Course coordinator
Dr Caroline Graham
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course introduces investigation as the research technique of journalism, and students practise investigation as journalists.
Investigative journalism has the power to uncover secrets, hold power to account, right injustices and demand and interrogate solutions; when done well, it is the kind of reporting that can deliver meaningful change. In this course, students will apply a variety of journalistic research methods—from observation and interviewing to social media investigation, document mining and FOI requests—to a substantial piece of public-interest journalism. As part of this process, students will explore and critique a wide range of industry examples, ensuring their own investigations are inspired and informed by industry traditions, trends, contexts and ethical frameworks.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is recommended that students in their second semester of study in the BJ should have completed JOUR1112.
Please note: students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communicationﾠminoring in Journalism must declare their minorﾠbefore they can enrol in this course.ﾠ Please contact the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences to declare your Journalism minor:ﾠhttps://hass.uq.edu.au/contact.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
JOUR1112
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
JOUR2201, JOUR2710
Restrictions
Restricted to students in the BJ and BJ duals and BCommun Journalism Minor students.
Course contact
Course staff
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 you with experience of the practice of investigative journalism.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Source, construct and disseminate a piece of investigative journalism;
LO2.
Draft and submit a Freedom of Information or Right To Information request;
LO3.
Act ethically in the sourcing, construction and dissemination of your story;
LO4.
Embed the traditions, theories, frameworks and codes of ethics in reporting practice.
LO5.
Apply a wide range of journalistic research methods, including basic data-driven reporting, social media investigation, interviewing, observation and document-driven reporting.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook, Portfolio, Reflection | Observation Task | 20% |
16/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Portfolio | Practical Skills Portfolio | 30% |
20/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Portfolio | Major News Investigation | 50% 800-1000 words |
22/10/2024 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Observation Task
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Portfolio, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
16/08/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
The objective of this task is to develop your skills in observational journalism by immersing yourself in real-world environments, making detailed field notes, and using your observations to generate compelling story ideas. This exercise will help you hone your ability to recognise newsworthy events, trends, and human-interest stories from everyday experiences.
Your task is to choose a location and conduct a journalistic observation. Your tutor needs to approve your observation to manage any possible risk to yourself, or to the public, or the environment. This will be done during the Week 2 tutorial, with any changes to be approved via email.
The assessment is weighted at 20% of your final grade. The assessment task is in three parts:
- Idea (up to 200 words; 35% of assessment grade): Describe what are you going to observe, and how you intend to observe it. Not all locations will be equally likely to yield results, so you'll need to be intentional in your location, topic, area of focus and methods. In your tutorial, you'll be given an opportunity to brainstorm and obtain feedback on your ideas. The more creative and original your idea, the higher your grade will be; you'll also be assessed on the appropriateness of your observation methods. If there are any privacy or ethical considerations, consider how you will eliminate or mitigate these issue in your approach to observation.
- Field notes (no set length; 25% of assessment grade): Spend time observing at your chosen location, using a range of senses to capture information. During this time, take detailed field notes. Depending on your location, topic and focus, your field notes could be: written notes, audio recordings, video, photographs, primary data or any combination of the above. Again, care should be taken to mitigate privacy and ethical risks. Be detailed and accurate in your field notes.
- Summary, reflection and concept development (up to 400 words; 40% of assessment grade): Briefly summarise your observations, highlighting the significance of your idea and findings. What is the value of what you observed? Is it newsworthy or in the public interest? What were the limits of your observation? What would you do differently next time? How could you (hypothetically) build this idea into a more substantial investigation? Where could you publish it, and who would be the audience? You may use dot points or sub-headings as required.
Please note that although part of this task is to use observations to develop ideas for an investigation, this is a stand-alone assessment and you do not have to follow through with the idea outlined in Part 3. If you like, you can choose an entirely different topic for your major end-of-semester news story. However, if you wish to develop the idea from this task for the final assessment (Major News Investigation), you are able to do that.
