Course Title: Journalism Reporting and Writing

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Journalism Reporting and Writing

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2835

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Sharon Smith

Course Coordinator Phone: TBC

Course Coordinator Email: sharon.smith@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 4

Course Coordinator Availability: Please email for an appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required prior study   You should have satisfactorily completed COMM2657 Understanding Journalism before you commence this course. 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.  For further information, go to the RMIT Student Page on Applying for Credit.   You should undertake COMM2836 Journalism Law and Ethics at the same time as this course as it contains areas of knowledge and skills which are implemented together in practice.

 


Course Description

In this course you will examine and develop knowledge and skills to find, research and write effective hard and soft news stories.  You will also be introduced to issues confronting journalists in media organisations, such as the ethical considerations when producing fair and balanced journalism, finding and interviewing sources, generating story ideas and pitching those ideas to editors. There will be an emphasis on developing your professional writing skills that will underpin your journalistic practice.

 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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

  • Discuss and analyse major evolving global and local news events.
  • Develop practical and technical skills to adapt quickly to changes in the journalism 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.


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

  1. Engage with news and current affairs in order to identify and pitch original news ideas.
  2. Apply an ethical framework to gather and report on news.
  3. Produce hard and soft news which can be used across publishing platforms.
  4. Produce balanced reports, identifying comment from appropriate and diverse sources.
  5. Analyse and apply editorial feedback.
 


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 number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/mjsm/journalism   The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/study/referencing

 


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 tasks   Task 1 -  News Quizzes [20% Individual - Linked CLO's: 1]    Task 2 - "Live Reporting" Test [35% Individual - Linked CLO's: 1,3,5]    Task 3 - Portfolio (including hard and soft news stories, social media contributions, supporting presentation) [45% Individual - Linked CLO's: 2,3,4,5]     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 Manager or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.   Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions: Assessment