Course Title: Journalism Bootcamp

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Journalism Bootcamp

Credit Points: 24.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2710

City Campus

Postgraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018

Course Coordinator: Maree Curtis

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2907

Course Coordinator Email: maree.curtis@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course you will develop foundation journalism skills and knowledge, including news judgement; how to generate ideas; find and research stories; identify and interview sources; write hard and soft news; basic feature writing; and how to pitch your stories to an editor.

You will learn how to use emerging technologies in newsgathering and reporting; discuss the changing newsroom structure and the influence of technology on traditional practice. You will also explore issues, such as the need for sensitivity when reporting on diversity, cultures and trauma and the role of rounds/specialisation.

You will work independently and also as part of a team to produce a journalism project.

 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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

  • Undertake self-directed research and critical appraisal to ensure ethical, balanced reporting.
  • Identify and act within the relevant laws, policies and regulations governing the news media.
  • Effectively and professionally communicate your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.


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

  • Critically discuss the significance of news judgement and the global news agenda in contemporary society.
  • Identify and interview appropriate subjects / talent to produce news stories.
  • Write and structure news and feature stories in the appropriate journalistic style to a deadline.
  • Display sensitivity when reporting on diverse groups, people or traumatic events.
  • Work as part of a team to constructively evaluate and critique the work of others and respond to editorial feedback on your own work.


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 at http://rmit.libguides.com/mjsm.

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 in-class quizzes, written assignments and working in a team to produce a journalism project.

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: Assessment
 

Assessment Tasks

News Analysis (20%)

You will analyse a variety of news stories and discuss in relation to issues covered in class and in readings, including news values, audience impact, editorial decision making, ethical and legal considerations.

This assessment will cover the following course learning outcomes:

  • Critically discuss the significance of news judgement and the global news agenda in contemporary society.
  • Work as part of a team to constructively evaluate and critique the work of others and respond to editorial feedback on your own work.
  • Display sensitivity when reporting on diverse groups, people or traumatic events.

This assessment will cover the following program learning outcomes:

  • Undertake self-directed research and critical appraisal to ensure ethical, balanced reporting.
  • Effectively and professionally communicate your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Cadet Test (30%)

This assessment is designed to prepare you for cadet tests run by media organisations to employ cadets / interns. It will include a news / general current affairs quiz and written exercises, such as news writing.

This assessment will cover the following course learning outcomes:

  • Identify and interview appropriate subjects / talent to produce news stories.
  • Write and structure news and feature stories in the appropriate journalistic style to a deadline.
  • Display sensitivity when reporting on diverse groups, people or traumatic events.

This assessment will cover the following program learning outcome:

  • Identify and act within the relevant laws, policies and regulations governing the news media.

Digital News Writing Package (50%)

You will produce a digital news package including hard and soft news and feature writing.

This assessment will cover the following course learning outcomes:

  • Critically discuss the significance of news judgement and the global news agenda in contemporary society.
  • Identify and interview appropriate subjects / talent to produce news stories.
  • Write and structure news and feature stories in the appropriate journalistic style to a deadline.
  • Display sensitivity when reporting on diverse groups, people or traumatic events.

This assessment will cover the following program learning outcomes:

  • Undertake self-directed research and critical appraisal to ensure ethical, balanced reporting.
  • Effectively and professionally communicate your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Identify and act within the relevant laws, policies and regulations governing the news media.