57019 Journalism Research Project (FT)

Handbook description

Students produce an original piece of supervised scholarly research in Journalism studies relevant to journalism, the specific topic to be agreed between the student and supervisor. This research is written up and analysed in a thesis of approximately 12,000 to 15,000 words.

Normally this subject is taken as an alternative to the combination of 57018 Journalism Professional Project and 57017 Journalism Studies Project by students wishing to further their studies with a higher degree by research.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. identify a key issue in Journalism Studies that lends itself to further investigation, analysis and discussion in a research thesis
2. develop and finalise a reading program that draws on appropriate academic literature in the area of Journalism Studies
3. develop a case study that tests out existing ideas in Journalism Studies via an empirical examination of an aspect of the selected research topic (i.e. a study of a representative instance of your research question)
4. analyse, synthesis and integrate ideas gained from academic sources, as well as your own ideas, into a well-argued and appropriately formatted and referenced thesis on the chosen issue.

Contribution to graduate profile

On completion of the subject, students will:

• have strong research and reporting skills and be able to effectively retrieve and analyse information from a range of sources
• have a knowledge and critical understanding of the media
• be equipped with the necessary skills to either enter professional practice in the media or continue with additional skills and intellectual depth
• have a knowledge of the historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural foundations underpinning journalism and strive to promote the important role of professional and ethical journalism in the service of the public
• have an understanding of the role of the media in local, regional, national and global contexts
• have an understanding of the relationship between media theory and practice
• have a critical understanding of the relationships between technology, professionalism and social change and be able to adapt their professional skills to future change and to new production challenges
• have a critical understanding of issues of gender, race, ethnicity, disability and class and the way these are linked to issues of media representation, production and reception
• understand 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
• develop the ability to be self-reliant and pro-active, flexible and innovative
• have an understanding and commitment to ethical journalism practice
• have a commitment to life-long learning in journalism professional.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject will develop your familiarity with and ability to use research literature in writing about key research themes in Australian Journalism Studies. It also seeks to enhance your critical analytical and essay-writing skills so that you feel competent and confident in evaluating and engaging with scholarly arguments. The subject involves both seminars and individual supervision. The seminars provide an opportunity for students to discuss key issues in Journalism Studies, familiarise themselves with the requirements of academic writing, and develop and discuss their essay projects with other students. Individual supervision involves one-to-one meetings with the subject coordinator to discuss work-in-progress and deal with any problems encountered during the research and writing process. You can make an appointment for individual supervision meetings as required. You need to prepare a work agenda for each meeting and email it to the subject coordinator on the day before it takes place in order to ensure that the necessary resources or advice can be provided. Suggested agenda items include: Recommended reading? Refining my topic? Developing my argument? Troubleshooting.

Content

The following topics will be covered in the seminars. In terms of Australian Journalism Studies, we will take an overview of the area, identify some key researchers and recent research projects/findings, explore some of key categories and look at what the experts have to say on topics selected by students. In terms of academic skills development, there will be an introduction to academic writing and the research process, discussion of different types of research design, and exploration of different essay structures and argumentation strategies.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: A report on the research design (2500-3000 words)

Assessment item 2: A research thesis (12,000-15,000 words)

Minimum requirements

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

Indicative references

Introduction to Australian Journalism Studies research

What are some key themes and projects in the Australian Journalism Studies research field? How can I choose a topic that lends itself to analysis? What is an abstract? How does an abstract help me to plan and structure the reading, writing and analytical process to achieve a well-argued essay?

Readings:
Glasser, T. L. and Marken, L. 2005, 'Can we make journalists better?' in Making journalists (Ed. H. de Burgh) Routledge, Oxon, pp. 264-276.

O'Donnell, P. et al. 2006, A colloquium on journalism and cultural diversity, Australian Studies in Journalism, no. 16, pp. 189-211.

Further reading:
Allan, S. 2005, Journalism: Critical issues, Berkshire UK, Open University Press, pp. 1-15.

McNair, B. 2005, 'What is journalism?' in Making journalists, ed. H. de Burgh, Oxon, UK, Routledge, pp. 25-43.

Franklin, B., Hamer, M., Hanna, M, Kinsey, M. and Richardson, J. 2005, Key concepts in Journalism Studies, London, Sage.

Iorio, S. 2004, 'Qualitative case study methods in newsroom research and reporting' in her Taking to the streets—Qualitative research in journalism, Mahwah, NJ, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 59-92. [UTS Library has an electronic copy]

Ewart, J. 2004, 'Challenging journalists' thinking about their role and journalism', Australian Journalism Review, 26(2), pp. 99-113.

Kirkpatrick, R. 2002, 'The glory of the revelator: Historical documents as a resource' in Journalism: Investigation and research, ed. S. Tanner, Sydney, Longman, pp. 134-149.

