COMM 1018 Introduction to Journalism

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 100556

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Description This unit introduces students to the fields of journalism and new media, covering the concepts of news values and news research for target audiences. It looks at the role of the journalist and the professional skills of news gathering and news writing. The subject also considers the legal and ethical obstacles and obligations faced by journalists operating in an environment of fast paced communication. The methodologies underlying professional practice as well as delivering news with speed for multimedia platforms are central to this unit.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Journalism

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYB 0049 - Journalism News Reporting COMM 1019 - Introduction to Journalism (WSTC)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

Explain the importance of journalism in the modern world
Understand the importance of audiences and medias when choosing news.
Explain the flow of information in creating news
Ask questions and conduct interviews in a professional context
Engage with the news and news environments for published outcomes
Apply skills gained for intellectual and professional insights

Subject Content

1. Journalism as professional practice
2. Journalism as decision-making
3. Finding news
4. Choosing news and sources
5. Gathering news
6. Evaluating information
7. Constructing news
8. Editing news
9. Working with words
10. Marketing/selling news to a target audience

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item	Length	Percent	Threshold	Individual/Group Task
Professional Task	400 words with one primary and one secondary source	30	N	Individual
Professional Task	600 words, including photos, video, voice with at least two secondary sources for publishing in a relevant chosen media	40	N	Individual
Portfolio	To include all weekly homework, including 150 word chapter answers, class writing exercises, 500 word report	30	N	Individual