This unit builds directly on the introductory work students undertake in the first year unit Copy: Targetting Audiences in relation to the conventions and skills of researching and writing for the contemporary media arena. The unit explores the diversity of contemporary news and social media writing with a particular regional focus on Australia and Asia, and combines analysis of online media writing with practical research and writing exercises. The unit also focuses on new participatory forms of online media creation, such as blogs, wikis, social networking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and citizen journalism. Importantly, this unit prioritises publication. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate and edit their own and other students' online media writing, and to utilise blogs for publication. Topics covered include: computer-assisted reporting (CAR); information credibility; writing for the computer screen; news, feature and other writing genres; writing structures; story packages and titles; hyperlinking, interactivity and functionality; graphics and digital photos; page design; online media legal issues; and social networking.
Unit details
Prerequisites
Students enrolled in course code ABAB and LBLA must complete at least 72 credit points (equivalent to 6 units) in Year 1 before undertaking any Level 2 units.
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Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Survey and critically review key genres of contemporary online media writing; | ||
| 2. | Investigate and analyse the features of computer-assisted reporting (CAR) and of information credibility; | ||
| 3. | Synthesize theoretical and practical understandings of the compositional and stylistic elements of online writing including the relationship between visual and text elements; and | ||
| 4. | Critique and exhibit the use of social media platforms to communicate appropriately for diverse purposes and audiences. |
Assessment
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay on key concepts in media practices | 20% |
| Report | Online submission of media articles | 40% |
| ICT (Wiki, Web sites) | Online media post | 40% |
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