UNISA Short Course in Community Journalism for Beginners
University of South Africa Short Course in Community Journalism for Beginners
Short Course in Community Journalism for Beginners (70106)Purpose
The certificate course is aimed at the development of knowledge, the application of that knowledge, critical thinking and the general understanding of the field of community journalism. The purpose of the qualification is to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for journalism in general and community journalism specifically.
Target group
Aspiring journalists
Admission requirements
Senior Certificate or an equivalent NQF level 4 qualification
Duration
Six months
Language medium
English
Registration periods
January and July
Registration forms are available from Ms van Heerden
Tuition method
UNISA open distance learning and one two-day workshop
Kind of assessment
Note:
Formative assessment and examination admission will comply with UNISA’s formative assessment rules and policies
Formative assessment:
Assignment/case study
Summative assessment:
Three-hour exam
Community Journalism for Beginners (CJFB01G)Syllabus/Content Topics
The short course consists of two sections dealing with the principles and practice of community journalism. Topics include the basic theoretical principles of journalism; ethics and press freedom; different types of community media and areas of reporting; the organisation, characteristics, role and functions of community journalism; the interviewing process; the writing and editing of news reports; newspaper design, typography, photographs and layout; modern newspaper production and entrepreneurship. A case study of a community newspaper is also provided.
Course leader
Ms M M van Heerden MLitt et Phil (Journalism)
Discipline expertise: Worked as journalist, currently lecturer in Communication Science
Centre for Communication Sciences
Office 7-084, Theo van Wijk Building, UNISA
Tel: 012 429 6320
Fax: 012 429 3346
E-mail: vheermm1@unisa.ac.za
Programme administrator(s)
Ms A Vermeulen NDAdmin (Unisa)
Department of Communication Science
Office 7-077, Theo van Wijk Building, UNISA
Tel: 012 429 6016
Fax: 012 429 3346
E-mail: vermea@unisa.ac.za