Researching/Writing Stories

This subject is not offered in 2014.

240 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 is a practice based subject taught by leading practitioners, which enables students to develop their skills in researching, writing and producing stories. Students will enhance their understanding of how news stories are put together and will develop advanced skills in researching, writing and producing stories in a new and rapidly changing media environment. The subject examines a range of different research techniques and considers how these can be applied. It also explores a range of writing challenges.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• demonstrate a high-level of written and oral communication skills;
• have developed advanced expertise in researching, writing and editing their own work;
• be able to apply high level research skills to investigate news stories;
• demonstrate a high-level of written and oral communication skills;
• demonstrate an advanced and practical understanding of how news stories are put together;
• be equipped to critically reflect on writing challenges that journalists face across different media and;
• be equipped to critically reflect on a range of case studies relating to journalism practice.

• Five short news writing exercises completed in class (approximately 400 words each – 2,000 words total), due throughout semester (20%)
• Ten multiple choice current affairs quizzes, due throughout semester (10%)
• Draft portfolio of news stories (6,000 words), due throughout semester (20%)
• 2,000 word essay reflecting on an aspect of journalistic practice, due mid semester (20%)
• Final portfolio of news stories (6,000 words) (NB: The final version is based on the draft, taking into account feedback from teaching staff), due during the examination period (30%)

Compiled reader plus News Limited Style Guide (News Limited 2011)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• 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 skills in journalistic research, analysis and interpretation;
• demonstrate skills in writing, reporting and communicating facts and ideas;
• develop time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads;
• 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.