MCD1560: Introduction to Journalism

Assessment 1: Minor Essay – Understanding Journalism

Status:                    Individual

Weighting:              20%

Length                    1,000 words (10% leeway)

Due date:               Friday Week 4

What are the key factors affecting the professional practice of Journalism in the 21st century? In your answer consider some or all of the following aspects:

.        the history of journalism (the role it has developed in society),

.        technological convergence especially (transition to digital spheres),

.       journalistic ethics, credibility and editorial platforms (journalistic standards).

This minor essay should reinforce the knowledge acquired in the reading and tutorial material covered during weeks 1–3. Your discussion should explain how the professional practice of journalism can be described. You should outline your understanding of the aims and purposes of journalism and how it contributes to the social, political and cultural life of a society.

Your discussion should outline the fundamental principles of journalism . How do these principles shape the way stories are chosen, investigated, and reported? What are the fundamental standards that are set which define what is good journalism? What impact has digital technology had on news reporting? Other questions you could address are:

.       Have these standards been changed or challenged in the face of technological change?

.       What are the fundamental skills required of a journalist in order to meet these important principles?

.       Where are the best and worst examples of journalism?

Your essay will be evaluated on content (the quality of your understanding and presentation of information,) references to the readings and process (grammar, spelling, punctuation.)

You are not required to conduct any research for this minor essay, but you are expected to summarise, and paraphrase  information  provided  in  your  required  readings  (available  in  Moodle).  You  should  use  in-text citations and have a reference list at the end of your discussion. Your essay should have a standard essay structure (introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion)

MCD1560: Introduction to Journalism

Assessment 1: Minor Essay Marking Guide