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• sydney: Investigative Journalism

Study Abroad: Australia

• Module 50192: Investigative Journalism
• Location: University of Technology Sydney
• Professor: Prof Wendy Bacon (assisted by other professional journalism lecturers).
• Duration: 14 weeks.
• Credits: 10 ECTS

Overview

This subject introduces students to a particular style of reporting which probes deeper than most daily journalism. The subject is designed first, to demonstrate a variety of practical research techniques, especially the use of public records; second, to show the distinctiveness of investigative reporting; and third and most importantly, to give students a chance to practice the skills and approaches of investigative journalism through developing stories of their own.

Learning Outcomes

1. recognise what distinguishes investigative journalism from other journalism
2. develop their own ideas for investigative projects
3. develop skills in finding and interviewing a wide range of sources.
4. employ a range of investigative research techniques
5. develop appropriate narrative and presentation techniques necessary to produce compelling in-depth journalism
6. demonstrate an understanding of the role of investigative journalism in a democratic society and an appreciation of its practical link to the concept of the ‘public right to know’

Contribution to graduate profile

• can apply advanced professional skills and knowledge across all media: print, television
• understand the role which investigative journalism plays in the history, philosophy, ethical and cultural foundations underpinning journalism
• understand the importance of investigative and critical journalism
• seek opportunities to make significant intellectual and creative contributions to the social, political and cultural life of the communities in which they live
• have strong research skills and effectively retrieve and analyse information from a range of sources
• have a critical understanding of issues of gender, racism, ethnicity, disability and class and the way these are linked to issues of media representation, production and reception
• have an understanding of and commitment to ethical journalism practice

Methods of Assessment

This subject is delivered through seminars, workshops, practical assignments in the field, and practical exercises. There is an emphasis on lecturers sharing their own professional experience with students and students developing their own professional practice through experience in developing projects and peer feedback.

Content

The subject begins by exploring the nature of investigative journalism through seminars. Specific topics that are addressed include political funding and pecuniary interests; the use of confidential sources and developing story ideas. Students are introduced to a range of research techniques which are used by investigative journalists including searching for information about companies and land, and the use of freedom of information legislation.

Students do presentations of an exercise around searching the Public Record for information. While these skills are being developed, students develop their own story ideas and workshop drafts in class. Issues of how to communicate complex information to audiences, the presentation of story and the development of appropriate narrative techniques are covered in later sessions. The subject finishes with workshops on major story assignments.

Assessment

1. Assessment 1: A Public Right to Know project
• Weight: 15%
• Task: The assessment task is linked to the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism’s Public Right to Know project. Investigative journalists need to know what information is available to the public and to be able to access it as efficiently as possible. They also need to understand the relevance of access to information to the rights of citizens in a democracy. In this assignment, students develop and practice research skills relevant to information provision in a particular field – eg. Property; local government. They then produce reports which are filed on UTS On line which evaluate the accessibility of information in this field. Students then use these reports to develop a broader analysis of contemporary access to information issues and their relevance to investigative journalism.
2. Assessment 2: An investigative story
• Weight: 25%
• Task:You will be assigned within the class to carry out research into one aspect of a theme. After preliminary research to establish stories or angles within the broader theme, students will produce a short report (1200 words) relevant to the theme.
3. Assessment 3: (i) A research plan for the major story (ii) An investigative story
• Weight: (i) 20% (ii) 40%
• Task: Major story will be a longer piece of investigative journalism which can be presented in any medium.