Course coordinator
Associate Professor Levi Obijiofor
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
You will examine news as a global cultural product and practice across print, broadcast and online platforms. The course utilizes methods such as framing, agenda setting, content analysis and discourse analysis to analyse the structure and content of news.
This course introduces you to news as a global cultural product and practice across print, broadcast, and online platforms. It will equip you with knowledge of emerging and current issues that inform news reporting and production across multiple platforms, including constraints that underpin journalism practice, and fundamental theories of journalism and communication.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes that: students already have some basic computer literacy skills; students are competent with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; and students are able to use email and Web browsers. Another basic assumption is that students will check their UQ student email account (e.g. name@uqconnect.edu.au) regularly for any urgent information or changes relating to this course.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMU2130
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Levi Obijiofor
Tutor
Dr Kylie Navuku
Dr Doreen Busolo
Miss Oluwapelumi Oginni
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
NOTE FOR STUDENTS UNDERTAKING INTERNSHIPS AND WORK EXPERIENCE:ﾠStudents undertaking internships and work experience should make every effort to avoid clashes with the tutorials and assessment due dates in this course. Where a clash with assessment occurs, students may be eligible to apply for an extension of assessment due date.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of news as a global cultural product. It will equip you with knowledge of emerging and current issues that inform news reporting and production across multiple platforms, including constraints that underpin journalism practice, as well as fundamental theories of journalism and communication. Specific topics covered include but are not limited to: various understandings of news and news values; objectivity in the news; diversity in the newsroom; alternative forms of journalism; how media frame and represent various groups in society; commercial influences on the news, as well as theories of gatekeeping, agenda-setting, etc.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
understand news, news values, and the various considerations that go into news production across multiple platforms;
LO2.
appreciate the importance of objectivity as one of the canons of journalism, and the constraints on professional reporting/production of news;
LO3.
understand issues affecting diversity in the newsroom;
LO4.
reflect on and understand alternative forms of journalism;
LO5.
understand how media frame and represent various groups and social movements; and
LO6.
understand and apply fundamental theories of journalism and communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Tutorial Participation
|
10% |
Week 3 - Week 13
Weekly in-person tutorial participation. |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Problem-Based Assessment Task | 40% |
28/04/2025 4:00 pm
This task will be posted on Blackboard at 4pm (i.e., 16:00 hours) on Monday, 14 April 2025. The deadline for submission of this assignment is 4pm (i.e., 16:00 hours) on Monday, 28 April 2025. All times listed for all assignments are Brisbane times. |
| Examination |
End-of-Semester Examination
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Tutorial Participation
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Week 3 - Week 13
Weekly in-person tutorial participation.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Tutorial participation is ongoing throughout the semester. Participation in tutorials is an important element of learning in this course. To do well, you need to participate actively in tutorials.
Rolls will be taken during tutorials. You may miss one tutorial without penalty but in excess of one missed tutorial, you will be required to provide a medical certificate or other acceptable evidence (as per the UQ extension guidelines). Failing to do this, you will lose marks for non-participation. Please refer to the 'Deferral or extension' section below for more information.
Participation will be measured by your verbal contribution in class.
Relevant reading material will be posted on Blackboard to assist you to achieve your learning objectives. Students are required to read specified material intended for discussion in a particular tutorial session and be prepared to actively participate in tutorial discussion.
Important issues about the course and assessment tasks will be discussed in tutorial classes. It is essential that you attend tutorials and be prepared to make valuable contributions to the discussions.
In-Class Participation: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Substitute Tutorial Task: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Weekly in-person tutorial participation.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
You may miss one tutorial without penalty but in excess of one missed tutorial, you will be required to provide a medical certificate or other acceptable evidence (as per the UQ extension guidelines). Failing to do this, you will lose marks for non-participation.
