57300 Digital Sports Journalism
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Subject handbook information prior to 2022 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject equips students with the skills required for reporting, analysis and audience engagement in digital environments across sporting codes and institutions. Students examine the changing nature of sports journalism, the business of sport and rise of the 'informed fan' as a powerful force of both journalistic opportunity and media disruption. Students work with experienced sports journalists and gain hands-on reporting experience via UTS's unique partnership with the SCG Trust and other industry relationships. They examine how the nature of sports journalism is changing, the intersection of sport and politics, and the multiple ethical, legal and policy issues that arise in the area. Industry leaders, sports stars and other guest lecturers provide students with practical guidance and insights for building a career in sports journalism and related disciplines.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Analyse key concepts and shifting strategies for journalists covering sport in the digital environment |
|---|---|
| b. | Describe current social and political issues in sport |
| c. | Create a body of journalistic work |
| d. | Evaluate whether their work meets professional standards |
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 contemporary sports media practice (1.1)
- Apply a high level of initiative to create content using multiple techniques and within industry accepted frameworks of accountability (1.2)
- Be reflexive critical thinkers and creative practitioners who are intellectually curious, imaginative and innovative (2.1)
- Reflect critically on the professional practice of contemporary sports media (2.2)
- Demonstrate skills in engagement to enable effective communication with multiple stakeholders, using traditional and emerging techniques (6.1)
- Harness multiple channels of communication, understanding the power and limitations of each as a tool to spread information and engage specific audiences and communities (6.2)
Teaching and learning strategies
Students will become familiar with the current social and political issues facing sport in a series of face-to-face lectures with guest lecturers who will give personal and professional insights into key areas of focus for modern day sports-specific journalists.
The key concepts and strategies for covering sport in a digital environment will be discussed in tutorials. By examining current case studies, analysing and critiquing the reporting of them, and creating an individual body of work, students will learn how to uphold strong journalistic values and contribute to making the industry stronger. This is a student-centric learning model so discussion, feedback, critiquing and peer reviews are an expected part of the learning environment. In preparation for their assessment tasks, students will complete a series of online modules featuring interviews with industry leaders and other specialists. At various intervals during the interview each student will be required to input his/her contribution to the discussion before being able to move on. This is designed to keep the student engaged in analysing the topic while contributing real-time critical commentary.
Students will be required to undertake site visits to report on sporting events/issues through the University’s unique association with the SCG Trust and other industry groups. This will aid in developing the student’s industry contact and network relationships across a number of sporting disciplines.
Students will work as individuals and, on occasion, as part of a larger group to design a portfolio of journalistic work to be showcased on each student’s personal WordPress site. An early session master class with a leading industry technologist will update the latest practical and technical skills required.
Content (topics)
This subject covers concepts specific to journalists working in the sports environment. As sports themselves continue to take a greater stake in driving content and platform ownership the flow-on effect for journalists is a key challenge for those working in the industry. While news content is still a cornerstone for sports journalists, it is crucial that journalists are also dynamic and creative content producers who can read market-driven trends and tailor their stories to a constantly shifting audience. Topics include sports law, anti-doping, governance, politics, social impact and diversity. The subject will explore the particulars of sports journalism, design templates and the journalism Code of Ethics as it relates to high profile or mega-events. The challenges for domestic competitions in a globalised, social media driven market will be examined to identify the changing sports landscape and issues faced by governing bodies.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online news story
| Objective(s): | a and c | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: |
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| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Group podcast
| Objective(s): | a, b and c | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 10 minutes | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Extended multimedia online story
| Objective(s): | b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1000 words | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |