Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Journalism Capstone

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2805

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Jason Foster

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9412

Course Coordinator Email: jason.foster@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 4

Course Coordinator Availability: Please email for an appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Prerequisites

You should have satisfactorily completed COMM2804 Newsroom Practice before you commence this course.

OR

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information: Credit at RMIT


Course Description

This course requires you to demonstrate professional standard journalism skills.   As a capstone experience it is designed to enable you to synthesise and integrate knowledge, connect theory and practice as well as demonstrate holistic achievement of program learning outcomes.   You will create a major work of journalism, in an area of your choice, which is of publishable standard.    You will use this work, and previously published material, to produce a professional portfolio and profile.   In doing so you will also be required to reflect upon your journalism practice and the ethical, legal and practical challenges of the field.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course aligns with the following Program Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop practical, and technical skills to quickly adapt to current and future changes in the industry 
  • Apply a body of theoretical and practical knowledge and specific skills in media and communication, particularly in journalism in which to base your professional practice or future study
  • Critically analyse, synthesize and reflect on journalism in both local and international contexts 
  • Demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and innovation when identifying and solving problems in diverse contexts within the discipline of journalism
  • Communicate using diverse formats and strategies to audiences within and external to your discipline
  • Work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness and ethical and reflective practice
  • Apply initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in your practice or future study


Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate your knowledge and expertise as a journalist within contemporary news media industry contexts.
  2. Critically analyse and address platform-specific requirements for news production.
  3. Produce substantial journalism to a publication-ready standard within a strict deadline.
  4. Create a profile of yourself as a journalist, evidenced by a portfolio of published material.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as studios, project work, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, individual and group activities.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The University Library has extensive resources for Journalism students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/media-and-communication.

The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment may include essays, reports, reflective papers, creative projects and presentations, individually and in groups. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning.

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

 

ASSESSMENT TASKS

Assessment 1 - Project Pitching, Planning and Peer Presentation [Individual 30% Linked CLO's:  1,2]

Assessment 2 - Published Project [Individual 40% Linked CLO's: 1,3] 

Assessment 3 – Final Presentation [Individual 30% Linked CLO's 1,4]