CJB204 Social Justice and Journalism Ethics

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Journalism has a significant influence on the way people see the world, and how they think about their place within it. Journalism therefore has the ability to both address, as well as exacerbate, existing power imbalances that exist in our culture. This unit provides students with a better understanding of these dynamics, and how they can shape their future professional practice in ways that might better account for the structural advantages and disadvantages that different groups (based on gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class and physical ability) face. The unit will introduce students to the professional codes of conduct under which journalists often operate, and how they apply in the Australian context. The unit also provides opportunities for students to explore real-world ethical dilemmas in the media industry, and to work through examples of applied ethical decision-making. In doing so, the unit aims to produce more socially-conscious, ethical journalism practitioners.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Ability to analyse common ethical dilemmas facing journalists in their day-to-day activities and formulate oral and written responses to emerging journalism issues relevant to national and international practice.
2. An applied understanding of existing industry codes (e.g. MEAA code of ethics), how they are enacted in the Australian professional context, and how they may impact on future professional practice.
3. Understand how journalism practice can contribute to existing power imbalances in society, as well as an ability to find stories that might help to address those problems.

Content

Learning Approaches

You will learn through lectures, tutorials and self-study. You will be expected to complete any prescribed self-study, including readings out of class, and in preparation for subsequent classes.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive formative feedback from teaching staff on your progress in this unit during tutorials and in-class discussions throughout the semester. You should also look for feedback from your peers as you discuss issues in tutorials, and provide constructive feedback to others in return. In addition, you will receive individual written feedback on your assessment, and there will be generic feedback posted to the unit's Canvas website over the semester. 

Assessment

Overview

The learning outcomes are evaluated through two different assessment items. A1 provides an opportunity for you to show your understanding of existing professional cases, and how they apply in relation to the industry codes of conduct. A2 requires you to put your knowledge of journalism’s impact on society to the test, wherein you are required to pitch a story that will lift up the voices of socially-marginalised groups in an inclusive and professional manner.  

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Case Study Portfolio

This assignment requires you undertake an analysis of four different real-world cases, and demonstrate your understanding of ethical journalism conduct and relevant professional codes.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Story Pitch

You are required to develop an oral and written ‘pitch’ (i.e. proposal) for a story that will give voice to a marginalised group in society, taking into account the ethical issues associated with doing so, and an understanding of any relevant cultural competences.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages.

You will be advised if a unit requires additional mandatory health and safety inductions.  

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Patching, R. & Hirst, M. (2021). Journalism Ethics at the Crossroads: Democracy, Fake News, and the News Crisis. London: Routledge.

Other

To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required. 

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.

You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.

Course Learning Outcomes

KC40 Bachelor of Communication

1. Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Case Study Portfolio , Story Pitch
2. Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Case Study Portfolio , Story Pitch
3. Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply diverse ways of knowing the world in local and global contexts, including Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives.
   Relates to: ULO1, Case Study Portfolio
4. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Case Study Portfolio , Story Pitch
5. Critically interrogate the economic and cultural power of digital media, communication, entertainment, and news to make ethical, sustainable, and inclusive contributions to diverse workplaces, communities, and audiences.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Case Study Portfolio , Story Pitch