Units
Introduction to Journalism, Media and Communication
Unit code: KJB102
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit introduces you to core concepts and key knowledge essential for subsequent study in Journalism, and Media & Communication. It combines teaching about media organisations with communication theory and practitioner perspectives drawn from a range of relevant industry sectors. The unit creates a foundation on which you will build in subsequent semesters.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit introduces you to core concepts and key knowledge essential for subsequent study in the Journalism, and Media & Communication. It combines teaching about media organisations with communication theory and practitioner perspectives drawn from a range of relevant industry sectors. The unit creates a foundation on which you will build in subsequent semesters.
Aims
The unit aims to introduce you to the history and current structure of the key media sectors within which you may develop careers; to deliver core knowledge about the changing economic, political and technological environments within which media content is produced and consumed; to expose you at an early stage in your academic careers to experienced practitioners in a range of media sectors.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you should be able to
1. Apply concepts and approaches to the study of journalism, media and communication in the analysis of related industries and the work of practitioners.
2. Demonstrate an applied understanding of the historical context and diversity of current journalism, media and communication industries.
3. Apply written communication skills in journalism, media and communication contexts taking into account academic writing conventions.
4. Identify, compare and contrast the trends and challenges facing specific sections of the journalism, media and communication industries.
Content
Students will develop foundational knowledge and skills relevant to employment in the journalism, media and communication industries; critical, analytical and communication skills required for future study and work. This unit will be broken into three sections.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Key concepts and approaches will be introduced and illustrated in formal lectures. These will be supplemented with discussion in smaller tutorials that will also be directed at deeper understanding of content, and supporting student work-in-progress on assessment tasks. One lecture will be devoted to written communication skills required for assignments, to be supported throughout the semester by tutorial advisory sessions. There will be guest lectures from industry practitioners, and a study visit to an industry site.
Assessment
Late assignments
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.
Faculty Assessment information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.Formative assessment
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions through the semester. You will receive written formative feedback on the unit's assignments.
Assessment name:
Profesional Biography
Description:
(summative and formative) Complete a series of online modules in academic literacies then write a biography of a journalism, media and communication professional discussing how key aspects of their career relate to unit concepts.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Early/Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
(summative and formative) You are to undertake a comparative analysis of how a specific trend or challenge facing the journalism, media and communication industries is addressed by practitioners in the different sectors.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3, 4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End Semester
Assessment name:
Group Presentation
Description:
(summative and formative) In groups, you are to present a 10 minute presentation discussing the key elements students should consider for a successful career in journalism, media and communciation, expanding on research conducted for assessment item number 1.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
To be advised. There are many up to date and affordable text books available for this course. Supplementary readings will be available through the Library CMD.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 11-Oct-2012
