Overview
This unit gives you an opportunity to undertake a project of your choice in the Journalism discipline in which you have already done a substantial amount of study. The project is flexible and is designed by students in consultation with academic and workplace supervisors. It may involve academic research into Journalism practice or a professional work placement with an approved organisation (minimum 120 hours). Academic and workplace supervisors will work with students to devise assessment tasks that will meet negotiated and specific project learning outcomes.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: Students must have completed 48 credit points prior to taking this unit
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Teaching Staff Review
Students appear to be completing multiple large project-based units at the same time, which impacts their workload.
While individual student study plans can be quite different, conduct an evaluation to better understand the potential load on students of participating in multiple project-based units within the same study period.
Feedback from Teaching Staff Review
Students appear to continue to enjoy practical, work-integrated learning projects embedded in assessment items.
Continue to focus on real-world applicability of assessment work.
- Develop objectives and criteria for a Journalism project proposal
- Demonstrate knowledge and relevant skill of Journalism practice at a graduate level
- Produce an e-portfolio to a professional standard
- Apply knowledge of Journalism theory and practice at a graduate level
- Critically reflect on Journalism practice.
N/A
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 10% | |||||
| 2 - Practical and Written Assessment - 50% | |||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 10% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Practical and Written Assessment - 50% | |||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
m.perera@cqu.edu.au
a.johnson2@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Select work placement, media project or research topic and discuss project with Unit Coordinator or academic supervisor.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Select and discuss project topic with supervisor
Week 2
Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Write proposal about the work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Project Discussion (Zoom)
Week 5
Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 30 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Work placement, media project or research topic.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Critical Reflection Due: Review/Exam Week Tuesday (8 Oct 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 14 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
You will choose one of three options: a work placement; creating a media product; or a research paper, all in the journalism or media field. The work placement consists of 120 hours of supervised work and is assessed by a portfolio of evidence. The media product is the development of an artefact consisting of 120 hours of work, and is assessed by submission of the artefact, and a portfolio of evidence of production. The research paper is a 6,000 word dissertation on a negotiated journalism or media-related topic. Full details of each option are outlined in Assessment 2.
Assessment 1 (the Proposal) outlines your selected option, and consists of a proposal as to how the option (work placement or media product or research paper) will be achieved within the Term's time frame.
For this assessment, you will:
1) Submit a short document that provides an overview of your project (by the end of Week 3) (500 words maximum); PLUS
2) Participate in an online Zoom session in Week 4 to discuss your project with staff and peers, using a single Powerpoint slide which summarises your proposal.
The zoom session will be conducted at a time negotiated with the Unit Coordinator.
a) The proposal document must be succinct - no more than 500 words. Details relating to format and expected use of headings is on Moodle. You will also be expected to nominate your choice of how Assessment 3 will be completed.
b) Participation in the Zoom session is compulsory. The purpose of this assessment is to get feedback from academic staff as to the scope of your project, and to facilitate conversation about issues and opportunities. It is intended as a formative, open session. If you have a legitimate reason for non-attendance, you will need to negotiate an alternative appointment with the Unit Coordinator.
c) You may have started your project in consultation with the Unit Coordinator. You will still be required to participate in this assessment to receive early guidance and feedback about your project.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used as specified in the assignment instructions in Moodle.
WORD COUNT for written assignments:
The word count is considered from the first word of the Introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 3 Friday (26 July 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
To be submitted via Moodle prior to the Zoom presentation
Week 4 Friday (2 Aug 2024)
Results will be provided during the Zoom presentation
Projects are assessed on their practicality and feasibility within the Term dates. A recommended format for the proposal is provided on Moodle. It is expected that these elements be included in the submitted document.
Verbal feedback will be provided during the presentation.
- Develop objectives and criteria for a Journalism project proposal
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
2 Practical and Written Assessment
OPTION 1: WORK PLACEMENT
This involves a work placement in an approved organisation for no less than 120 hours. The organisation must be selected in consultation with the Unit Coordinator and academic supervisor. You will submit a portfolio of your work as the assessment item.