Use of AI and MT:
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 online via TurnItIn on 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.
Attendance at the Week 2 tutorial is critical, but if circumstances beyond your control prevent you from attending, please email a brief summary of your idea to your tutor for approval.
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.
Practical Skills Portfolio
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
20/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Throughout the semester, collate the minor practical skills tasks you are assigned and submit them as a complete portfolio. The portfolio should include the following elements:
- Reflection on deep observation task
- Document-driven treasure hunt
- FOI or RTI request
- Fact-checking exercise
- Investigative research plan
- Interview plans
Please note that while attendance at tutorials is not necessary to complete this assessment task, several of the portfolio elements are aligned with tutorial-based activities so regular attendance is important in order to develop the skillset that this portfolio will assess. Feedback, particularly on the research plan and interview plans, will also be provided within tutorials, and these tasks are designed to support the final assessment task (Major News Investigation).
Use of AI and MT:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit online via TurnItIn on 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.
Major News Investigation
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 50% 800-1000 words
- Due date
22/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This portfolio will require you to submit a substantive piece of investigative journalism.
This assessment task requires you to go out and produce a substantive piece of investigative journalism. The portfolio must include two elements:
- A piece of written investigative journalism in either news or feature style.
- At least one visual or multimedia element, which could include a data visualisation, chart, map, photograph(s), audio, video or another approved visual or multimedia element. The visual elements should enhance and value-add to the investigative story you have produced, and more than one type of visual or multimedia element may be used.
The investigative story should include a minimum of four primary sources (more is encouraged) and be 800-1000 words. Your tutor needs to approve your investigation to manage any possible risks to yourself, or to the public, or to the environment. In instances where the multimedia components of the submission are substantial (e.g. long-form audio or video, photographic essay), a reduction in the word count of the associated story may be approved by your tutor, but this must be negotiated prior to the end of Week 9.
Your investigation should be presented digitally, using Shorthand or another approved platform. The text elements of your investigation must also be submitted via TurnItIn, alongside a sources page and research journal (templates available on Blackboard).
In this course your tutors are prepared to read drafts for the Major News Investigation. However, several conditions apply:
- Only one draft will be read per student.
- Drafts for the Major News Investigation assessment must be submitted in class or at a drop-in session in or prior to Week 12. Any drafts received after this time will not be read.
- Draft reading is embedded in this course to replicate a newsroom environment and as a learning tool to help you develop journalistic writing.
- Drafts will not be considered over email.
Detailed assessment criteria will be provided via Blackboard.
Use of AI and MT:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Your investigation should be presented digitally, using Shorthand or another approved platform. The text elements of your investigation must also be submitted via TurnItIn, alongside a sources page and research journal (templates available on Blackboard). Include a link to the digital publication in your TurnItIn submission.
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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 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
Media Production Software
The School uses four industry standard software applications for media production. These are InDesign, Photoshop, Audition and Premiere Pro. ﾠAll labs in the Joyce Ackroyd Building are configured with all four applications. Students will be assumed to be competent in the use of particular applications for particular courses. Students should check which software competencies are required for each course under Section 1.1 of the course profile under Assumed Background.
The School provides training in all four applications during Orientation Week each semester, and later in the semester, according to demand. Sign on for training courses at: http://communication-arts.uq.edu.au/about/media-and-production-support-maps-0ﾠ Students who book for training but do not attend may not be permitted to re-book for subsequent training. ﾠYou can access online tutorials for some of these applications (Photoshop and Indesign) at Atomic Learning. ﾠMore information http://communcation-arts.uq.edu.au/about/media-and-production-support-maps-0
Ideas Centre
A drop-in media production lab is available on Level 2 Joyce Ackroyd Building, Building 37. Usage is on a first come basis. Students are not permitted to drop in to teaching labs while scheduled classes are in progress. Students disrupting scheduled classes may face action under the University’s misconduct provisions.
