JRN 2004 Public Affairs Reporting

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
JRN 2004 41060 1, 2005 EXT Public Affairs Reporting 1.00 Toowoomba
Academic group: FOART
Academic org: FOA004
Student contribution band: 1
ASCED code: 100703

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Dianne Jones
Moderator: Craig Burgess



REQUISITES:

Pre-requisite: JRN2000

SYNOPSIS:

Public Affairs Reporting is an advanced reporting course stressing the watchdog role of the press and utilising investigative techniques, including computer-assisted reporting, Internet and other on-line searching. Students undertake in-depth analytical and practical assignments. Topics will include the role of the press in Western society, systems of government, social institutions, and issues in public affairs reporting.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the theories behind the watchdog role of the press in Western society;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of public affairs, including systems of government (local, state, national and international), medicine and science, health, education, business and the economy, the environment, religion and cultural diversity;
  3. demonstrate an ability to report public affairs issues and events; and
  4. apply computer-assisted reporting techniques to journalistic research.

TOPICS:


Description Weighting (%)
1. Theories of the role of the press in society
 20.00
2. Journalism research techniques
 10.00
3. Using computer-assisted reporting for public affairs
 20.00
4. Reporting local, state, national and international politics
 20.00
5. Reporting other social institutions
 20.00
6. Issues in public affairs
 10.00

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).

Henningham, J. ed 1999, Institutions in Australian Society, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Quinn, S 2001, Newsgathering on the Net: An Internet Guide for Australian Journalists, 2nd edn, MacMillan Education, Melbourne.




REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Pearson, M 2004, The Journalist's Guide to Media Law, 2nd edn, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.




STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ACTIVITY HOURS
Assessment 80.00
Directed Study 40.00
Private Study 40.00


ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
REPORT 1 100.00 20.00 29 Mar 2005
REPORT 2 100.00 20.00 22 Apr 2005
REPORT 3 100.00 20.00 20 May 2005
REPORT 4 100.00 40.00 10 Jun 2005

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.
  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

9. (a) The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. (b) Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be despatched to USQ within 24 hours if requested by the Examiner. (c) In accordance with University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances such as documented ill-health. (d) Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in the course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of the course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete-Makeup). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non-directed personal study. (e) Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or sit for an examination at the scheduled time, may apply to defer an assessment in the course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded: IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Correct English is essential in Journalism. Errors of spelling, grammar and punctuation will be penalised when assignments are marked. Severe deficiencies could mean failure in the course.
  2. Assignemnts 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.