50129 News and Current Affairs

UTS: Communication: Journalism Information and Media Learning
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 50106 Media, Information and Society OR 50227 Media, Information and Society

Handbook description

This subject takes a comparative theoretical approach to studying the exercise of power in the production of news and current affairs in contemporary media. It deals with the economic and institutional contexts, debates about the role of the press in democratic political processes, relations between journalists and their sources, the impact of new media technologies on journalists and the relationship between journalists and their audiences. Students are expected to develop analytical and research skills, including a capacity to analyse their own media production work in the context of current scholarship in the field.

Subject objectives/outcomes

The objectives of this subject are to enable students to:

examine journalism with reference to research-based ideas and arguments about the role of journalism in contemporary society, its relationship to other social institutions, technological change and news values for a multicultural democracy
research how journalists produce meaning through contemporary media; and then compare and contrast experiential notions of journalism practice identified through the research-based ideas and arguments about journalism practice and its role in society
demonstrate an understanding of the content of the course through a class presentation
critically analyse contemporary Australian journalism practice with reference to ideas, arguments and debates in journalism studies research in a way that reflects a range of perspectives in journalism studies
compare and contrast initial understandings of the local news and current affairs environment with understandings developed through the course.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject provides students with:

a knowledge and critical understanding of the media
the skills to enter journalism professional practice
opportunities to make significant intellectual and creative contributions to the social, political and cultural life of the communities in which they live
an understanding of the role of the media in local, regional, national and global contexts
strong research skills and effectively retrieve and analyse information from a range of sources
a critical understanding of issues of gender, racism, ethnicity, disability and class and the way these are linked to issues of media representation, production and reception
an understanding of the role the media has played in the dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the importance of the role the media can play in the reconciliation process and bringing justice to all communities
an understanding and commitment to ethical journalism practice.

Teaching and learning strategies

Activities and resources for this subject include reading, lectures, tutorial activities and discussions, individual study and assessment completion.

This subject requires consistent reading and reflection across the semester. The lectures are designed to stimulate student thinking about the set topics. Introductory and background information about the topics will be offered in lectures/panel discussions, but the main aim is to enable students to engage with the ideas, arguments and debates raised in research and professional literature. Each student is encouraged to explore the relevance of this material to his/her own professional practice. The tutorials that follow the lectures will provide opportunities for small group work around the readings, class discussions of the topics, and the preparation and review of assessment tasks. The three assessment tasks are linked and designed to provide students with cumulative research and learning experiences.

Content

Topics in this subject include: introduction to news and current affairs and the relevance of journalism education in a university, various concepts and research paradigms in this field, different ideas about journalism including liberal and critical notions, public interest/public responsibility in journalism, notions of truth, objectivity and credibility, diversity and cultural differences in news media, the relationship between news content and its audience, issues related to investigative journalism.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Class Discussion Leadership

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d
Weighting:	20%
Length:	45-50 minutes
Task:	This is a group task involving research and class presentation. Three students will form a group to work together on a weekly topic, develop a class discussion facilitation plan, and implement it in the class. This task will be assessed as a group.
Assessment criteria:	Research skills: demonstrated capacity for systematic reading and reflection that leads to an appropriate selection of research materials related to the set topic as evidenced in the identification of relevant ideas, categories, arguments or insights for class discussion, case study and critical reflection in the post-class synthesis. Critical analysis: demonstrated capacity for systematic reflection about and scrutiny of the strengths and weaknesses of ideas and arguments as evidenced in the quality of the class discussion and written work posted into UTS Online. Effective communication: demonstrated capacity to clearly and effectively communicate ideas as evidenced in the quality of tutorial leaders' engagement with other students in consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the ideas canvassed.

Assessment item 2: News and Current Affairs E-portfolio

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d
Weighting:	30%
Task:	This is an individual task involving research and critical reflection. Each student is to develop a portfolio in UTS Online e-portfolio section about environmental news recently or currently being covered in the news media.
Assessment criteria:	Research skills: Demonstrated capacity to select appropriate scholarly materials/research articles and relevant professional/journalistic examples as evidenced in the quality of the selection of materials. Critical analysis: Demonstrated capacity for systematic reflection about and scrutiny of the strengths and weaknesses of ideas and arguments presented in the materials as evidenced in the quality of the analysis, including combining, comparing and contrasting, or judging the strengths and weaknesses of academic and practitioner perspectives. Effective communication: Demonstrated capacity for systematic writing and scholarly presentation as evidenced in the quality of the structure, logic, written expression, and referencing of the postings.

Assessment item 3: Scholarly Essay

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d
Weighting:	50%
Task:	Task: individual work involving research and critical analysis. Students are asked to write a 2,500-word scholarly essay on the set topics listed below. The essay needs to be well-researched and well-argued. Clear statement/s about the argument and the ways evidence support it are integral parts of a scholarly essay. Effective and appropriate use of the set and additional readings, and other resources/materials utilised in the subject will also be appreciated.
Assessment criteria:	Research skills: Demonstrated capacity to undertake independent research including selecting and engaging with a range of academically credible references as evidenced in the quality of the main argument of the essay. Critical analysis: Demonstrated capacity to systematically integrate ideas on the research topic (your own and those found in the literature) as evidenced in the quality of the claims made in support of the main argument, the evidence offered in support of those claims, the critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the ideas canvassed, and the conclusion. Effective communication: Demonstrated capacity to precisely and concisely express ideas as evidenced in the quality of the structure, logic, written expression, formatting and referencing of the essay. Your final assignment may be handed in with a self-addressed envelope if you want it to be returned to you after marking. It is your responsibility to include an envelope large enough for your assignment and with the right postage stamps.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.

Other resources

Media Watch (ABC TV/ABC Online)
Media Report (ABC Radio National/ABC Online)
Media (The Australian)
Walkley Magazine (www.alliance.org.au)
New Matilda (www.newmatilda.com)
Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ) (www.journalism.org)
Accessing regularly daily/online news sources (including the mainstream and alternative ones)

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