Portfolio: Every project is different, and the portfolio is evidence of the work you did. Emails, feedback, notes of interviews and meetings, any product you made, could all be submitted as part of this portfolio. Pay attention to the presentation of your portfolio as a professional piece of communication. It must be attractive to look at, professionally presented, and most importantly, be well written.
OPTION 2: MEDIA PRODUCT
This involves producing a media product which demonstrates the application of advanced high-level production skills (e.g. short film, video, podcast, radio documentary, book, graphic design product). You will submit the media product and a portfolio of your work as the assessment item.
Portfolio: Every project is different, and the portfolio is evidence of the work you did. The format of the portfolio will depend entirely on the media product being developed. This will be negotiated with the Unit Coordinator or academic supervisor.
Notes for work placement and media product: Your portfolio needs to be professionally presented and formatted. If possible, have one document that contains your portfolio of work. Your work also needs to be well written, so proofread carefully before you submit.
OPTION 3: RESEARCH PAPER
This involves academically oriented research into a media related topic, resulting in a 6,000 word paper. Examples include a literature review, a content analysis, a detailed case study or a workplace audit. Please refer to the page Information about Research Paper for more detailed information about how to structure a 6,000 word research paper, suggested topics and the expected format. The research paper is an excellent option to choose if you are interested in post-graduate study, or if conducting research and writing research papers is interesting to you. It is also a good option for those students who do not wish to undertake a work placement. Research topics can be very broad and are negotiated between you and your academic supervisor. The research paper will be completed under the supervision of the Unit Coordinator or other nominated and suitably qualified academic.
Final note: Each project is very different but the ultimate requirement is the same: you need to provide evidence of the work you have done. The specific details of your individual project will be finalised in consultation with the Unit Coordinator or your allocated supervisor.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used as specified in the assignment instructions in Moodle.
WORD COUNT for written assignments:
The word count is considered from the first word of the Introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Review/Exam Week Tuesday (8 Oct 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Early submission is permitted.
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
Assessment will be graded within two weeks.
The assessment criteria will depend on whether you have selected a work placement, media product or research paper. Detailed marking rubrics are provided on Moodle.
Specific elements being assessed include:
- Presentation of portfolio
- Quality of evidence
- Writing standard
- Quality of argument (reflection and research paper)
- Referencing
- Attention to requirements of the task
- Demonstrate knowledge and relevant skill of Journalism practice at a graduate level
- Produce an e-portfolio to a professional standard
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
3 Written Assessment
In this assessment, you will critically reflect on your academic and personal journey during the term.
You will complete a 2,500 word written document that provides an academic and personal reflection of lessons learned during the work placement, media product or research paper.
For example:
Perhaps one of the main lessons you learned related to the communication dynamics between supervisor and staff. Perhaps you felt uncomfortable asking questions and thought the work supervisor lacked clarity in directions. You could make a note of this, and refer to supporting academic texts to identify what you are going to do to avoid this situation when you graduate. There may be three or four related lessons, that could be combined into the one document.
Or perhaps there was an aspect of the assessment (be it the placement, project or research paper) you may have found challenging or frustrating. The critical reflection would include a description of the event, and a reflection of what you have learned about this aspect that you can apply in the future. There may be a series of lessons you have learned during this journey, that can be recorded separately and combined into a 2,500 word document.
Or perhaps it was surprising that the journalism industry is situated as it is, and this has made you think about journalism in a different way. The critical reflection would include a description of the industry, with references, and a prediction about what this means for journalism into the future. This reflection might end with self-reflection of the professional development yet required for yourself or your career path.
What this assessment is not
This is NOT a diary. There is no need to state 'I did this' or 'I did that'. What is more important is what you learned, and how that lesson will shape your practice into the future. This can be good as well as bad.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used as specified in the assignment instructions in Moodle.
WORD COUNT for written assignments:
The word count is considered from the first word of the Introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Review/Exam Week Tuesday (8 Oct 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Submitted as a word document
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
Marked within two weeks
A detailed marking rubric is available on Moodle.
Marking criteria includes:
- Adherence to word count - may be made up of a number of journal entries, or submitted as a single document
- Quality of critical reflection
- Quality of presentation
- Standard of writing and English
- Appropriate referencing
- Apply knowledge of Journalism theory and practice at a graduate level
- Critically reflect on Journalism practice.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
