COMM 2022 Journalism: Research and Investigation

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 102017

Coordinator Margot Dunphy Opens in new window

Description Investigation and research are fundamental to journalism and many other forms of writing. This unit provides students with the skills to dig deeper to uncover information with which they can build stories that have depth and impact. Students will analyse the role and power of investigative journalism within the information media industry.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Journalism

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) COMM 1018

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 0583 - Speciality News Reporting COMM 2021 - Investigative Journalism

Assumed Knowledge

General knowledge of politics, social affairs and economy.

Learning Outcomes

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

Apply advanced research techniques in journalistic writing
Locate reliable sources of information both online and offline
Demonstrate ethical standards in their work, in line with the Australian Journalists' Code of Ethics
Work ethically, in line with the Australian Journalists' Code of Ethics

Subject Content

1. Advanced research techniques for writers
2.The historical context of Investigative Journalism
3. Computer & database journalism
4. Using Public Records and historical documents
5.Specialist rounds
6. Journalism ethics

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
Research Skills Test	1,200 words	30	N	Individual
Report - Political Profile	600 words	30	N	Individual
Report - Research Based Story	1,000 words	40	N	Individual

Prescribed Texts

Ferfolja, T., Jones Diaz, C. & Ullman, J. (2018 in press). Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices. 2nd Edition. (Cambridge University Press, UK)

Teaching Periods