57088 Journalism Studies
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 57013 Journalism Studies
Description
The aim of this subject is to critically engage with scholarly debates in journalism studies that address news organisations, journalism practices, and the processes of production and consumption of news and current affairs, including contemporary practices. A comparative theoretical approach is used to critically examine questions about journalism, taking into account historic and current conceptualisations of journalism practice and research.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Explain the role of journalism in society |
|---|---|
| b. | Critique journalism practices using one of the major scholarly approaches described in the subject |
| c. | Discuss contemporary debates about journalism practice |
| d. | Explain the major scholarly debates in journalism studies and their relevance to original research in the field |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
- Possess an advanced understanding of the professional skills and techniques in a range of contexts appropriate to contemporary journalism practice (1.1)
- Reflect critically on the theory and professional practice of contemporary journalism (2.2)
- Plan and execute a substantial research-based project, demonstrating advanced communication and technical research skills (2.3)
Teaching and learning strategies
Students will be introduced to the scholarly debates in journalism in a 2-hour seminar. Each week a reading will cover an analytical perspective to develop students’ critical understanding of the way scholars think about journalism studies. Seminars provide the opportunity for students to discuss the role of journalism in society outlined in the lecture and readings. They will develop the skills required to research journalism practices by reviewing case studies as well as participating in a range of online activities with their fellow students and teachers. Students’ progress on their assessment tasks will be discussed and assisted each week during class.
Content (topics)
This subject is structured around seven major debates within Journalism Studies. Each week they will explore the following topics: truth, objectivity and facticity; audiences and social diversity; professional identities and cultural capital; professionalism and cultural capital; regulation of the profession; media power; negotiating power relations – sources news as narrative.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Project Progress Report
| Objective(s): | a, b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1000 words | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Project Presentation
| Objective(s): | a, c and d | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 20% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Six to ten minutes presentation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Project Essay
| Objective(s): | a, b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 3000 words | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives. Students who miss three or more classes are advised that their final work may not be assessed and they may risk failing the subject
In this subject assessment tasks are cumulative so that each task builds understanding and/or skills, informed by formative feedback. Consequently, all assessments must be submitted in order for you to receive feedback. Students who do not submit all assessments will not pass the subject.