This unit equips journalists with knowledge and capacities of informed reflection to support the production of journalism that is ethical, legally defensible and grounded in consideration of the responsibilities of journalism toward diverse communities. The unit will provide journalists with an understanding of the legal and ethical parameters that surround journalists' work, including areas such as defamation, court reporting and the handling of sensitive stories, leaks and whistleblowers. Through reflecting on dilemmas that journalists face as they seek to balance their responsibilities to their audiences, employers and the polity, and on questions that arise around reporting that relates to diverse and at-risk populations, students will learn how to produce work that is informed by 'best practice' approaches to reporting.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Analyse key ethical principles and legal processes that underpin journalism in Australia and consider other cultural and political contexts;
2. Reflect on the ethical responsibilities and dilemmas facing journalists, informed by positions and principles of diversity;
3. Produce original stories using relevant ethical, legal and diversity frameworks; and
4. Develop culturally safe approaches to practice, including with diverse and vulnerable communities.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.