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
An introduction to a key aspect of journalism, this course develops your ability to report and to deploy a variety of approaches to reporting.
The course focuses on working through and understanding the reporting process and provides opportunities to develop practical reporting skills across a range of 'platforms'.
The course is focused on delivering the practical skills and strategies usedﾠbyﾠreporters, and provides opportunities to develop those skills. This course is a dynamic introduction to the practical world of journalism.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation; proficiency in the use of word processing software, email, internet search programs and social networking sites and tools; capacity to work independently; preparedness to undertake reporting assignments across a range of platforms.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Richard Murray
Tutor
Mr Sam Regi
Miss Alynna Li-Vy Wong
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.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of, and practice in, journalistic reporting processes.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Report in the most appropriate style and structure.
LO2.
Use sources, observation and investigation to gather information for a story.
LO3.
Report in a fair, balanced and accurate manner.
LO4.
Understand reporting in a contemporary multimedia environment.
LO5.
Apply appropriate ethical frameworks while gathering and writing journalistic narratives.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
News writing task
|
20% 45 minutes |
Week 6
During your normal lecture time in Week 6 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project | Story idea and pitch | 30% 350 words |
17/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Portfolio | Final news story: story, images and video | 50% 400-500 words, 2 images, 30-45 second video |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
News writing task
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20% 45 minutes
- Due date
Week 6
During your normal lecture time in Week 6
Task description
You are to write a lead for a news story from information provided as hard copies at the beginning of the exam.
This assessment task will be conducted during your normal lecture time. You will have 45 minutes to complete the task.
The lead you write will be limited to 20 words.
You will handwrite your answers in the lecture.
Electronic devices are prohibited unless prior approval is granted by the course coordinator.
Please note: Your introduction task must comply with SCA Style Guide, including spelling, punctuation, syntax and grammar, otherwise you will receive zero marks for your twitter task item.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If you are unable to complete this assessment due to illness or exceptional circumstances, you can apply for a deferred exam in mySI-net. The deferred assessment will be held at 11am on Monday 14 April 2024. This will be the only opportunity to complete the deferred assessment. If you do not complete the deferred assessment at this time you will receive zero marks.
Story idea and pitch
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 30% 350 words
- Due date
17/04/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Submit one story idea (written in the first person) suitable for your local media. Include a written 'pitch' (a rationale for a Chief of Staff, Editor or Producer). Your primary sources must be original and you will be required to contact these people when you eventually complete the story in Assessments 3. Family members are not permitted. This pitch should be written in professional manner.
You must also demonstrate that you have started a 'contacts' list, listing names, occupations and contact details of people you may use to compile your story. This contact list is not included in the word count.
Your pitch should be to an appropriate news outlet and should address the following:
- The story angle.
- Explain why it is a news story and what it means to your (target) audience.
- The facts - who, what, when, where, why and how (5Ws and H).
- Your primary source(s) (at least two per story idea), justifying why you have chosen them, and their full contact details.
- Your secondary sources, such as websites, media statements etc.
You will use this story idea as the basis for your subsequent assessment - Final news story. You should read the assessment description and criteria for these to aid in your preparation for this assessment.
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
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.
Final news story: story, images and video
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Portfolio
- Weight
- 50% 400-500 words, 2 images, 30-45 second video
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Submit one story and two images (photographs) about an event. Your story may be written in news style OR feature style and should be at 15-20 paragraphs long, equivalent to 400-500 words. Your story should include at least three primary sources.
Your story should be a hyperlocal news story - covering an event or issue in the local area where you live.
Your two images should complement the story and should be appropriate for inclusion alongside your story in your nominated news outlet. Images must be accompanied by captions (not included in your word count) including the names of people depicted.
You also need to submit a 30-45 second video summary of your story suitable for distribution through social media. Please be sure to submit this as a YouTube link as part of the assignment PDF.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard (submit the video as a YouTube link as part of the assignment PDF). Students are permitted to submit their story in another media platform (eg. sound, vision) if they obtain prior approval from their tutor or course coordinator.
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.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Student email account
You should regularly check your student email account (e.g. name@uqconnect.edu.au) for any urgent information or changes to this course. JOUR1112 makes extensive use of Blackboard for student communication and assessment, so make sure youﾠ
Twitter / X
Everyone enrolled in JOUR1112 will be required to set up their own Twitter / X account. This is compulsory because it will be used for the first assessment task. Guidelines on how to do this will be posted on Blackboard.
Additional course resources are available from:
- The media lab and sound suites: Level 2 of the Joyce Ackroyd Building
- Video cameras, still cameras and digital audio recorders: http://jactech.communication-arts.uq.edu.au/login.asp.
- Style guides
The School has standardised software applications for media production. These include
- Adobe Audition
- Adobe In Design
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Premiere Pro
Online tutorials for some of these applications (Photoshop and Indesign) are available through Atomic Learning (http://communication-arts.uq.edu.au/recommended-audio-visual-resources).
Production File Management
The School does not accept any responsibility for student work in progress on university computers. Students are responsible for management of their own work files, including saving, back up and storage. The School strongly recommends students purchase a portable USB hard drive on which to work and store work. This device must be self powered as we cannot guarantee access to mains power for peripherals. These are available from the normal retailers of peripherals.
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 reporting: Course overview, including assessment tasks |
Tutorial |
Week 1: NO TUTORIALS Tutorials start in Week 2 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: News values: What is news? How do reporters find stories? |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: What is news? How to find a story and understand style. Intro to newswriting. |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture: Newswriting: The basics of news writing and reporting. |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: Developing story ideas: Researching a story and evaluating sources. Writing introductions/leads. |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Objective reporting: Telling stories in a fair, ethical and balanced way. |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial: Writing introductions: Further practice on writing introductions/leads. |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Types of newswriting: An introduction to different news genres, including feature writing. |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: Core elements of a pitch: Practice writing a pitch. Further practice on how to write a complex introduction. |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: In class assignment. News story introduction writing task. |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: A checklist will be provided for Assessment 2. This will be a prerecorded session and will be uploaded to BlackBoard. |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Developing research and interviewing skills |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: Preparing for Assignment Two. |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture: Telling great stories: An introduction to the principles of telling great stories. |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorial (Online): Experimenting with creating visual narratives. All tutorials will be held online this week. Please refer to Blackboard for more information. Due to the Good Friday public holiday, students enrolled in the Friday tutorial session will be offered an alternative tutorial day/time this week. Further details will be provided. Please contact the course coordinator/tutor if you are unable to attend the alternative tutorial session. |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Visual story-telling: Using the visual to tell and support news stories. The brave new world of visual story-telling - short video pieces presented by Casey Fung. This will be a prerecorded lecture, and it will uploaded to BlackBoard. |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture: Multi-platform reporting: An introduction to converged journalism and what it means for reporters. Public holiday 05/05 - this lecture will be delivered as a video. |
Tutorial |
Week 10: NO TUTORIALS - PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Final lecture: Wrap up and news story tips and tricks. |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: Crafting your final story: Presenting a package with text and images. |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: ***Bonus Lecture*** |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: A chance to receive feedback on your final assessment. |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 13: NO LECTURE OR TUTORIALS |
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.