Data Journalism

This subject is not offered in 2014.

120 Hours

A basic level of computer literacy is recommended.

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 unit will explore the practice and theoretical underpinnings of data journalism, whereby news content is organized around structured pieces of data, as opposed to conventionally structured news stories. Students will learn how to access key public databases, extract stories from them, and make the data available in visualisations that facilitate citizens’ own inquiries and investigations. Students will be acquainted with the history and current practice of data journalism, including key international examples.

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

• Demonstrate the skills involved in accessing, analysing and curating data from publically available sources
• Understand the history, current practice and likely impact of data journalism.
• Work efficiently in teams and newsroom environments to produce high quality data journalism packages
• Demonstrate editing and production skills
• Produce news and current affairs reports sourced from public databases for a range of media delivery platforms

• 1 data reporting assignment equivalent to 4,500 words, due during in the examination period (80%)
• 1 classroom presentation (1,000 words), due during the semester (20%)

A subject reader will be made available, and key examples of data journalism made available through the LMS.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• High level ability to analyse writing techniques and affects

• High level ability to express thoughts, ideas and observations in accessible written English.