COURSE OUTLINE
Subject Description
In this subject students will work in a newsroom environment to write a series of stories on topics or issues that stem from their non-journalism studies. For example, a student studying Geology might write a series of stories on advances in mining exploration techniques or mine safety. A student studying Health and Behavioural Sciences might write a series of stories on health issues such as the discovery of a new vaccine that will treat both Hepatitis C and chronic alcoholism. In short, this subject provides students with an opportunity to embed themselves in another discipline and use the knowledge they have built in that area to help demystify it to the general populace. There are no lectures in this subject. Students, being in the final year of their degree, will work under the direction of a staff editor. They will be required to produce a portfolio of stories on a topic of their own choice. The only stipulation is that the work is produced in a journalistic format and provides a detailed explanation of an issue or series of related issues. Students will be expected to show advanced journalism skills, strong analytical skills in their chosen non-journalism discipline, and the ability to turn a complex topic into a package that can be readily understood by a broad, that is non expert, audience.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Show that they have a strong understanding of a specialist discipline area and be able to present that information in a journalistic style;
- Engage experts in their chosen field in a level of discussion or debate that helps them to flesh out their stories to a high level;
- Reveal highly developed research skills;
- Show presentation skills of a very high standard (this could be written or broadcast, depending on the media selected).
Graduate Attributes
Completing the learning and assessment tasks in this subject will assist students in developing the following UOW Graduate Qualities;
- Informed Have a sound knowledge of an area of study or profession and understand its current issues, locally and internationally. Know how to apply this knowledge. Understand how an area of study has developed and how it relates to other areas.
- Independent learners Engage with new ideas and ways of thinking and critically analyse issues. Seek to extend knowledge through ongoing research, enquiry and reflection. Find and evaluate information, using a variety of sources and technologies. Acknowledge the work and ideas of others.
- Effective communicators Articulate ideas and convey them effectively using a range of media. Work collaboratively and engage with people in different settings. Recognise how culture can shape communication.
