JOU4222 - Magazine Journalism 1

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Identify appropriate sources and relevant angles for timely features for magazines (print and online).
Demonstrate an ability to identify relevant sources and interview effectively, also identifying relevant information and direct quotes.
Produce the appropriate writing style, content and structure for magazine articles.

Content:

This module provides the basic building blocks of magazine writing and content for different platforms. Students will learn how features are sourced, how to assess and evaluate different types of sources and how to use information to write articles for print and online. They will learn and practise journalistic interviewing techniques. The sessions will be partly classroom-based workshops but will include live reporting and students will build a portfolio covering key skills.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A blend of lectures, workshops, and practical exercises will be used to introduce students to the skills and concepts required and formative feedback will be a feature as student work towards assessment.
The Module is to be delivered as a Year Long module. This will give students necessary time to develop their short scripts whilst adhering to common professional conventions. Sufficient time is also necessary for students to research and practice key production concepts; techniques; technical processes; specialised production equipment; professional practise and procedures. Delivery involves a weekly lecture and workshop.

Lectures
Hours: 24
Intended Group size: 30

Workshops
Hours: 12
Intended Group size: 30

Practical Exercises
Hours: 12 Intended Group size: 30

Guided independent study
Hours: 152

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 – Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Assessment 2 - Portfolio 1: will contain completed exercises; these will comprise weekly tasks (writing, research, case studies)

Assessment 3 - Portfolio 2: building on skills and knowledge acquired in Semester 1, this assignment will be a more detailed progression.

The module will contain an element of Peer Assessment and this will be negotiated with the cohort. It is envisaged that the short scripts produced will be the focus of this peer-assessed aspect.