Online and Convergent Journalism

Unit Code: HAM420

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

> Related Course/s
> Teaching Methods
> Assessment
> Aims & Objectives
> Generic Skills Outcomes
> Content
> Reading Materials

Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

Students in this subject will learn how to report, write, record, shoot and deliver news across a range of media.  Students will develop a detailed critical understanding of the concepts of convergent and online journalism.  They will also acquire competence in a range of writing and publishing practices relevant to electronic publishing.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, workshops and tutorials

Assessment:

Assessment is continuous. Students are required to contribute to the production and maintenance of an online journal. There are regular writing and production exercises that must be completed over the course of the semester.

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Students are expected to develop a number of graduate attributes, resulting in graduates who are:

• Capable in their chosen professional areas
• Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
• Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations
• Adaptable and manage change
• Aware of local and international environments.
  Students are expected to develop the following generic skills:
• Research skills
• Logical and critical thinking skills
• Thinking in theoretical terms
• Appreciation of the history of ideas
• Awareness of personal and ethical values
• Written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Competence to use library and other information sources
• Public speaking skills
• Teamwork skills
• Ability to elicit information from others
• Planning skills
• Time management skills
• Ability to use computers

Content:

This subject will explore the following areas of practice associated with the emergence of online and new media journalism production.  The social responsibilities and ethical frameworks for new media journalists, repurposing material across different media forms, intellectual property, privacy and new media, online newsroom management, contemporary news interfaces, including streaming audio, video and Flash.

Reading Materials:

Craig, R. Online Journalism: reporting, writing and editing for new media (Belmont, Calif.: Thomson Wandsworth, 2005).

Foust, J. Online Journalism - Principles and Practices of News for the Web (Holcomb Hathaway Publishers, Scottsdale, AZ., 2005).