Saskatchewan – Journalism Studies 20

JS20.1 Investigate the history of journalism and its role in society.

Indicators

a. Research the role of journalism in democracy.

b. Investigate the economic, social, historical and political influences on journalism.

c. Explore the relationship between ownership of media and the production and consumption of news.

d. Examine the changing roles, processes and structures within journalism.

e. Explore the experiences and responsibilities of a contemporary journalist.

f. Differentiate between amateur and professional journalists and examine the impact of each on the profession of journalism.

g. Examine the role and impact of student journalists within the school and community.

h. Investigate the risks, challenges and opportunities associated with professional journalism.

i. Assess the impact of journalism on public opinion and that of public opinion on journalism.

j. Discuss how changes in technology have impacted and continue to impact research, editing and producing forms of journalism.

k. Analyze the impact of digital media on print, broadcast and photojournalism texts.

MediaSmarts Resources

JS20.2 Examine journalistic ethics, rights and responsibilities.

Indicators

a. Discuss the relationship between rights and responsibilities.

c. Examine legal implications of journalistic rights and responsibilities.

MediaSmarts Resources

JS20.3 Examine print, broadcast and photojournalism texts for accuracy, style and journalistic conventions.

Indicators

a. Analyze and discuss how language, text structures and distinctive conventions communicate information in a variety of journalistic texts.

b. Assess the quality, reliability and authenticity of various journalistic texts, including print, broadcast and photojournalism.

c. Examine perspectives, beliefs or biases evident in a variety of journalistic texts and their potential impact on the consumer.

d. Discuss the representation of groups and individuals (e.g., whose voice is heard, whose voice is missing) in journalistic texts.

e. Assess the elements (e.g., timeliness, proximity, prominence, conflict, progress and emotions) of a newsworthy story.

f. Examine different journalistic styles to explore how similar ideas, information or issues are communicated in a variety of texts.

g. Discuss consumer responsibilities (e.g., think critically, ask questions and verify information) when engaging with journalistic texts.

MediaSmarts Resources

JS20.5 Employ journalistic research skills to gather and communicate information.

Indicators

a. Explore the elements (e.g., timeliness, proximity, prominence, conflict, progress and emotions) of a newsworthy story.

b. Record details (e.g., habits, customs, human institutions, cultural groups, events and natural world) of everyday life as documentable and symbolic subject matter that contributes to social understanding.

c. Locate, assess and summarize information from a variety of sources.

d. Conduct extensive research to verify facts and elaborate with details.

e. Evaluate the credibility of sources by determining:

• why the information was created;

• if the information presented is fact or opinion;

• if the factual information can be confirmed by other sources;

• the point of view and possible bias; and,

• who created the information.

MediaSmarts Resources

JS20.6 Employ journalistic research skills to gather and communicate information.

Indicators

a. Create a range of print journalism texts (e.g., news story, editorial, sports story, feature story and review) to explore personal viewpoints and others’ perspectives on issues related to:

• identity (e.g., experiences, traditions and worldviews);

• social responsibility (e.g., environmental sustainability, human rights and treaty rights); and,

• social action (e.g., advocacy, stewardship and volunteerism).

b. Explore what makes a story newsworthy (e.g., proximity, prominence, timeliness, oddity, consequence, conflict, human interest, extremes/superlatives, scandal and impact).

c. Select, use and evaluate critically a variety of before, during and after strategies during pre-production, production and post-production of print journalism texts.

d. Understand and apply the language cues and conventions to construct and communicate meaning when writing.

e. Determine audience and purpose and select appropriate format.

f. Employ the elements of a news story:

• Use the news writing style appropriate to the story.

• Write effective headlines.

• Use precise, simple words.

g. Compose print texts that present an objective perspective and accurate details.

MediaSmarts Resources

JS20.7 Create and publish broadcast journalism texts that explore identity, social responsibility and social action.

Indicators

a. Create a range of broadcast journalism texts (e.g., news story, editorial, sports story, feature story and review) to explore personal viewpoints and others’ perspectives on issues related to:

• identity (e.g., experiences, traditions and worldviews);

• social responsibility (e.g., environmental sustainability, human rights and treaty rights); and,

• social action (e.g., advocacy, stewardship and volunteerism).

b. Explore what makes a story newsworthy (e.g., proximity, prominence, timeliness, oddity, consequence, conflict, human interest, extremes/superlatives, scandal and impact).

c. Select, use and evaluate critically a variety of before, during and after strategies during pre-production, production and post-production of broadcast journalism texts.

f. Employ the elements of a news story:

• Use the news writing style appropriate to the story.

• Write effective headlines.

• Use precise, simple words.

g. Analyze the skills and dispositions of effective broadcasters.

h. Present original broadcast texts that demonstrate an objective perspective and accurate details.

MediaSmarts Resources