Media Production Equipment: JACtech
Students can borrow digital still and video camera equipment, and audio recorders from the School of Communication and Arts,ﾠJACtechﾠat Level 2, Joyce Ackroyd Building 37 on St Lucia Campus. Conditions apply. Electronic booking of equipment here - http://www.jactech.com.au
Media Production File Management
The School does not accept any responsibility for student work in progress on university computers. Students are responsible for the management of their own work files, including saving, back up and storage. ﾠThe School strongly recommends students purchase a portable USB hard drive on which to work and store work. This device must be self powered, because we cannot guarantee access to mains power for peripherals, and have a recommended minimum capacity of 120 GB. These are available from the normal retailers of peripherals.
Blackboard
All courses in the School have associated Blackboard sites. You should access the relevant site(s) regularly - at least once or twice a week. Additional materials will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: Introduction to investigative journalism This week we hit the ground running, exploring the principles of investigative journalism and the variety of ways they are applied in industry. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 1 Tutorial: Investigative methods Introduction to the Research Matrix. Comparing investigative methods, and using different research methods and processes for different stories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: Active witnessing Active witnessing, and methods to cover unexpected stories in expected places. This week we explore the important role observation plays in journalism practice and key examples of its use in industry. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: Putting observation into action Observational journalism, and preparing for the first assessment - how observation methods can be strategically undertaken to deliver the best outcomes. Attendance in this week is critical. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture: The impacts of digital distruption The lecture will explore the role and impact of digital disruption on investigative practice, and opportunities for more immersive reporting. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: Deep witnessing This week, we visit the UQ Art Museum for an exercise in critical, slow and deep witnessing, through a tour of selected worked in the Hoda Afshar's 'A Curve is a Broken Line' exhibit. Iranian-born, Melbourne-based Hoda Afshar examines the politics of image-making, using photography and moving image works that are deeply researched yet emotionally sensitive. Her work can be seen as a form of activism as much as an artistic inquiry. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Assessment One Workshop This week's lecture is a drop-in session to support development of Assessment 1. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 4: NO TUTORIALS DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Documents, social media and FOI reporting Social media reporting tools and ethics, adopting a document mindset, and Freedom of Information requests. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: Document-driven research and FOI and RTI reporting Document-driven research application and drafting an FOI or RTI request. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Fake News and Dark Digital Reporting in a post-truth age; how to spot mis-, dis-and mal-information; disinformation agents and entering the deepfake era: perils and opportunities! Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: Fact-checking and verification How to tell the difference between fact and fiction - a practical toolset for identifying dis-, mis- and mal-information, and fact-checking or verifying content. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Best-practice reporting and journalistic ethics Anonymous sources, vulnerable sources and other ethical issues in public-interest journalism. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: Conceptualising an investigation Getting the most from your concept, by identifying quality sources and unexpected research angles. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture: Complementary storytelling Building a visual narrative: Visual storytelling is critical in investigative pieces. This lecture looks at the role of photojournalism and data visualisations in story production, as well as other multimedia elements. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorial: Developing your investigation Developing a comprehensive research plan. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Advanced interviewing Advanced interviewing techniques: asking critical questions; structuring an interview; approaching sources; asking difficult questions; trauma-informed interviewing. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: Asking better questions Interviewing in practice; developing interview plans. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10: NO LECTURE Spend this week developing your investigation. |
Tutorial |
Week 10: NO TUTORIALS Spend this week developing your investigation. |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Non-fiction storytelling techniques Storytelling for impact; reaching audiences without overstepping notions of truth and fairness. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: Storytelling workshop Drafting and workshopping your investigations; using Shorthand. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: The Future of Investigative Journalism Looking forward: the role and value of investigative reporting, industry case studies; the future of investigative journalism. Final tips for story submission. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: Story workshop This is your final chance to meet your tutor to discuss your assignment. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 13: NO LECTURE |
Tutorial |
Week 13: NO 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.