Bachelor of Journalism Honours
Communication Studies and Language - Communication Studies
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Journalism Honours
Purpose
The aim of the Bachelor of Journalism Honours is to produce journalists who have enhanced and crucial insights into the journalism profession, including its evolution wrought by the digital revolution, a critical understanding of regional, national, and global contexts in which journalism functions, and the ethical principles that inform it. This qualification emphasizes the importance of adherence to ethical codes and practices within the media industry, enhancing public confidence in the practice of journalism both locally and globally. The goal is to secure the role of accountable, trustworthy, informative media.
Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the principles and practice of research, especially in journalism and media contexts, and confidence in accessing and using academic literature in relation to their own practice and contexts.
- Develop contextualized, in-depth multi-media content from inception to final product.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how sociality is constituted by different forms of media and their impact on social issues and calls for change.
- Gain first-hand experience in the research process and application of its principles through planning and implementing a simple, short-term research project.
- Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility and accountability for their work, decision-making, use of resources as newsroom personnel, and actions of others in the capacity of a newsroom manager.
- Operate as a professional journalist to produce in-depth media products in a specialist field while understanding the context and ethical considerations.
Rationale
The Bachelor of Journalism Honours program responds to the scarce skills needs of the country and aligns with guidelines from UNESCO's Model Curricula for Journalism Education. The degree aims to strike a balance between theory and practice, fostering critical reflection and producing ethical journalism graduates with depth and substance. The goal is to produce questioning, independent, and informed journalism graduates who can disseminate quality knowledge for peace, development, and democracy.
There is a demand in South Africa for journalists who are new media savvy, multimedia specialists, adhere to core journalistic principles, and are critical thinkers. The Honours degree aims to meet these challenging requirements by providing vocational skills paired with a discursive edge, enabling graduates to pursue journalistic roles in various media forms and organizations.
Overall, the Bachelor of Journalism Honours seeks to offer a comprehensive learning experience that prepares graduates for diverse opportunities in the journalism field, supported by stakeholders and industry demands.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of the principles and practice of research especially in the journalism and media contexts, and confidence in accessing and using academic literature in relation to their own practice and contexts.
- Develop contextualised, and in-depth multi-media content from inception to the final product.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how sociality is constituted by different forms of media and how these speak to issues of social belonging and calls for social change.
- Demonstrate first-hand experience of the process of research and application of its principles through planning and implementing a simple, short-term research project.
- Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility and accountability for own's work, decision-making and use of resources as newsroom personnel, and actions of others in the capacity of a newsroom manager.
- Operate as a professional journalist to produce in-depth media products in a specialist field demonstrating an understanding of the context and ethical considerations.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Define and present a research proposal correctly.
- Critique, discuss and present a synthesis of existing literature and media relevant to the research proposal according to academic criteria.
- Collect and interpret relevant data in terms of critical literature.
- Produce and present a clear and acceptable communication of the research problem, its investigation, outcomes, and recommendations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Critically source material for a range of news platforms.
- Gather information according to established methods and values.
- Script multimedia content appropriately.
- Produce packages according to established criteria.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Access, evaluate use, and source information.
- Utilise language resources effectively and responsibly to produce essays and academic papers.
- Analyse media text and institutions critically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Demonstrate understanding of concepts and theories.
- Discuss and critique application in a specialist field of knowledge according to accepted academic criteria.
- Consider ethical implications of the research.
- Select appropriate methods of data gathering.
- Apply appropriate methods of data analysis.
- Conclude impactful research.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Conceptual and theoretical understanding of media management.
- Demonstrate mastery of positioning analysis and financial acumen.
- Produce a workable plan for daily management of a media product and organisation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Synthesise critically evaluated research into media content containing valid commentary and analysis.
- Apply independent thinking when writing unbiased media stories.
- Produce articles and multimedia packages utilising journalistic style, ethics, and principles.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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