JOU5302 - Writing for Magazines 2

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the range and types of magazines produced in the UK and circulation figures and trends.
Apply appropriate writing styles and content to specific print and online magazines, addressing target readerships.
Generate, develop and research ideas.
Develop contacts and use relevant sources and research.
Demonstrate an understanding of handling online copy and presentation techniques, and use a content management system to present work

Content:

Students will examine specialist reporting for magazines which could include niche sectors, trade publications, Business-to-Business (B2B) magazines and online platforms such as blogs.
Students will be required to apply appropriate writing styles and content to specific print and online magazines, addressing target readerships. They will generate, develop and research ideas and develop contacts and use relevant sources and writing.
In Semester 2, students will focus on their understanding of online copy handling and presentation techniques, so that they develop confidence in working with online material. This will include sessions on the use of search engine optimisation (SEO), story tagging/metadata, audience interaction and content management systems. They will be required to set up individual web pages and use these to present the second assessment as an online package.

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.
,br> Lectures
Contact hours: 10
Intended group size: Full cohort

Seminars
Contact hours: 10
Intended group size: 25

Workshops
Contact hours: 20
Intended group size: 25

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
Portfolio 1 will normally include three 500-word original stories for three different niche magazines, including example of online format – plus one 500-word reflective report.
Portfolio 2 would normally include a main specialist sports article along with a range of supporting sidebars. These will have imaginative web-specific headlines, copyright-free images, captions and sub-edited text. All elements will be correctly meta-tagged and presented on a web page which students have to set up as individuals.

Assessment:

001 Portfolio 1 2,000-word equivalent End of Semester 1 50%
002 Portfolio 2 2,000-word equivalent End of Semester 2 50%


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