JRN 2005 Broadcast Reporting

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

SYNOPSIS:

This course focuses on developing individual skills in writing and reporting for broadcast news. Students will build on previous courses by learning to refine and improve their writing and reporting skills for broadcast. An introduction to television news in Australia and overseas will provide students with an ability to analyse and critique current broadcast news reporting practices. The course will take a practical approach to teaching advanced interview skills, writing for television, and packaging TV news reports. Students will also examine the ethical and professional issues surrounding broadcast journalism's new technologies and the demands of an increasingly competitive industry.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course, students should:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the major news events of the previous 15 weeks, in particular, how these events were handled by the broadcast media;
2. have an understanding of the role of the broadcast media in fostering public awareness of a range of activities, events and institutions;
3. be proficient in the techniques of radio and television interviewing;
4. demonstrate a practical knowledge of the news writing and news gathering principles applicable to broadcast journalism; and,
5. be familiar with the essence of contemporary debate about the role of broadcast news/media in Australia.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

A good quality cassette audio tape.

TWO Super VHS video tapes.

A minidisc

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Details of this assessment requirements will be advised at the first lecture.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   Assignments not handed in by the due date and time will result in a grade of zero for that assignment.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no exam for this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Given the details under (6) above, there are no deferred exams for this course. However, if any deferred/makeup work is granted, it would have to be submitted by a date set by the examiner.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Students must attend all assigned Newsbreak shifts. Students who fail to turn up for an assigned Newsbreak shift will receive a mark of zero for the shift unless a valid medical certificate is presented.