Journalism Now and Next (11084.1)

This unit will provide you with a thorough understanding of the changing nature of journalism in our global media-saturated society. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of journalism news writing, research and ethics in a multi-platform publishing environment. You will also explore contemporary journalism issues in context including reporting diversity and mental illness, and debate the role of journalism in its many forms.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Write a simple news story;
2. Complete basic research and verification for a news story to ensure accuracy;
3. Develop an understanding of news and current affairs from a critical professional perspective;
4. Identify the role and responsibilities of journalism in contemporary Australia and basic understanding of ethical and defamation issues facing journalists; and
5. Discuss the changing character of the news media industry, industry economics and impacts of convergence on traditional media and institutions.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings

Skills development

This unit supports the development of skills and knowledge that are fundamental to journalism, while enabling students to develop their understanding of the changing nature of journalism in our global media-saturated society. The unit provides an introduction the fundamentals of journalism news writing, research and ethics in a multi-platform publishing environment that has been subject to extensive and continuous disruption. Students will also explore contemporary journalism issues in context including debates surrounding news representation, issues surrounding audience segmentation, fragmentation and the impacts of changing news practices and environments, and the role journalism plays in contemporary public life.

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

5565 Introduction to Journalism.

Assumed knowledge

None.