Writing Journalism (MECM20013)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject teaches the craft of writing hard and soft news stories for a range of digital and print mass media news publications. With an emphasis on news writing, students learn what news is and how (and why) news priorities and story treatment may differ between print, broadcast and online. The subject also looks at how traditional news writing differs from other forms of journalistic writing such as blogs or opinion/comment pieces. Students learn how accuracy, as well as clear and concise language, is vital to all kinds of journalistic writing as well as the critical differences between creative writing, public relations writing (PR) and journalistic writing. The subject introduces the core skill of interviewing with students provided with ample opportunity to put into practice what is covered in both lectures and classes. The subject also looks at professional codes of ethics and editorial policies. On completion of this subject students should have a strong grasp of current journalistic practices and required skills.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students will:

  • have increased understanding of pathways to the workforce and professional life in contemporary news media writing (or continued study), and journalists' codes of ethics;
  • demonstrate a developing knowledge of current journalistic practices, editorial policies, and required skills, including for online publishing;
  • the skills to write effectively in the genre of news media, and to make editorial assessments about peers' writing; and
  • demonstrate a general understanding of current media law and how it directly impacts on journalists.

Generic skills

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

  • an understanding of the imperatives of contemporary journalism;
  • the ability to demonstrate competence in writing for the media, including optimum communication techniques and methodology; and
  • the ability to make editorial assessments of how effectively a story has communicated facts and concepts.

Last updated: 3 November 2022