Change in Journalism (MECM40007)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject encourages students to reflect on how journalism has changed over time and to consider what it might become in the future. It examines the emergence of what we now call ‘journalism’ and looks at the technological, political and economic issues that shaped its development. Students will engage with key theorists and formulate their own informed opinions about the rise of news, the nature of journalistic objectivity, the relationship between journalism and democracy, and the threat (or promise) of Artificial Intelligence.
From the emergence of citizen journalism and the struggle for diverse journalistic representation to the nature of combat reporting and the rise of social media, the subject links historical debates with the controversies of today – and invites students to think about the journalism of tomorrow.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Critique and analyse relevant research that has investigated journalism history.
- Assess different theories and positions regarding the forces that shape journalism, and how these inform different perspectives on its past, present and future.
- Develop their own critical arguments and make informed contributions to debates regarding processes of change in journalism.
- Present a persuasive and well-researched argument about the development of journalism.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- The capacity to critically reflect on the relations between social structures and practices
- The capacity to conduct research and apply knowledge to develop informed critical arguments
- The capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written communication
- The capacity to design, conduct and report original research.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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 |
|---|---|---|
A seminar presentation and short submission
| During the teaching period | 20% |
An essay selected from a list of provided essay titles, reflecting on a particular debate relating to journalism history
| Mid semester | 40% |
A final essay reflecting on the relationship between journalism's past, present and possible futures
| During the examination period | 40% |
| 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. | 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
Coordinator Jeff Sparrow Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 30 hours: a 1-hr lecture and a 1.5-hr seminar per week throughout semester. 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 hours
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
- Subject notes
- Admission to the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or fourth year honours in Media and Communication; Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Communications; Master of Global Media Communication; Master of Publishing and Communications; and Master of Journalism is required.
- Students wishing to enrol in this subject must consult with the subject coordinator.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Communications (Advanced) Specialisation (formal) Media and Communications Specialisation (formal) Media and Communications Specialisation (formal) Media and Communications Specialisation (formal) Media and Communications - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025