JRN 2002 Radio Journalism

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

SYNOPSIS:

This course provides students with an introduction to the world of broadcast news. Students will learn about radio news and current affairs in Australia and overseas. The course will take a hands-on approach to teaching students how to write, report, prepare and present radio news under "real life" deadlines. Students will also learn to think independently, refine their news sense, operate within the community as journalists and make ethical decisions. Topics covered include: the history of radio journalism, writing for broadcast, interviewing techniques, voice production, and editorial decision-making.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course the student should:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the major news events of the previous 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 social issues and problems;
3. demonstrate an awareness of the discipline needed to meet the pressure of coping with tight broadcast news deadlines;
4. be able to isolate major news stories and to justify their possible inclusion in the front section of a metropolitan or regional radio station news bulletin;
5. be able to write radio news stories based on his/her experience gained from exercises completed in tutorials and workshops, his/her own research material and interviews on local issues; and
6. be able to interview and produce stories with recorded material.

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).

The Macquarie Dictionary and Thesaurus. 2 Minidiscs. 2 blank cassettes (30 minute tapes). To complete the practical components of this course, you will require your own mini discs, audio cassettes and batteries. Do not purchase these items until you have consulted your lecturer.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Students will be advised in week one class of their assignment requirements and due dates. NB: (1) Students must complete all required Newsbreak shifts in order to be considered for a passing grade in the course; (2) Students who fail to turn up for an assigned Newsbreak shift will receive a mark of zero for the shift; (3) Students who present a valid medical certificate for a missed Newsbreak shift will be required to make up that shift at a date to be determined in consultation with the lecturer.

2.

Students will be advised in week one class of their assignment requirements. Students must complete and submit all items of assessment in order to be considered for a passing grade in this course.

3.

Students will be advised in week one class of their assignment requirements. Students must complete and submit all items of assessment in order to be considered for a passing grade in this course.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the student's 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 be assured of completing each assessment item satisfactorily a student must submit all of the items of summative assessment by the due date and achieve on each the minimum specified standards outlined in 4 (Requirements for a pass in the course).
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   DEADLINES - EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED ON ANY GROUNDS. In fully documented cases of extreme medical disability, other production assignments of equivalent value will be set, ON CONDITION THAT the student fully informs the Examiner of such a need at the earliest convenient time. (Newsbreak - See important information in Note 2 in Assessment Details).
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. Assignments in this course require the use of interviews. The conduct of interviews must meet the University's ethical requirements and the examiner must be satisfied that these requirements are met.
2. Correct English is essential in journalism. Errors of spelling, grammar, punctuation and syntax will be penalised when assignments are marked. Severe deficiencies could mean failure in the course.