Overview
This unit will introduce students to historical, social and political contexts of journalistic practice. Topics covered include the history of ‘journalism’ in western and eastern cultures, a number of different genres of journalism, journalism as an institution, and media ethics. You will also consider the future of journalism and reflect on examples of best (and worst) practice as part of the unit.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Term 1 2020 Student Evaluation comments
Students commented around the consistent communication from the lecturer and the effectiveness of the short weekly videos.
It is recommended to maintain consistent communication from the lecturer and continue producing short weekly videos.
Feedback from Term 1 2020 Student Evaluation comments
Students commented on the clear explanation provided around the assessment including feedback which will help in future units.
It is recommended to maintain clear explanations around assessment including in-depth feedback which would help in future units.
Feedback from Term 1 2020 Student Evaluation comments
Students commented on the possibility of more zoom sessions later in the week due to work commitments.
It is recommended to investigate scheduling further zoom sessions to be held later in the week in future offerings, depending on student attendance.
- Critique contemporary works of journalism against theoretical concepts
- Discuss the social and historical development of journalism from a range of cultural perspectives
- Explain differences between journalism genres and the way in which genre influences journalistic practice
- Critique and discuss issues relevant to journalistic practice in a contemporary media environment
- Analyse the impact of media ownership and press freedom in western and non-western countries.
n/a
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
N/A
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
c.j.lawson@cqu.edu.au
l.bertoli@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Journalism
In this lesson the key concepts of journalism will be introduced. Students will explore journalism as a profession and examine what it means to be a journalist in today’s media environment.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Fourth Estate
This lesson will explore the term 'Fourth Estate' including how and when the term appeared, the meanings ascribed to it by journalists, editors, politicians and other public figures as well as its role in contemporary media.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Journalism Law
In this lesson students will be introduced to Commonwealth and Queensland laws that impact on journalists. You will explore defamation law, the legalities of court reporting, and examine the defences journalists use to support their editorial decisions.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment One - Journalist Selection and Analysis DUE
Monday Week 3 (Monday, 22 March 2021) 5pm AEST
Journalist Selection and Analysis Due: Week 3 Monday (22 Mar 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Journalism Ethics
Lesson Four will examine in greater depth the organisations and ethical codes that regulate the media. Students will learn about the implications for journalists and organisations who breach these codes.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Writing and Genre
This lesson will examine the elements that underpin all journalistic writing and introduce different genres.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Vacation Week
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Genre as it Relates to Journalism
Lesson Six will unpack the definition of ‘genre’ as it relates to journalism, building on introductory concepts and conventions of different journalistic genres.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Two - News Analysis DUE
Friday Week 6 (Friday, 23 April 2021) 5pm AEST
News Analysis Due: Week 6 Friday (23 Apr 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
New Media Traditions
In this lesson students will be introduced to the concepts of 'new and old' or 'traditional and non-traditional' media. You will explore the differences between analogue and digital technology and discuss some widely used digital media tools.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Convergence
This lesson you will explore the impact new media is having on journalism. Students will be introduced to the concept of 'convergence' and discuss the future of journalism.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Freedom of the Press
Lesson Nine will look at the history and development of the free press in the West, including government resistance, key players and processes in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Ownership and Regulation
This lesson will explore the issues that arise from concentrated media ownership, as experienced here in Australia, including a lack of diversity and increased political influence.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Influence on Practice
Lesson 11 will explore the differences in journalistic practice - including the art of storytelling - in developing and non-democratic countries.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Perspective and Practice
To complete the unit, students will review examples of journalistic practice in non-Western countries as examples of the different ways of storytelling.
Chapter
See e-reading list on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Three - Discovery Project Presentation DUE
Monday Exam Week (7 June 2021) 5pm AEST
Discovery Project Presentation Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (7 June 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
In this assessment you will be introduced to the work of professional journalists in a real world context.
From the list of six (6) journalists provided below, select four (4) journalists to analyse. (NOTE: YOU WILL ANALYSE THE WORK OF THE TWO REMAINING JOURNALISTS, AND A JOURNALIST OF YOUR CHOICE, IN DEPTH IN ASSESSMENT THREE. SO CHOOSE WISELY.)
In 1,200 words (300 per journalist) you will articulate why these particular journalists appeal to you, citing some examples of their work against credible references from the first Module of the unit to justify.
Your choices are
- Kate McClymont (Australia)
- Jamal Khashoggi (Saudi Arabia)
- Anderson Cooper (United States)
- Leigh Sales (Australia)
- John Sweeney (United Kingdom)
- Phil Rothfield (Australia)
THIS TASK WILL BE DISCUSSED IN MORE DETAIL ON MOODLE HOWEVER BELOW ARE SOME POINTS TO CONSIDER:
From what you have learned from the unit content in Module One, are your selections 'real' journalists? Does their work identify with the standard definition of journalism? Why?
Are you familiar with the genre of journalism for which they are known?
Were you familiar with some of their notable work before this unit?
