Mmxpr3 h q , f d  6 6

HU. 31 APPLIED JOURNALISM

APPLIED JOURNALISM 1A: AN INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM

Applied Journalism 1A

AJN1AA1

NQF level: 6

NQF credits: 16

Content:

The applied module will provide the learner with an introduction to the profession of journalism. This includes the role of journalists in a democratic society, skills needed by journalists, the nature of news; the definition of journalism; principles of ethical journalism and distinguishing between different types of writing.

Purpose:

The purpose of the module is to provide the learner with a basic understanding of the profession of journalism.

Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module learners should be able to:

• 
  Define journalism and what it means to be a journalist.
  
• 
  Understand and apply the skills needed to be a journalist.
  
• 
  Define news and reflect on the nature of news.
  
• 
  Distinguish between journalistic, academic and other forms of writing.
  
• 
  Distinguish between print, electronic and broadcasting journalism.
  
• 
  Engage with different types of media to gain insight into the South African media environment.
  
• 
  Discuss and apply the principles of ethical journalism.
  
• 
  Write a news article.
  

Calculation criteria:

Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission – 40%

Full Period Mark Weight – 50%

Examination Mark Weight – 50%

APPLIED JOURNALISM 1B: JOURNALISM, SOCIETY AND GLOBAL CULTURE

Applied Journalism 1B

AJN1BB1

NQF level: 6

NQF credits: 16

Content:

The applied module will assist the learner to be able to give a brief overview of national and international media history, as well as national and international events which shaped the world of the media. The workings of the national and local government, the South African judicial system, South African geography and environmental issues will be explored on a practical level to be able to contextualise the South African environment for the entry-level journalist.

Purpose:

The purpose of this module is to enhance the learner’s knowledge of the interplay between Journalism, Society and Global Culture and to build a practical understanding of the role of journalism in South African society.

Outcomes:

Upon completion of this applied module learners should be able to:

• 
  Analyse historical events which shaped Journalism.
  
• 
  Read and compare different formats of newspapers to gain insight and understanding of the South African media environment.
  
• 
  Explain the workings of the national and local government, the South African judicial system and reflect on pertinent environmental issues and economic trends to successfully apply this knowledge as an entry-level journalist i.e. in beat-reporting.
  
• 
  To gain general knowledge of South Africa as a society and apply this knowledge to be able to report in a truthful and accurate manner.
  
• 
  Distinguish between different beats in newspaper journalism and write for these beats.
  

Calculation criteria:

Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission – 40%

Full Period Mark Weight – 50%

Examination Mark Weight – 50%

APPLIED JOURNALISM 2A: NEWSPAPER JOURNALISM

Applied Journalism 2A

AJN2AA2

NQF level: 7

NQF credits: 16

Content:

This module will assist the learner in gaining the necessary insight for the principles of reporting for print. Types of newspapers and applications of news writing will be explored. Newspaper language and style will be discussed and applied. Identifying story ideas, locating sources and collecting information will be covered. An in-depth overview of the basics of compiling a newspaper article forms part of this module.

Purpose:

The purpose of the model is to provide an in-depth understanding of the principles of reporting for print – from conceptualising the story to writing and editing of the final article. The work covered will ensure that the learner develops the necessary skills for writing for print.

Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module learners should be able to:

• 
  Understand the basics of news writing and news gathering.
  
• 
  Distinguish different types of newspaper genres.
  
• 
  Identify story ideas.
  
• 
  Identify news angles
  
• 
  Demonstrate how to cultivate sources.
  
• 
  Write strong news leads and well constructed paragraphs.
  
• 
  Use the proper story structure.
  
• 
  Use the proper language and style for a news article.
  
• 
  Plan and conduct interviews and use quotes appropriately.
  
• 
  Write different types of newspaper articles including a hard news story, a feature article and a review.
  

Calculation criteria:

Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission – 40%

Full Period Mark Weight – 50%

Examination Mark Weight – 50%

APPLIED JOURNALISM 2B: INTERNET AND PHOTO JOURNALISM

Applied Journalism 2B

AJN2BB2

NQF level: 7

NQF credits: 16

Content:

As a natural progression from the applied newspaper journalism module, the first half of this module provides insight into the converged media environment brought on by new media developments. This module will compare newspaper to so-called online journalism and also reflect on the impact of social media on the practice of journalism.

