What you will submit:

· One 600 word news article

· Reflection on the reporting process (apx. 500 words or a 3 minute video/audio*)

· Research report including backup detailing sources for all facts and quotes 

· A transcript of a key interview with quotes used in bold 

*If you would like to prepare an audio or video reflection please discuss this with your lecturer

Instructions:

· You must find, report and write a 600 word news story. In the seminars we will discuss how to find stories and you are encouraged to workshop and present your work before submission. 

· You should identify a possible media outlet and consider your intended readership.

· You should strive to be objective, fair and impartial.

· You should strive to do as much original research and reporting as possible. 

· You should conduct at least two interviews for your story. Be sure to include the names, title and contact details (phone and email) in your research backup. 

· Attach a transcript of a key interview with the quotes used in bold.  This will include your questions and the interviewees unedited responses.

· Your story should contain quotes and they should be properly set up and attributed. It's best to use quotes from your interview but in some cases you may need to use quotes from another source.  If you do so you must identify the source of the quote.

· At the top of page, please note the intended date of publication and suggest a headline

· You must list all sources for your story in your research back-up. Provide links or copies to any reports or other news stories you may have used.

· You should be able to produce transcripts or recordings of interviews if requested.

· Write a brief reflection on the reporting process. Identify challenges and shortcomings.  What reporting or writing techniques did you use to overcome these problems?  Why is this story in the public interest?   What were the advantages and disadvantages of taking an objective and impartial stance?  How would you follow up on or expand this story?  How would you adapt the story's content for other media forms? 

The assessment of the news story will be based on:

·The quality and accuracy of the reporting and attention to detail in each article

·Your approach to each story including its structure, content and style

·Selection and use of facts and statistics 

·Choice of sources and appropriate attribution

·Selection and use of quotes  

·The success of your interview for this story 

·The story’s success as a news article

·Your ability to analyse reporting as a cultural form and social practice

·Your understanding of debates in journalism re: objectivity, impartiality and the fourth estate

Topics Covered:  

·How to find, conceive, plan, research, report and write short news articles on deadline

·How to write a lead/intro

·How to assess sources and find and verify facts

·How to conduct interviews and select quotes

·How to select appropriate facts and statistics

·An understanding of newsworthiness and news practice

·How to write for a target audience

·An understanding of objectivity as an ideal and practice and its relationship with the fourth estate 

What you will submit:

· 800 word article

· Reflection (600 words OR four minute video/audio*)

· Research report including backup detailing sources for all facts and quotes

 *Please discuss this option with your lecturer

Instructions:

· You must find, report and write a 800 word factual article. This piece of writing should also advocate a position or have a clear point of view. You are encouraged to workshop and present your ideas in the seminars before submission. 

· You should strive to build your argument based on original reporting and research

· You must list all sources for your story in your research back-up. Provide links or copies to any reports or other news stories you may have used.

· You should be able to produce transcripts or recordings of interviews if requested.

· Write a reflection on your reporting and writing process (as in assessment 1).  Also reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of advocacy and persuasion for factual reporting and writing. 

The assessment will be based on:

·The quality of your argument as well as the rigour of your reporting.

·The quality and accuracy of the reporting and attention to detail in each article
·Selection and use of facts, statistics and anecdotes

·Your approach to persuasive writing including the quality of the story's structure, content and style

·Choice of sources and appropriate attribution

·The story’s success as a piece of persuasive writing

·Your ability to analyse the reporting process and product as a cultural form and social practice

·Your understanding of key debates in journalism about advocacy, opinion and the fourth estate

Topics Covered:  

·How to find, conceive, plan, research, report and write persuasive pieces on deadline

·How to craft a persuasive argument or position that relies on solid reporting and research

·How to assess sources and find and verify facts

·How to conduct and use interviews and select quotes

·An understanding of key debates in journalism about advocacy, opinion and the fourth estate

The final task is a 2000 word research essay. You will devise your own research question related to current challenges and opportunities in journalism.  Suggested topics and approaches will be discussed in the seminars. Students are encouraged to ask difficult questions and to follow their passions.

Your essay should demonstrate:

A strong understanding of key ideas in journalism studies and contemporary problems and opportunities faced by the media

The ability to critically assess and contextualise the work in this field.

The ability to develop a unique and original argument.

Clarity and precision of expression.

Originality of thinking and approach.

The ability to create a concise and sophisticated argument within the word limit.

What you will do

1. Lead a discussion about current news as it relates to the past week's questions and concepts.  (Dates tbd)

2. Complete preparation exercises on iLearn site prior to seminar. (Any exercises will be posted by Thursday morning.) 

3. Post reflections to your iLearn blog. (Please complete before the next seminar.)

4. Participation and engagement in seminar activities and discussions.

Your assessment will be based on

Your engagement with the course material including key questions and concepts

Your participation in class discussions and debates

Your ability to critically analyse current news and news practices

Your leadership of the news roundup discussion in your assigned week

Your iLearn posts (You must complete 75% of the set exercises.)

Please note:  This assessment is about engagement. A willingness to experiment, to take risks and make mistakes is encouraged.