(You will explore these concepts and more in detail in Assessment Three but this should help you get started)
To pass you will need to address all of the elements of the assessment including credible references where necessary to justify and cite your sources.
Students who demonstrate limited attention to the requirements of the task will Fail this assessment and will be required to resubmit at a passable level before moving on to the next assessment.
NOTE: WORD COUNT for written assignments
The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 3 Monday (22 Mar 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Online
Week 4 Monday (29 Mar 2021)
Assessments will be returned within a week of submission.
Elements considered for this assessment include:
- Attention to task requirements
- Quality of Analysis
- Quality of writing
- Link to unit concepts
- Critique contemporary works of journalism against theoretical concepts
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
2 Written Assessment
This task requires you to analyse news in order to compare genres and approaches to journalistic practice.
Select and analyse three (3) contemporary news stories (published in the first six weeks of term), including:
One (1) Sports news story; AND
One (1) Police or Court news story; AND
One (1) Political news story.
YOU WILL POST THE LINKS TO YOUR NEWS STORY ON THE Q&A FORUM BY THE END OF WEEK FOUR (4)
At least one (1) of these three stories should be of extended length (more than 1000 words), either a feature item, investigative piece, media interview or current affairs segment.
You will need to submit copies of the three (3) news stories you have chosen as appendices to your essay. These appendices can be scanned copies of print articles, transcripts (if the story was broadcast), or a 'cut and paste' of an online article (including the original link to the story).
The appendices of the news stories need to be in such a form that teaching staff can refer to the original material. You will also need to include the details of the news stories as references in your assessment's Reference List.
PART A - there is no word limit for this section but consult the exemplar provided as a guide.
Analyse EACH of the three stories using the following criteria.
1. List the who, what, where, when, why and how of each story.
2. List and justify the dominant news values in each of the news stories.
3. List the sources used in each article including primary and secondary where relevant.
4. Identify the target audience based on the placement / presentation of each article. Which section? Was the story front page? Was it the top link? Was it the most prominent sports story?
PART B - 1,500 words.
Compare and contrast the three stories incorporating the following information.
Compare the differences in sources used in the three articles such as quoted facts and figures, personalities and/or identities.
What are the differences in the way the stories are written and presented? Account for differences in style, format and presentation. Consider the angle or the way the story is framed.
Discuss the significance of the three (3) stories in terms of their prominence and placement in the media outlet you have chosen.
What do the prominence and presentation of the three (3) stories tell you about the readership or audience of the local or state outlets in which they appear?
You are expected to reference your discussion.
NOTE: WORD COUNT for written assignments
The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 6 Friday (23 Apr 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Online
Week 8 Friday (7 May 2021)
Assessments will be returned within two weeks of submission
A detailed marking criteria is available on the Moodle website.
Elements assessed include:
- Quality of news stories
- Accuracy of referencing
- Standard of presentation including expression
- Relevance to unit concepts
- Depth of analysis (rather than description)
- Argumentation and appropriate use of examples
- Appropriate introduction and conclusion
- Discuss the social and historical development of journalism from a range of cultural perspectives
- Explain differences between journalism genres and the way in which genre influences journalistic practice
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Social Innovation
3 Written Assessment
Analyse, in-depth, the work of THREE (3) journalists and present a detailed presentation on those journalists. Your selection of journalists will comprise the two (2) remaining journalists from the list supplied in Assessment One, and one (1) credible journalist of your choice.
You must support your analysis with a slide or video presentation (no more than six slides per journalist). See exemplars for guidance. Your final slide will include references.
All photographs used within the presentation must also be referenced. There is no word limit but presentations on each journalist will need to include an embedded voice-over (between 5 - 7 minutes each).
You will submit your presentation via Portfolium. Further instructions on file size and submission will be provided on Moodle throughout the unit.
The following criteria will help guide your research/structure for your presentations:
1. Provide a summary of this person's work.
2. Justify whether this person is a 'real' journalist using the definition of journalism in your textbook.
3. Explain whether the journalist's work reflects the ideals of The Fourth Estate.
4. Explain the genre for which the journalist is renowned.
5. Describe the journalist's most significant contribution to public knowledge or interest.
6. Describe the journalist's practice in terms of law and ethics.
7. List and explain the journalist's limitations/shortcomings.
8. Describe what you personally like the most about this journalist's work, and why.
9. Describe what you personally dislike about this journalist's work, and why.
10. Explain how the journalist might influence your approach to journalism as a profession, and why.
Review/Exam Week Monday (7 June 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Online
Exam Week Friday (18 June 2021)
Assessments will be returned within two weeks of submission.
A detailed marking criteria is available on the Moodle website.
Elements assessed for the individual component include:
- Quality of presentation
- Quality of research
- Attention to task requirements
- Quality of referencing / link to unit concepts
- Critique and discuss issues relevant to journalistic practice in a contemporary media environment
- Analyse the impact of media ownership and press freedom in western and non-western countries.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
- Social Innovation
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
