JN5501 - Investigative Writing

[Offered in odd-numbered years]

Credit points:	06
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

This subject will be co-taught and investigate topics will be selected in conjunction with photojournalism students studying the photojournalism subject NM2202.

Students will learn skills required and expected of investigative reporting. They will work on one particular topic and understand how skills such as Freedom of Information and the art of the interview and contacts can be used to gain in depth information. This subject will provide students with authentic learning skills as they engage with real-world experiences in working to a supplied brief, working in multidisciplinary teams, and working to deadlines within the genre of investigative journalism. Students are expected to conduct unsupervised background research to contextualise a topic, identify issues and key players and develop an action plan to investigate and report on their topic. Students are expected to present their research and action plan. These presentations will be peer assessed. Stage two involves field-work invoking the action plan.

There are additional charges for this subject; please contact the School for details.

Learning Outcomes

• advanced skills in investigative journalism;
• how to craft investigative journalism;
• how to use the art of the interview to elicit information;
• how to critically analyse and assess detailed information.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to appraise information critically;
• The ability to use independent judgment to synthesise information to make intellectual and/or creative advances;
• The ability to think laterally and be original;
• The ability to conduct their research in an ethical manner;
• The ability to make constructive contributions to project teams or collegial activities.

Prerequisites:	JN5500
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	NM2202

Availabilities
External, Study Period 9
Census Date 09-Oct-2009
Coord/Lect:	Dr Lindsay Simpson.
Assessment:	presentations (30%); tutorial attendance and participation (20%); assignments (50%).
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.