Waverley Insiders - Journalism (Elective)

“We must contemplate the import of ignoring the printed word. If you cannot read, you can do only what you are told.” Joseph P. Bean

Overview

Journalism is one of the fastest changing careers and industries in our society. Year 8 Journalism encourages students to explore the power journalism to persuade, inform and challenge audiences through a variety of communication modes. Students consider the breath of journalism, examining practices in both traditional and contemporary media. The course starts with the basics of journalism, including how to develop a news story and skills of journalistic research. Students create their own stories, using interviews and research to come to informed conclusions about current topics. The course enhances literacy and critical thinking skills as students uncover the art of finding things out. Year 8 Journalism provides students with an opportunity to explore the concept of journalistic integrity and truth in a post-truth society.

Aims

To examine the changing nature of journalism: the phenomenon of ‘fake news’
To develop research skills
To develop creative, innovative and original pieces for publication
To develop familiarity with a wide range of traditional and emerging media forms

Topics Include

Basic Skills: Developing Stories
Journalistic Research
Contemporary Journalism

Time Allocation

9 periods a cycle
This unit is offered in both Semester 1 and 2

Prerequisites

None

Requirements

Booklist Items
Levy Cost

Assessment

Contemporary Journalism Portfolio (collection of pieces published in different forms)
Interviews
Traditional Journalism Portfolio (collection of expository and persuasive pieces)

“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving them meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” Nehemiah 8:8