Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Journalism Essentials
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
COMM3011 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
345H Media and Communication |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2025 |
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: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
In this course you will examine the history and the role of journalism in democratic societies. You will be introduced to and engage with practical journalistic activities, including news pitching, news gathering and writing for online news services.
This course explores journalism’s basic functions, and best professional practices, and how they converge.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the following BP220 Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) program learning outcomes:
- Discuss and analyse major evolving global and local news events.
- Develop practical and technical skills to adapt quickly to changes in the journalism 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.
If you are taking this course as an option course or as part of a minor, this course will complement the learning outcomes you are developing in your program.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Examine of the historical and current roles of journalism and journalists in democratic societies.
- Reflect on and explain decisions made within a journalistic context.
- Apply news gathering skills including interviewing, document gathering and identifying news sources.
- Apply foundational news writing skills to produce news stories
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practical exercises and authentic news gathering and reporting assessments.
Delivery is face-to-face.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. Weekly learning resources are set up and available in canvas.
We expect you to keep up with news and current affairs and industry-specific communications, such as material developed by The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, The Melbourne Press Club, The International Federation of Journalists and ABCTV’s Media Watch. The links to industry resources will be provided through canvas.
There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further
information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website.
Subject guides tailored to your studies: http://rmit.libguides.com/?b=s
Help with referencing, planning assignments and study support: https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/study.
Chat service Ask The Library and online study resources: https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/help/ask-the-library
RMIT Learning Lab If you need help with academic language and learning skills (including English expression) please consult Learning Lab in the RMIT Library. https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/
Students should contact Student Connect for information about available learning support to enhance their academic success.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and your development against the program learning outcomes.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: News and Style Quizzes 20% CLO2 and CLO3
Assessment Task 2: Hard News Story and Reflection 40%, CLO2, CLO3 and CLO4
Assessment Task 3: Practice based Essay: Role of Journalism, 40% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to f ind out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.