Students

MMCC2011 – Music and Arts Journalism

2023 – Session 2, Online-scheduled-weekday

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jessica Kirkness
jessica.kirkness@mq.edu.au
Tuesday mornings or by appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

We all know what we like, and what we don't like, but writing insightfully and fluently about the creative arts requires expressive skills and knowledge; skills that this unit aims to develop in students. To this end, students produce different styles of nonfiction writing about music and the arts: reviews, reports, reportage, reflection. They also write an article on a topic of their choice, which they are encouraged to develop to a standard suitable for publication. Lectures examine a range of long and short form review and arts writing and criticism, across both print and broadcast media.

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:

  • ULO1: identify, evaluate and critique key issues raised in the production of music and arts journalism.
  • ULO2: develop creative arts journalism through in-depth relevant research using a variety of methodologies.
  • ULO3: apply unique methods of presenting research in writing for a general readership.
  • ULO4: construct and write stories that fall into the broad category of music and arts journalism.

General Assessment Information

Late Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to written reports and recordings only. Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Collection of writing exercises (online) 30% No ongoing with all due on 13/10/2023 23:55
Research report and portfolio 30% No 22/09/2023 23:55
Major project (online) 40% No 1/11/2023 23:55

Collection of writing exercises (online)

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: ongoing with all due on 13/10/2023 23:55
Weighting: 30%

 

Produce short written pieces to develop writing and conceptual skills. Refer to iLearn for further information.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • identify, evaluate and critique key issues raised in the production of music and arts journalism.
  • develop creative arts journalism through in-depth relevant research using a variety of methodologies.
  • apply unique methods of presenting research in writing for a general readership.

Research report and portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 22/09/2023 23:55
Weighting: 30%

 

A portfolio showcasing the research conducted for the creative work, plus a report detailing how the research will be used in the creative work. Refer to iLearn for further information.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • develop creative arts journalism through in-depth relevant research using a variety of methodologies.
  • apply unique methods of presenting research in writing for a general readership.

Major project (online)

Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 1/11/2023 23:55
Weighting: 40%

 

Produce a non-fiction article which falls under the category ‘Music and Arts Journalism’. Refer to iLearn for further information.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • identify, evaluate and critique key issues raised in the production of music and arts journalism.
  • develop creative arts journalism through in-depth relevant research using a variety of methodologies.
  • apply unique methods of presenting research in writing for a general readership.
  • construct and write stories that fall into the broad category of music and arts journalism.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Lectures are pre-recorded. Tutorials begin in week two. Please see the timetable for more information about classes. 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Unit information based on version 2023.02 of the Handbook