Writing for the Media (MECM40011)

HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2017 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2017 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook up fees

This subject provides students with the skills to write at an advanced journalistic level. Lectures will present students with techniques that will enhance skills in interviewing, news judgement, narrative technique, researching, framing ideas, developing contacts and using off the record information. Students will also deal with issues of fairness and objectivity, plagiarism, libel and codes of conduct. On completion of this subject, students will have developed advanced skills in print and online feature writing.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should:



  • be able to develop practical knowledge of different journalistic writing styles;
  • have gained a critical understanding of interviewing, the role of sources and researching;
  • have become aware of ethical and legal issues in contemporary journalism; and
  • have acquired high level skills in feature writing.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • be able to effectively research and write extended length journalistic stories;
  • have gained an understanding of the practical implications of on-going debates over journalistic conduct in relation to their own writings; and
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the mass media and other forms of communication in contemporary society.

Last updated: 3 November 2022