COURSE OUTLINE
Subject Description
The subject builds on the companion subject JOUR 112. Where JOUR 112 begins by asking the question 'what is journalism?', JOUR 111 commences by asking the question: 'What is news?' This subject has a practical focus. Students are introduced to news values, the '5Ws and H' and the inverted pyramid approach to news writing. They are also introduced to fundamental news research and interviewing techniques. While the subject focuses on print news writing, students are introduced to blogging and online journalism. Finally, students are encouraged to take pride in their work through an introduction to editing, ethics and the law - themes that are taken up in later subjects.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Understand the basic principles of news writing
- Identify story angles in news events/issues
- Research stories and conduct interviews that add significantly to a story's development
- Present information accurately and concisely.
Graduate Attributes
In meeting these objectives, students will develop skills relevant to the following attributes of a Wollongong Graduate:
- A commitment to continued and independent learning, intellectual development, critical analysis and creativity.
- Coherent and extensive knowledge in a discipline, appropriate ethical standards and, where appropriate, defined professional skills.
- Self-confidence combined with oral and written skills of a high level.
- An ability to analyse issues logically, as well as to evaluate different options and viewpoints and to implement decisions.
- A capacity for, and understanding of, teamwork.
- A basic understanding of information literacy and specific skills in acquiring, organising and presenting information, particularly through computer based activity.
