Students
MECO804 – Media Writing and Research
2018 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Senior Lecturer
Margie Borschke
Contact via margie.borschke@mq.edu.au
Y3A 254
By appointment on Tuesdays after or before class. Talk to me or email for a time.
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MCreIndMFJ or MFJ or MIntComm or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntComm or MMedia or MCreIndMMedia
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit focuses on the core skills that underpin journalism as a media practice including, reporting and research techniques and approaches to storytelling and representation across media. It also covers critical material on journalism and the contemporary media landscape, including ideals of objectivity, advocacy, and the use and function of news media.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
General Assessment Information
Deadlines are firm and late submissions will be penalised by 2% each day unless you have been granted special consideration.
All assessments must be submitted as Word documents via the turnitin link on iLearn. Email and print submissions will not be accepted as per the assessment policy.
Dept Policy: "Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty
for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for
assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted
more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No
late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments –
e.g. quizzes, online tests"
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio 1 | 40% | No | April 3, 2018 |
| Portfolio 2 | 60% | No | June 4, 2018 |
Portfolio 1
Due: April 3, 2018
Weighting: 40%
What will be assessed:
Each week you will be undertaking production and critical analytical tasks and documenting your progress in your iLearn blog. You will choose the best of these tasks for assessment and write a short essay that reflects on how these these practices and competencies illustrate your understanding of key debates in journalism. You should draw on the weekly themes and suggested background readings.
Portfolio 1 will include:
- a personal statement about your media practice and goals. (250 words)
- 1 News Round Up (Choose the best from your weeks 2-5) ( 500 words or equivalent)
- 1 production task of your choice from the weekly assigned practice tasks (Weeks 1-5)
- a 750 word reflection that narrates your learning process and details how these practices and competencies illustrate your understanding of key debates in journalism (draw on the weekly themes and suggested background readings.) You should link to your posts.
Format: You should submit a copy of your portfolio as a Word document to the Turnitin box on the iLearn site.
Detailed about the news round up focus and the production tasks will be issued each week in class and via iLearn.
Assessment Criteria:
Engagement: Demonstrate understanding of key questions, debates and concepts in the unit.
Application: The quality of your selected a) news round up as critical analysis OR the quality of your selected production task as a piece of reporting, research, or news writing. Evidence of regular and timely participation in the process of learning (posts to your iLearn blog are due before class each week.)
Evaluate: Show that you can discriminate between, and analyze, the various news genres, reporting and storytelling techniques for various journalistic mediums.
Expression: The clarity of your expression and your attention to detail. Evidence of regular and timely participation in the process of learning (posts are expected to be attempted each week.)
Overall: The quality of your portfolio as a record of your process of learning
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
Portfolio 2
Due: June 4, 2018
Weighting: 60%
What will be assessed:
Each week you will be undertaking production and critical analytical tasks and documenting your progress in your iLearn blog. You will choose the best of these tasks for assessment and write a short essay that reflects on how these these practices and competencies illustrate your understanding of key debates in journalism. You should draw on the weekly themes and suggested background readings.
Portfolio 2 will include:
- a revised personal statement about your media practice and goals based on your experience this semester (250 words)
- 600-700 word news article
- 1 News Round Up (Choose the best from your weeks 6-11) ( 500 words or equivalent)
- 1 additional production task of your choice from the weekly assigned production tasks (Weeks 6-11)
- a 750-1000 word scholarly reflection that narrates your learning process and details how these practices and competencies illustrate your understanding of key debates in journalism (draw on the weekly themes and suggested background readings to build your argument.) You should link to your posts and cite any readings you use.
Format: You should submit a copy of your portfolio as a word doc to the Turnitin box on the iLearn site.
Detailed descriptions of the analytical and production tasks will be issued in class and via iLearn
Assessment Criteria:
Engagement: Demonstrate understanding of key questions, debates and concepts in the unit.
Application: The quality of your selected a) news round up as critical analysis OR the quality of your selected production task as a piece of reporting, research, or news writing. Evidence of regular and timely participation in the process of learning (posts to your iLearn blog are due before class each week.)
Evaluate: Show that you can discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
Expression: The clarity of your expression and your attention to detail.
Overall: The quality of your portfolio as a record of your process of learning
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
Delivery and Resources
Seminars commence in week 1
Required Reading
1. Assigned readings: Please check the iLearn site for details about assigned readings and required texts.
2. News Reading: Students are expected to be reading key international and national news sites daily. See iLearn regarding titles, access and educational subscriptions.
Seminar Preparation
Each week students will be required to complete "practice tasks" before attending class. These are short assignments and exercises that will help you build your portfolios. Instructions will be announced in class and posted to iLearn. If you miss a class please check the iLearn site BEFORE attending the seminar to ensure you are prepared.
Unit Schedule
Please check iLearn for the schedule.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Department Remark Application: www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
Assessment tasks
- Portfolio 1
- Portfolio 2
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
Assessment tasks
- Portfolio 1
- Portfolio 2
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
Assessment tasks
- Portfolio 1
- Portfolio 2
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
Assessment tasks
- Portfolio 1
- Portfolio 2
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
Assessment tasks
- Portfolio 1
- Portfolio 2
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply advanced reporting, research and writing techniques to produce articles for print and online media
- Discriminate between, and analyze, the various writing styles and reporting techniques for various journalistic mediums.
- Critically appraise and analyze the research material on journalism and media.
- Identify and evaluate the key concepts underpinning the role of the fourth estate.
- Critically examine the history of journalism and identify opportunities and challenges for the future of journalism.
Assessment tasks
- Portfolio 1
- Portfolio 2
Changes from Previous Offering
The number of production tasks to be assessed has been reduced but students must also show evidence of regular completion of the the weekly tasks as part of their essays.
The news story assessment has been incorporated into portfolio 2.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 04/02/2018 | Portfolio 2 choice of writing tasks changed to required news story task. |