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Investigative Journalism (JOUR90013)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
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
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
It is strongly recommended that students complete JOUR90001 Researching and Writing Stories before attempting this advanced subject.
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
JOUR90001 | Researching/Writing Stories |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Completion of JOUR90001 Researching and Writing Stories, and/or substantial industry experience.
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
JOUR90001 | Researching/Writing Stories |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- 1,000 word plan of investigative project, due early in the semester (10%)
- 1,500 word essay, due mid way through semester (20%)
- 2,500 word written report or equivalent in audio or video investigative project, due during the examination period (70%)
- Hurdle: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Richard Baker Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 24 Hours: comprising of a 2-hour seminar in each of the first six weeks of semester, and a 2-day workshop (6 hours per day). Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 Hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Detailed reading guide will be made available, plus additional internet-accessible reading issued weekly.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Journalism (Advanced) Informal specialisation 150 Point Master of Journalism Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Journalism Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of Journalism - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022