound, vision and a variety of digital elements, you will produce effective, ethical multimedia journalism.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

For students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication - Journalism (BP220), you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
  • Develop practical, and technical skills to quickly adapt to current and future changes in the industry 
  • Apply a body of theoretical and practical knowledge and specific skills in media and communication, particularly in journalism in which to base your professional practice or future study
  •  Demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and innovation when identifying and solving problems in diverse contexts within the discipline of journalism
  • Communicate using diverse formats and strategies to audiences within and external to your discipline

For students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication - Professional Communication (BP222), you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
  • Plan, produce and evaluate innovative content, optimizing uses of technology that meets the needs of diverse stakeholders in an international environment
  • Demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and innovation when identifying and solving problems in diverse contexts within the professional communication field
  • Communicate using diverse formats and strategies to audiences within and external to your discipline.


Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Analyse the theoretical issues surrounding the impact of the internet and digital tools on journalism and discuss future trends in newsroom practice.
  2. Write, report and gather news across a variety of new and emerging platforms.
  3. Critically apply digital knowledge and professional skills to enable you to work in a converged, multi-media newsroom.
  4. Incorporate images, sound, data and graphic elements in multimedia journalism.
  5. Apply information management techniques across a range of digital material.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as studios, 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

There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student website. 


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, creative 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 Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS

Assessment 1: Data Journalism (20%) - Individual - Linked CLO's: 2, 3, 4

Assessment 2: Reporting and Verification through Technology (30%) - Individual - Linked CLO's: 2, 3, 4, 5 

Assessment 3: Collaborative Journalism (40%) - Group - Linked CLO's: 2,3,4,5

Assessment 4: Blog Posts (10%) - Individual and group - Linked CLO's: 1,2,3,4,5