Students who miss a tutorial on medical grounds must provide a medical certificate or other acceptable evidence (as per the UQ extension guidelines) to their tutor. They will undertake a substitute tutorial task in lieu of tutorial activities they missed. That substitute task will involve submission of a media diary in which they will reflect on two news reports. The reflection on news reports should not exceed 300 words and should be submitted to the tutor. The news reports can be from newspapers, television, radio, and/or online. Details of the substitute tutorial task are accessible through the Assessment section of Blackboard.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this assessment.
Problem-Based Assessment Task
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
28/04/2025 4:00 pm
This task will be posted on Blackboard at 4pm (i.e., 16:00 hours) on Monday, 14 April 2025. The deadline for submission of this assignment is 4pm (i.e., 16:00 hours) on Monday, 28 April 2025. All times listed for all assignments are Brisbane times.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
PLEASE NOTE: The topic of this assessment task will be covered in lectures and tutorials before the task is administered to students.
DO NOT WRITE IN THE FIRST PERSON. DO NOT USE ABBREVIATIONS.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End-of-Semester Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The purpose of the End-of-Semester Examination is to test your knowledge and understanding of the issues covered in this course -- in lectures, tutorials, and specified reading material. Accordingly, the examination will cover topics taught in lectures, tutorials, and specified topics taken from any specified reading material.
The examination will comprise of short-answer essay questions.
PLEASE NOTE: Guidelines for the End-of-Semester Examination will be presented at the final lecture in Week 13. Please endeavour to attend the final lecture for advice on how you should prepare for the examination.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | None |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Please see Blackboard for other learning resources and information.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: Introduction to course, assessment tasks, etc. -- Levi Obijiofor This first lecture provides an overview of the course, including aims and objectives, resources, requirements, weekly lecture topics, tutorial weeks, and assessment tasks. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 1: NO TUTORIALS Tutorials start in Week 2. |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: What is news? What are news values? -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. SUGGESTED READINGS Harcup, Tony & Deirdre O'Neill (2001). What Is News? Galtung and Ruge revisited, Journalism Studies, 2(2), pp. 261-280. See pdf of article on Blackboard (Week 2). Harcup, Tony and Deirdre OﾒNeill (2016). What is news? News values revisited (again). Journalism Studies, DOI:10.1080/1461670X.2016.1150193. See pdf of article on Blackboard (Week 2). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: NO TUTORIAL OWING TO TROPICAL CYCLONE ALFRED No tutorial owing to pause in teaching caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture: Objectivity in journalism -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. SUGGESTED READINGS Read Lichtenberg, Judith (2000). "In defence of objectivity revisited" (Chapter 11, pp. 238-254) in James Curran & Michael Gurevitch (eds.) Mass media and society (third edition). London: Arnold. See pdf of article on Blackboard. Read Chapter 9 (Journalistic Objectivity, pp. 106-120) in Dennis, Everette E. & John C. Merrill (1996). Media debates: Issues in mass communication (second edition). White Plains, New York: Longman Publishers, USA. See pdf of article on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: This first tutorial outlines the objectives of tutorials and presents a quick overview of the aims and objectives of the course. It presents details of the Problem-Based Assessment Task, the due date, guidelines for submission of the assignment, late submission policy, tutorial participation, and other School policies. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Diversity in the newsroom -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. SUGGESTED READINGS Read: Ishmael, Stacy-Marie (2017). This Isn't the Diverse Newsroom You're Looking For: How managers can go beyond acknowledging the problem and start making a real difference. Available at: https://source.opennews.org/articles/isnt-diverse-newsroom-youre-looking/ (accessed on 16 January 2019). Read: "Race and Ethnicity" (Chapter 15, pp. 176-186) in Dennis, Everette E. & John C. Merrill (1996). Media debates: Issues in mass communication (second edition). White Plains, New York: Longman Publishers, USA. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial: In this tutorial, we will examine the canons of journalism -- truth, fairness, accuracy, and balance -- their relevance, objectivity in news reporting and whether it is possible for journalists to be objective in reporting news. If time permits, we shall examine the guidelines for the Problem-Based Assessment Task. