CJB205 Data-Driven Storytelling and Verification
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CJB205 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CYB116 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $2,174 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,020 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $4,944 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | CJB205 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CYB116 |
| Coordinator: | Stephen Harrington | s.harrington@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Communication professionals now operate in a world in which data is plentiful, and often relatively easy to access. This situation also throws up a number of challenges, though, with these practitioners needing to know where to find such data, how to make sense of it and, more importantly, how to present that data to an audience in a meaningful and engaging way. This unit therefore equips students with some of these foundational skills, and provides them with a strong understanding of how statistics and data can be used to enhance news stories, and help to uncover stories which have not been told yet.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- An understanding of statistics and data structures, their relationship to journalistic storytelling, and an ability to identify common errors in their application
- A practical understanding of key public data sources, and an ability to evaluate their quality, utility, and reliability
- An ability to extract and analyse data, verify it, and present it in an accurate and engaging way using industry-standard programs and tools
Content
The unit may:
- Introduce students to statistical concepts, to better understand their application in journalistic settings.
- Discuss potential data sources, and how to access data that is in the public domain for storytelling purposes.
- Analyse the practice of fact-checking, supported by statistical literacy.
- Analyse examples of best practice in data journalism, to understand how data can best be presented in a way that aids audience engagement and understanding.
- Use relevant data from social media sites to analyse social and political trends.
- Introduce students to basic tools for visualising large datasets.
- Examine how data visualisations work with other media to enhance audience engagement and understanding.
- Provide a basic introduction to the use of coding in the process of data analysis.
- Examine the ethical issues associated with the increased amount of publicly-available data.
Learning Approaches
You will learn through lectures, tutorials, and self-study. Online modules will introduce you to specific data analysis and visualisation tools. 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
All assessment items allow students to apply their knowledge in a way that reflects real-world processes and expectations.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Fact check
Students will undertake an industry-standard 'fact check' of a statement made by a public official. Using publicly-available data, students will evaluate the statement, make a determination of its validity, and provide a justification of the approach taken. All data sources, and statistical analysis of that data, must be provided with the assignment.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Data story
Students will produce a news story underpinned by two separate datasets, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and at least one other source (from a supplied list). Students will be required to include a minimum of 3 data visualisations (of at least 2 different types) to accompany the story, a list of relevant 'newsworthy' statistics gleaned from the data, and submit the Tableau workbook they used to undertake their analysis.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Exam
Students will be required to write a news story (of approximately 600 words) in a time-pressured situation, based on the resources provided to them in the exam, demonstrating their ability to evaluate different sources of evidence, and their understanding of foundational statistical concepts. This is an 'open book' exam, and students may bring in any paper-based notes or learning materials.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, 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 will be available on the unit's Canvas site.
Students without an existing Tableau licence will be given instructions on how to acquire one, free of charge.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Chivers, T. & Chivers, D. (2021) How to Read Numbers: A Guide to Statistics in the News (and Knowing When to Trust Them), Weidenfeld & Nicholson: London.
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
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.KC40 Bachelor of Communication
- 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, Fact check, Data story, Exam - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Fact check, Data story, Exam - Demonstrate critical digital literacy skills across diverse platforms and technologies, including familiarity with analytic tools to effectively and responsibly interpret data in the media, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Fact check, Data story, Exam - Create authentic and professional-quality communication outputs that reflect an application of academic content, critical thinking skills, and social awareness.
Relates to: ULO3, Data story