Writing Journalism

Subject 670-302 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour seminar/workshop per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5 additional hours/week. Total of 8 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Completion of 25 points of core Media and Communications subjects and 25 points of optional Media and Communications subjects at first year level.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Ms Tracie Winch

Contact

Sean Cubitt
email: sean.cubitt@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject teaches the craft of writing hard and soft news stories, as well as features, for newspapers and newspaper supplements and magazines. With an emphasis on news writing, students learn what news is and how (and why) news priorities and story treatment may differ between print, broadcast and online. The subject also looks at how traditional news/feature writing differs from other forms of journalistic writing such as blogs or opinion/ comment pieces. Students learn how accuracy, as well as clear and concise language, is vital to all kinds of journalistic writing as well as the critical differences between creative writing, public relations writing (PR) and journalistic writing. The subject introduces the core skill of interviewing with students provided with ample opportunity to put into practice what is covered in both lectures and classes. The subject also looks at professional codes of ethics and editorial policies as well as current media law and how it directly impacts on journalists. On completion of this subject students should have a strong grasp of current journalistic practices and required skills.
Objectives:
Assessment: Two news stories of 300-400 words each, 30% (First one due 23rd March, second one due 11th April), a short feature story of 800-1000 words 20% (due 4th May), a long feature story of 1500 - 1700 words 30% (due 25th May), report of 500 words 10% (due 1st June) and class participation including tutorial exercises and quizzes 10%. Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment. Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without a formal extension and special consideration will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate competence in writing for the media, including optimum communication techniques and methodology;
  • understand the imperatives of contemporary journalism;
  • be able to make editorial assessments of how effectively a story has communicated facts and concepts.
Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the BA (Media and Communications), BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Commerce, and BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Laws. Students who have completed 100-105 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Download PDF version.