CJB202 Production Journalism

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Contemporary journalism increasingly requires multi-skilled practitioners able to engage and attract audiences through creatively and accurately edited content integrated with compelling visual design. This unit introduces you to the key functions of production journalism for print and digital media by teaching how to produce multimedia (video) and how to edit and design print and digital content prior to publication. It builds on foundation skills in journalism and engages you with the dynamics of visual design and the application of design theory to journalistic practice. You learn to develop material to the publication-ready stage and to apply theoretical concepts in practical contexts. You also gain an understanding of the role of layout and design as a communication tool in print and digital media.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Explain the production journalist's role in solving problems and presenting material with a high degree of news value.
2. Understand the principles of production journalism to ensure material is accurate and error-free.
3. Demonstrate how editing text, images and other media content contribute to an effective and integrated product.
4. Communicate effectively using fundamental design principles.

Content

Learning Approaches

Learning and teaching approaches are based on problem based, real-world scenarios in which critical reflection acts as the cognitive bridge between journalism theory and professional practice. Lectures provide the theoretical basis from which practice-based active learning exercises are generated in the tutorials.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback to students is via consultation with tutors, peer-to-peer exchanges during and out of class, and individually, on assessment grading forms. Communications to all students is via the unit Canvas website.

Assessment

Overview

There are two assessment items. The first item is a practical exam that incorporates text, image, and design while the second item is a portfolio of work which contributes to the production of a digital magazine.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Digital journalism portfolio

Students will produce a portfolio of work that contributes to the production of a digital journalism. Examples of the types of work included in the portfolio are:

1. Multimedia news and feature stories, including text, photos, infographics, and video
2. Evidence of contribution to the copy-editing and design of the magazine
3. A critical reflection of participation in the project.

Assessment: Print Editing and Design

Working to a "real-world" deadline, students will work online to sub-edit a series for selected publications / websites. Text, images and other material in need of editing for accuracy, style and grammar will be provided. Students will be required to write headlines, sub-heads and other editorial content to engage the readership.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

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 and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.

Resources

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, 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 facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction.

Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended 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.

Course Learning Outcomes

KC40 Bachelor of Communication

1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge of the foundational principles in your study area and the complex relationships of evolving communication platforms.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Digital journalism portfolio, Print Editing and Design
2. Critically analyse complex forms of information to synthesise and produce clear and coherent content for diverse audiences.
   Relates to: ULO1, Digital journalism portfolio, Print Editing and Design
3. Evaluate the technical requirements that inform planning, problem solving, decision making, and production processes in global and local communication industries.
   Relates to: ULO4, Digital journalism portfolio, Print Editing and Design
4. Demonstrate facility with the diverse technologies of the communications industries.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Digital journalism portfolio, Print Editing and Design
5. Apply the theoretical, conceptual, professional and creative skills of the communication industries knowledges in transdisciplinary and multimodal media contexts.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Digital journalism portfolio, Print Editing and Design