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This course introduces students to the sociological and cultural analysis of journalistic practices. Students will study newsrooms, journalists' relations with others, their self conceptions and the relations of these with popular representations of journalists.
COMS304 introduces students to the analysis of newsroom practice and culture. The first half explores issues such as how journalists relate to sources, how the newsroom is organised, how journalists decide what’s news and how journalism practice is changing. The second half deals with ideas about journalism and journalistic identities which surround the practice, what’s often called the culture of journalism.
On completion of the course a student should be able to:- critique the news based on an understanding of the social, economic and technological contexts and constraints of its production- understand debates surrounding journalistic practice, particularly criteria of good practice such as impartiality, independence and responsible reporting- discuss the role that journalism’s self-understanding plays in the news- produce her or his own analysis of an aspect of journalism- understand a range of theoretical approaches to studying news practice.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
30 points at the 200 level in COMS. Students without this prerequisite, but with at least a B average in 60 points of relevant courses, may enter the course with the approval of the Head of Department or the Undergraduate Coordinator for COMS.
Donald Matheson
Assignments will be submitted electronically on Learn.
There is no set text for this course, readings will be provided on Learn.
Domestic fee $1,493.00
International fee $6,075.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .