Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Regardless of the field, role or responsibilities, a vast array of activities in post-university working life require professionals to be able to write, recognise, evaluate and utilise a broad range of written texts. This unit builds on prior theoretical and practical learning and enables students to apply knowledge in the development of a broad range of professional skills in writing and communication. The unit is in three parts. The first part covers the theory, practice and ethics of writing in a professional context. The second part of the unit focuses on the processes that underpin journalistic writing including the role of research, interviewing and practical work in writing news and feature stories. The third part examines a number of other processes and practices of professional writing, and includes activities in writing common professional documents for public audiences such as media releases, fact sheets and online information.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Communication and Media Studies major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate knowledge of journalism and professional writing in the context of the media industry.; (2) critically analyse journalism and professional writing practices.; and (3) apply journalism and professional writing skills for content creation..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) journalism and professional writing portfolio 1; and (3) journalism and professional writing portfolio 2. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Katja Lee
Unit rules
Prerequisites
COMM1001 Power, Participation and Meaning
or COMM1002 Cultures, New Media and Communications
and
COMM2001 Media Influence
or COMM2002 Digital Media
Contact hours
3 hours per teaching week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.