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Investigative Journalism (JOUR90013)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject builds on basic journalistic interview and research skills to introduce the discipline and advanced research techniques of investigative journalism. Students will learn how to access and analyse public records, how to use Freedom of Information legislation, and how to use social media to crowdsource information and be introduced to data journalism. They will be introduced to the multiple ethical and legal issues involved in use of confidential sources and unauthorised disclosures, and how this relates to core journalistic ethical principles. Students will undertake an investigation as part of the subject.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- access and analyse key public records, including land titles, company searches and legal documents;
- use Freedom of Information legislation to obtain information from governments;
- understand the ethical issues raised by unauthorised disclosures and relationships of confidence with sources;
- understand the techniques and principles of data journalism;
- understand the potential of social media for crowdsourcing information; and
- be able to confidently conduct in depth and difficult interviews for journalistic purposes.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- high level ability to analyse writing techniques and affects; and
- high level ability to express thoughts, ideas and observations in accessible written English.
Last updated: 3 November 2022