Global Crisis Reporting (JOUR90027)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Global Crisis Reporting examines studies and approaches to global communications and the reporting of crises, including disasters and humanitarian relief. The course examines the extent to which, how and why forms of coverage have changed in recent years, and considers how these changes have impacted on the way in which "crises" are constructed, mediated and communicated. It considers the possible impacts of such changes on national and international public opinion and political leaders, as well as on those immediately involved. Amongst the themes addressed are: the rise of digital technologies of news production and distribution and their impact on the nature of crisis reporting, arguments for and against a "journalism of attachment", the communication strategies of humanitarian organisations and the degree to which coverage of human suffering raises questions about the moral responsibility of news-makers. The subject also examines issues regarding the political impacts of contemporary crisis reporting, the nature and direction of communication flows, the rise of emergent practices of crisis communications and media activism and the degree to which transformations in the field may, or may not, serve to positively address the relations underpinning global crises.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Critically evaluate key studies and major theoretical frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of media coverage in global disaster and humanitarian relief scenarios.
- Analyse evolving theoretical frameworks to discern and articulate their influence on the formulation of questions and methods of analysis in crisis reporting contexts.
- Apply and evaluate theoretical frameworks and methods of analysis in their own studies to effectively critique and improve narratives of media performance in global crisis reporting.
- Adhere to and advocate for ethical journalism practices in high-pressure and rapid-response scenarios of global crisis reporting, ensuring accountability and sensitivity towards affected populations.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- Be able to demonstrate competence in advanced library searches and information retrieval
- Be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of selected methods of media analysis
- Be able to demonstrate conformity to academic protocols of presentation and research procedures.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
MECM90009 Global Crisis Reporting
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Media Report
| Mid semester | 30% |
In-class assessments
| Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
An essay
| During the examination period | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures where offered. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Lucy Smy Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 30 hours: 1x1-hour lecture and 1x1.5-hour seminar for 12 weeks Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hour
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025