JRN112 Principles of Journalism (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Communication (COMUN)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This is the foundation subject for the Bachelor of Arts (Communication-Journalism) course. It engages students with the history of the profession, the principles of contemporary journalism and the major theoretical debates concerning the selection, production and distribution of news and information. Students will be introduced to the structure of news organisations and the news and information production process. Students gain an understanding of the many roles and responsibilities of the journalist. They are given an overview of the Australian news media in print, radio, television and online.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Bathurst |
| Distance | Bathurst |
| Distance | Wagga Wagga | Session 3 |
| Distance | Bathurst |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: JRN112
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of how news is manufactured;
- be able to demonstrate an ability to articulate standard news narratives;
- be able to demonstrate an ability to understanding of the function of newsrooms;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the various roles of a journalist
- be able to demonstrate, and apply to discussions, a knowledge of the history of journalism;
- be able to demonstrate a knowledge of how the news media operates in Australia and globally;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the various sources of news;
- be able to demonstrate an ability to engage with the major current theoretical debates about journalism;
- be able to demonsrate a knowledge of quality journalism, including with respect to media law and ethical practice.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- news as knowledge; - the language of news; - newsmaking; - gatekeeping; - manufacturing the news; - news organisations; - the social control in the newsroom; - global news and monopolies; - commercial news; - public journalism; - the performance and functions of the journalist; - journalism and the information society; - the Australian news media; - public sector media; - an introduction to media law.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.