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Alternative journalism -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. SUGGESTED READINGS Read: Forde, Susan (1997). A descriptive look at the public role of Australian independent alternative press. Asia Pacific Media Educator, 3, pp. 118-130. See pdf of article on Blackboard. Read: Harcup, Tony (2011). Alternative journalism as active citizenship. Journalism, 12(1), pp. 15-31. See pdf of article on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: This tutorial will explore different ways that cultural bias is reflected in news reports, including how cultural bias and cultural insensitivity can be addressed. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Media freedom in Australia -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. SUGGESTED READING Criminalising Journalism: The MEAA Report into the state of press freedom in Australia in 2018. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: In this week's tutorial, we will clarify the requirements for the Problem-Based Assessment Task, and how you should approach the assignment, focusing on the assessment criteria. If time permits, we shall examine the importance of diversity in the newsroom. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Role of journalists in non-democratic countries and the link to the Spiral of Silence Theory -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: In this week's tutorial, we shall discuss gatekeeping and agenda-setting theories. If time permits, we shall discuss how to enhance student learning. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture: Media reporting of poverty -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. SUGGESTED READINGS Conceptualising the Fourth World: Four Approaches to Poverty and Communication, by Matthew Hills. Available on Blackboard. Poverty, Development and Press in India, by P. Sainath. Available on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 8: NO TUTORIALS NO TUTORIAL THIS WEEK OWING TO GOOD FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY. Students are encouraged to engage in self-directed learning. |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break Students are encouraged to engage in self-directed learning. |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Arab Spring uprisings and the role of social media -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. SUGGESTED READINGS Shirky, Clay (2011). The political power of social media: Technology, the public sphere, and political change. Foreign Affairs, 90(1), pp. 28-41. See pdf of article on Blackboard. Loudon, Melissa & B. Theo Mazumdar (2013). Media representations of technology in Egyptﾒs 2011 pro-democracy protests. Ecquid Novi: African Journalism Studies, 34(1), pp. 50-67. See pdf of article on Blackboard. Wolfsfeld, Gadi, Elad Segev & Tamir Sheafer (2013). Social media and the Arab Spring: Politics comes first. The International Journal of Press/Politics, 18(2), 115-137. See pdf of article on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: This week’s tutorial will discuss Cultivation Theory and the Spiral of Silence Theory, and examine how the Spiral of Silence Theory can explain the performance of journalists in non-democratic countries. SUGGESTED READING ON CULTIVATION THEORY Slater, Dan & William R. Elliott (1982). Television's influence on social reality. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 68(1), pp. 69-79. SUGGESTED READING ON THE SPIRAL OF SILENCE Noelle-Neumann, Elisabeth (1974). The Spiral of Silence: A Theory of Public Opinion. Journal of Communication, 24(2), pp. 43-51. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture: Media coverage of asylum seekers, including restrictions on media coverage of asylum seekers -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Tutorial: This tutorial will examine how the media frame and represent different groups, homeless people, developing countries, etc. SUGGESTED READINGS Read: CHAPTER 1 of the book -- Media Representation and the Global Imagination, by S. Orgad, 2012). See pdf of article on Blackboard. Media representations of Muslims and Islam from 2000 to 2015, by Saifuddin Ahmed & Jorg Matthes (2016). The International Communication Gazette. See pdf of article on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Constraints on news reporting, including challenges that journalists face every day -- Levi Obijiofor Lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: This tutorial examines the advantages and pitfalls of data journalism. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: Reporting on Indigenous issues -- Guest Lecturer: Dr Kylie Navuku Lecture slides will be posted on the Blackboard. RECOMMENDED READINGS Relevant readings will be recommended by the Guest Lecturer. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: This week's tutorial looks at the dangers of using data to misrepresent and misinterpret news, including why journalists should use data in news reporting and analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13 Lecture: Examination Preparation, Advice, and Guidance Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Tutorial: This week’s tutorial will examine in detail social media and communication theories, focusing on how social media have transformed communication theories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.