Journalism Futures

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

120 hours

Must be enrolled in the Master of Journalism program.

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

This subject will provide students with an informed perspective on, and the opportunity to explore, what it means to be a journalist today, and what it might mean in years to come. It will combine an engagement with theories and research into the changing field of journalism, and its implications, with an opportunity to identify and reflect upon the skills, knowledge and strategies for future careers in journalism. Prominent and innovative working practitioners will provide professional, practical and theoretical insights into the dynamic of recent changes in the profession brought about by new technologies, globalisation and increased mobility, and help students to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of being a journalist now and into the future.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

·have a sound grasp of the history and theory of journalism;

·have a broad understanding of the role of the media in various political contexts;

·have a thorough understanding of the state of the journalism industry today and where it is heading in the years to come;

·have a keen grasp of the nature and potential of online and convergent media environments and;

·be equipped to develop new and innovative forms of journalism practice.

A project consisting of 1,000 words (20%) due during the intensive period, and written work consisting of 4,000 words (80%) due in the examination period.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

·provide leadership in journalism at a national and global level;

·understand the fundamental principles for making critical and ethical judgments regarding professional journalism practice;

·evaluate the dynamic processes of change operating in contemporary media and communication industries;

·demonstrate advanced skills in research, analysis and interpretation;

·demonstrate advanced skills in writing, reporting and communicating facts and ideas;

·demonstrate advanced critical thinking through presentation of research papers, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;

·develop time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads;

·show a capacity for effective team work through group activities;

·acquire cultural and ethical understanding through reflection, reading and practical experience of journalists’ responsibilities;

·demonstrate an understanding of how to market their own ideas and successfully pursue careers in an increasingly diversified and transforming industry environment.