Certificate Course “ Reporting on Children in the Media” Block Release (10 days)
2nd August-6th August and 16th August to 20th August 2010.
The course aims to challenge the common representation of children and their issues in and by the media, as well as open up new possibilities for alternative representations. The representation of children is often in violation of the children’s rights that the media seeks to protect.
The course, in exploring how children are represented, will ensure that not only will new skills be acquired but also demonstrate how children’s rights can be respected in the media and at the same time ensure journalism of the highest quality.
The purpose of the course is to:
- contribute to the creation of an ethical media and human-rights centred approach to children’s reporting;
- advance the creation of a media that not only values but reflects the diversity of opinions, including the opinions of children;
- empower participants with knowledge and skills in human rights, children’s rights, ethics and the law;
- build the expertise of participants by providing them with both the theory and practical input in this area;
- help participants with their writing skills.
Outcomes: this course will equip participants to:
- identify and unpack the effect that poor media coverage of children can have on children and their issues;
- develop practical strategies to develop a human rights centred approach to reporting on children;
- access experts (in a wide field) as well as children to ensure a diverse and informed perspective on issues that affect children;
- integrate the learnings and experience of other journalists and experts into the way in which participants report children’s stories;
- present events in terms of issues and human interest to engage journalists;
- write clearly and effectively
Assessment:
The course is a Wits Certificated Block Release Course and is presented as a series of seminars. Participants are required to attend 100% of Seminars and contribute to class discussions. Accreditation requirements are:
1) To submit a Mini-Assignment of not more than 1500 words (20% of Mark)
2) To submit a practical Portfolio of Work (already in existence or created for the Course) (40% of Mark)
3) Submit a Final Written Assignment of not more than 5000 words (40% of Mark), which will be externally moderated.
