Introductions
Journalism and creative writing
The University of Wollongong has one of the most dynamic creative writing programs in Australia. Over 20 years it has established a reputation for its creative and intellectual contributions to Australia’s emerging literary reputation. Students who study creative writing at UOW do so under the guidance of some of the country’s most highly regarded writers. These include the award-winning poet Alan Wearne and novelists Merlinda Bobis and Shady Cosgrove. All are active researchers and writers, as well as teachers, so you know that at Wollongong you will be taught by ‘can do’ people. Supporting the full-time staff is a group of highly qualified and motivated part-timers who are also balancing their writing careers with a love of teaching.
In 2007, Wollongong introduced a Bachelor of Journalism. This is an exciting new program and builds on our existing undergraduate teaching commitments and complements the University’s long-established reputation in postgraduate journalism. Students studying Journalism at UOW will emerge ‘job ready’. Those studying the new Bachelor of Journalism will be trained to meet the needs of our new convergent media environment, as well as being able to specialise in print or broadcast. Students undertaking a major in Journalism through the Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies program (in the Faculty of Arts) will have the skills required to fit into a newsroom or a range of other allied fields, including political communication. Key journalism staff include Eric Loo, a highly experienced journalist and educator, David Blackall, a documentary maker, Marcus O’Donnell, a former newspaper editor turned academic. They are supported by a number of enthusiastic industry professionals who can share their ‘real life’ experiences with students. To give you an appreciation of what it is like to work for a news organisation, we have established our own print and convergent newsrooms. Students will be working in the newsroom developing their skills while producing online and print publications to real time deadline pressures.
I trust that your time at Wollongong will be both enjoyable and highly productive. University should be an exciting time of your life, where you not only develop your talents, but also begin to make decisions that will help determine where you go in life. You’ll be expected to work hard, but at the same time we want you to enjoy yourself as well. It is a juggling act, so happy juggling. Remember, the Journalism and Creative Writing staff all enjoy their teaching and are here to help you. If you have a problem, please call the relevant lecturer or program coordinator. For Creative Writing, the coordinator is Alan Wearne; for Journalism it is David Blackall in Autumn session and Marcus O'Donnell in Spring session. Alternatively, come and have a chat with me.
Good luck with your studies.
Associate Professor Stephen Tanner
Head, School of Journalism and Creative Writing