JRN101 News Gathering and Writing (8)

This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of news reporting practice. It examines basic techniques of information gathering, story construction and core journalistic writing skills appropriate to a variety of media platforms. The subject introduces students to the basic skills required to undertake journalistic practice.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Bathurst Campus
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: JRN101. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Communication and Creative Industries

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to generate ideas and gather information for basic news stories;
  • be able to apply news values in framing stories;
  • be able to use correct grammar and plain English in written work;
  • be able to write basic news stories; and
  • be able to identify and define basic tenets of media law.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • What is news?
  • The notion of story
  • Basic news structure
  • Incorporating other 'voices'
  • Accuracy, reliability, concision
  • 'Hard' news and 'soft' news
  • Interviewing
  • Framing stories
  • Editorial conferencing

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of JRN101 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Tests
40
2
News event story
20
3
'hard' and 'soft' news stories
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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