The second half of the module is devoted to photo journalism and provides the learner with a broad introduction to the practical skills required for working as a multi-skilled journalist in South Africa. The photographic process is explained and learners compile a portfolio of different news photographs.

Purpose:

The purpose of this applied module is to equip the learner with the practical components and technical skills to work as an entry-level journalist in the converged media environment. Secondly, photo journalism introduces learners to the applied side of photojournalism in order to prepare them for the working realities of a news photographer.

Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module learners should be able to:

• 
  Read, compare and analyse different online publications to gain insight and understanding of online media industry.
  
• 
  Identity and apply the unique characteristics of the Web.
  
• 
  Reflect on and apply the skills needed within in a converged newsroom and media environment.
  
• 
  Understand the basics of online news writing and news gathering.
  
• 
  Discuss and apply a working knowledge of visualisation, composition, framing and the camera angle as steps in the pre-production process.
  
• 
  Compile a portfolio of different news photographs.
  
• 
  Reflect on and apply the so-called old and new structures emerging from writing for new media.
  
• 
  Define journalism and news within the context of the online environment.
  
• 
  Write and edit news articles from online publications.
  
• 
  Write and edit a blog.
  

Calculation criteria:

Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission – 40%

Full Period Mark Weight – 50%

Examination Mark Weight – 50%

APPLIED JOURNALISM 3A: MAGAZINE JOURNALISM AND MEDIA LAW AND ETHICS

Applied Journalism 3A

AJN3AA3

NQF level: 7

NQF credits: 22

Content:

This module will introduce the world of magazine journalism and will provide the learner with insight and understanding into the South African magazine industry including some of the applied skills needed to enter this competitive environment.

Secondly, this module will discuss media law and ethics and will give the learner practical skills on how to deal with ethical dilemmas pertaining to the practice of journalism in relation to notions of: accuracy, independence, truth and deception, fairness, objectivity, confidentiality and protection of sources, conflict of interest and independence, invasion of privacy, trauma, social responsibility and stereotyping of gender and race.

Purpose:

The purpose of this module is to enhance the theoretical insight and understanding of the structure of the South African magazine industry and specifically magazine journalism by focusing and exploring ownership patterns and recent technological advances in the industry. Different genres of magazine writing will be explored and specific skills such as sub-editing and layout will be introduced.

In terms of media law and ethics, it will provide the learner with practical knowledge and insight into media law and ethics pertaining to journalism. On completion of the module learners will be equipped with practical skills and tools for ethical decision-making relevant to journalism.

Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module learners should be able to:

• 
  Read and compare different formats of magazines to gain insight and understanding of the South African magazine industry.
  
• 
  Analyse the different magazine formats and understand readership figures and patterns.
  
• 
  Distinguish between consumer magazines and B2B publications.
  
• 
  Analyse corporate publications.
  
• 
  Explore and apply different genres of magazine writing.
  
• 
  Gain practical skills such as sub-editing and layout.
  
• 
  Apply the guiding principles in ethical codes of conduct to journalistic dilemmas.
  
• 
  Interpret the requirements of the legislative environment as it relates to specific ethical dilemmas.
  
• 
  Identify, analyse and propose practical solutions to ethical dilemmas.
  
• 
  Explain and justify ethical decision-making in relation to a journalistic dilemma.
  

Calculation criteria:

Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission – 40%

Full Period Mark Weight – 50%

Examination Mark Weight – 50%

APPLIED JOURNALISM 3B: BROADCAST JOURNALISM

Applied Journalism 3B

AJN3BB3

NQF level: 7

NQF credits: 22

Content:

The applied module in broadcast journalism will provide the learner with insight and understanding into the South African broadcast industry, including some of the applied skills needed by an entry-level broadcast journalist.

Purpose:

The purpose of this applied module is to equip the learner with the practical components and technical skills to successfully enter the world of broadcast journalism.

Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module learners should be able to:

• 
  Compare different formats for radio and television to gain insight and understanding of the South African broadcast industry.
  
• 
  Analyse the different formats for radio and television to understand the listening and viewing patterns in the South African broadcast industry.
  
• 
  Distinguish between the different programmes and formats on South African radio and television.
  
• 
  Write and record a news bulletin for radio.
  
• 
  Compile a news bulletin for television.
  
• 
  Understand and apply the term “convergence” and be able to work successfully across different platforms.
  
• 
  Act as a presenter for radio and/or television.
  

Calculation criteria:

Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission – 40%

Full Period Mark Weight – 50%

Examination Mark Weight – 50%