Fogg, C. 2005, Release the hounds: A guide to research for journalists and writers, Sydney, Allen & Unwin, pp. 168-190 (on databases, directories and search engines).

Dobinson, G. 2003, 'Australian journalism research index 1992 – 2002', Australian Studies in Journalism, no. 13, pp. 268-356.

Designing the research

How can I generate research questions and hypotheses from my background reading? How can my research project build on and develop existing knowledge? How do I select and explain my choice of a research method? What is an annotated bibliography and why is it an important research resource?

Reading:
Putnis, P & Petelin, R. 1999, 'Writing in an academic context' in their Professional communication: Principles and applications, Sydney, Prentice Hall, pp. 333-380.

Further reading:
Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA). (2001). Sources of news and current affairs. Retrieved 20 February 2007, from www.aba.gov.au/newspubs/radio_TV/research.shtml

Australian Centre for Independent Journalism, news/Worthy—How the Australian media cover humanitarian, aid and development issues, Retrieved 20 February 2007, from www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/pdf/newsworthy.pdf

Australian Press Council 2006, State of the News Print Media in Australia Report 2006, Retrieved 20 February 2007, from www.presscouncil.org.au/snpma/snpma_index.html

Bromley, M. 2006, 'How good is journalism research?' Australian Journalism Review, 28(1), pp. 211-217.

Collins, S. & Rose, J. 2004, 'Case study: City Voice, an alternative to the corporate model', Pacific Journalism Review, 10(2), pp. 32-45.

Ewart, J., Meadows, M., Forde, S. & Foxwell, K. 2005, 'Media matters: ways to link community radio and community newspapers', Australian Journalism Review, 27(2), pp. 87-103.

Herbert, J. 2003, 'Industry and academics: we need each other's research', Australian Journalism Review, 25(2), pp. 189-205.

Jacka, E. 2003, 'Democracy as defeat—The importance of arguments for public service broadcasting, Television & New Media, 4(2), pp. 171-199.

Knight, A. 2003, 'Globalised journalism in the Internet Age', E-journalist, v.3, no.2, Retrieved 20 February 2007, from www.ejournalism.au.com/ejournalist/knightr.pdf

Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance 2007, 'Official spin—Censorship and control of the Australian press 2007', Retrieved 5 July 2007, from www.alliance.org.au/sections/media/2007-press-freedom-report.html

University of the Sunshine Coast 2006, Responding to Cronulla: Rethinking multiculturalism—A National Symposium, Retrieved 20 February 2007, from www.usc.edu.au

Essay structures and argumentation strategies

What is good academic writing? What do the experts have to say on my research question and how do I discuss their ideas in a literature review? What new evidence am I offering in response to my research question? How do I indicate the relevance and significance of my research?

Reading:
Simons, M. 2006, 'The Gallery: Insular, intrusive or indispensable?', Speech to The Sydney Institute, February 2006, Retrieved 20 February 2007, from www.margaretsimons.com.au

Nolan, S. 2003, 'Journalism online: the search for narrative form in a multilinear world, retrieved 20 February 2007, from http://hypertext.rmit.edu.au/dac/papers/Nolan.pdf

Wallace, T. 2002, 'Lachlan Murdoch: Black-tie champion of the common man?', Retrieved 20 February 2007, from www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=1097

Further reading:
UTS Library Study Guides 2007, Developing an argument, Retrieved 20 February 2007, from www.lib.uts.edu.au/information/referencing_and_writing/developing_an_argument

Other resources

Research resources

The major readings for this subject are available either in UTS Online or via the Internet. The very large research report documents should be downloaded at the discretion of each student depending on her/his research interests and priorities. All journal articles can be accessed as PDF files via APAIS database, available through the UTS Library. The UTS Library also contains a wide range of material in the Journalism, Media and Communication Studies' areas including books, journals and newspapers. You can check the range of material by looking at the list of subject headings on Journalism in the on-line catalogue. Alternatively, you can scan the shelves in the 070 and 300-330 sections. Another alternative is to start with journal databases via the 'Finding info' menu on the UTS Library homepage: APAIS covers Australian journals; Academic Search Elite for overseas. The following journals and newsletters are relevant and worth keeping an eye on: Australian Studies in Journalism; Australian Journalism Review; Asia Pacific Media Educator; Media International Australia; Australian Journal of Communication; Journalism Studies; Journalism: Theory Practice and Criticism; American Journalism Review; Global Media and Communication; Colombia Journalism Review; Online Journalism Review; Media, Culture and Society; European Journal of Communication; Journalism and Mass Communications Quarterly; Critical Studies in Mass Communication; Communications Law Bulletin. In terms of the critical review of professional journalistic practice try ABC-TV's MediaWatch, ABC Radio National's The Media Report, The Media section of The Australian, New Matilda, Crikey.com, Webdiary, and newsblogs by Tim Blair and John Quiggin.