Course syllabus

 

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Subject and Catalogue Number: MEDIA 318 Journalism in Practice

SUMMER SCHOOL, 2018

15 points

 
Course Convenor: 

Dr Gavin Ellis - g.ellis@auckland.ac.nz

 Teacher:

Dr Gavin Ellis - g.ellis@auckland.ac.nz

Course delivery format:

Two 2-hour lectures and 1 hour of tutorial per week

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

 Summary of Course Description:              

Journalism in Practice is designed to expand students’ understanding of media theory and critical theory while gaining an insight into the practice of journalism in real-world, high-pressure environments. This course exposes students to journalism through the practitioner’s lens. It provides an understanding of the operational considerations and constraints that affect the production of news and current affairs in newspapers, on television and online.

In order to demonstrate the realities of journalism today, some of New Zealand’s most experienced television, print and online journalists will recount their experiences in fields ranging from current affairs and investigative reporting to photojournalism and cartoons. They will be joined by one of New Zealand’s top media lawyers. Students also will take part in a press conference with a prominent politician.

Assessment:

One 3000-word essay (worth 35% of final mark).

One practical in-class exercise participating in a press conference – a newsmaker will conduct a press conference in the lecture theatre. Students will then have 45 minutes to write a 400-word news story (15%).

Exam (50%).

 Course outcomes:

Students who successfully completes this course will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying theories that have been developed around journalism and to assess these theories against the practical skills and experience of a range of senior practitioners participating in the course. Students will be able to test this knowledge in a practical manner by participating in a real-time exercise in which they will undertake the role of the journalist.

 Assessment Summary:

Weighting of assignments and due dates if available, eg:

15% test               in week 3

35% essay           due week 5

50% exam

Weekly Topics:

Week 1: Defining journalism / Structures & News management

Week 2: Framing & bias / Fake news and verification

Week 3: Production methods & digital challenges / in-class test

Week 4: Ethics & media law / Spot news

Week 5: Photojournalism / Investigative journalism

Week 6: Specialisation / Cartoon commentary

 

 

 Recommended Texts:

Kovach, Bill & Tom Rosenstiel. The Elements of Journalism. New York, Three Rivers Press (2014)

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details.

Course summary:

Date Details Due