Writing for the Media

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On campus

120

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in media and communication, Master of Global Media Communication, Master of Publishing and Communications, Master of Cinema Management, or Masters in Arts & Cultural Management (Moving Image)

None

None

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject provides students with the skills to write at an advanced journalistic level. Lectures will present students with techniques that will enhance skills in interviewing, news judgement, narrative technique, researching, framing ideas, developing contacts and using off the record information. Students will also deal with issues of fairness and objectivity, plagiarism, libel and codes of conduct. On completion of this subject, students will have developed advanced skills in feature writing.

On completion, students will:

• be able to develop practical knowledge of different journalistic writing styles;
• have gained a critical understanding of interviewing, the role of sources and researching;
• have become aware of ethical and legal issues in contemporary journalism; and
• have acquired high level skills in feature writing.

Assessment equivalent to 5000 words comprising the following: a group seminar paper (equivalent to 500 words) 10%, assessed throughout the semester; a news feature (equivalent to 1500 words) 20%, due in weeks 8, 9 or 10; a major theoretical essay (3000 words) 60%, due in the examination period; and participation in tutorials/workshops 10%. Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. All required written work must be submitted in order to pass the subject.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• be able to effectively research and write extended length journalistic stories;
• have gained an understanding of the practical implications of on-going debates over journalistic conduct in relation to their own writings; and
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the mass media and other forms of communication in contemporary society.