JOU4162 - Practical Journalism 1

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Identify and local news sources and possible news angles and stories for both print and online.
Demonstrate an ability to interview and identify relevant information and quotes for news stories.
Write basic news stories in an appropriate style for online and print.

Content:

This module provides the basic building blocks of news writing. Students will learn how news stories are sourced, how to assess and evaluate different types of sources, including human, paper and online, and how to use information from those sources to develop and structure news stories for online and print. Students will study the difference between hard and soft news and the writing styles relevant to both. They will take part in practical exercises to help them develop their own writing skills in these two key areas with a focus on delivery for online and traditional platforms. Students will understand how to work with submitted material, including reports and press releases as well as how to find and generate their own news stories. They will learn and put into practice basic journalistic interviewing techniques and how to use social media to develop and compliment reporting.
News days, where students work to produce news stories to tight deadlines, will be included in this module.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module is taught via a series of interactive workshops which use innovative and creative teaching methods in order to foster student engagement and develop practical skills. The focus is on student-centred practice, using a broad range of simulated and live news exercises which allow the cohort to use their practical skills in safe environment where they benefit from tutor feedback and mentoring on an on-going basis.

News workshops
Contact hours: 60
Intended group size: 25

Guided independent study
Hours: 140

Further details relating to assessment
Portfolio 1 will typically cover 6 key competencies and will be compiled during semesters 1 and 2.

Assessment:

001 Portfolio 1 1 x 1500 words equiv. Pass/Fail (during/end of sem 2) 0%
002 Relfective Repott 1 x 500 words (Pass/Fail( during/end of sem 2) 0%


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