JOU6174 - Digital Media Portfolio

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of multi-platform news delivery methods and in applying relevant an appropriate story treatments to different delivery platforms
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of and competences in applying features values and treatments to news subjects for online publication
Identify and locate relevant specialised sources and ideas for online content suitable for an identified niche audience Demonstrate independence, initiative and self-management in undertaking journalistic work and presenting a professional portfolio of work
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of professional preparation relating to job interviews and applications

Content:

This module allows students to pursue an individual journalism project which brings together the skills they have developed during the course of their studies, with particular emphasis on writing video and audio skills but also allowing students to use photographic skills to pull together a project which requires them to demonstrate an ability to identify a niche audience, and plan and produce suitable content for multi-platform delivery.
Students will have the opportunity to take forward the audio and visual skills acquired in levels 4 and 5 and to particularly develop skills in relation to producing stories for an on-line audience. Students will demonstrate their employability skills and professional readiness by preparing a professional portfolio and undertaking a mock job interview.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module involves the creation of a major online journalism portfolio and teaching is front-loaded, with a block of industry-led inspirational workshops at the start of level 6 to encourage creativity and the development of ideas. These are further supported with practical and interactive workshops designed to ensure students have the skills they need to establish their websites and develop a suitable range of content. One-to-one support is a feature throughout the module, with supervisors allocated to students from the start of semester 1, with a series of checks built in to the module to ensure that students are making appropriate progress.

Lecture
Contact hours: 18
Intended Group size: Cohort
Workshops
Contact hours: 6
Intended Group size: 20

Supervision
Contact hours: 6
Intended Group size: Individual

Guided independent study
Hours: 370

Further details relating to assessment
The portfolio will normally include a combination of written work, along with a selection of video/ audio or captioned photo gallery. It will also include a 1,000-word critical reflection of the portfolio. The module will focus on the use of visuals and audio for online storytelling, but also how they can be combined with writing for online both for news and for longer feature pieces. The professional job application, interview and reflection comes at a time in the programme when students will be more focused on launching their careers, and guidance on interview skills will be key to this.

The assessment weightings have been adjusted (from the standard tariff) to enable students to complete a professional sector-standard portfolio of work along with a draft plan in Semester 1. The professional job interview measures the capacity to communicate within a realistic work context the skills and achievements in the portfolio.

Assessment:

001 Proposal presentation; 5 mins; mid-semester 1 10%
002 Portfolio; 8,000 word equiv.; mid-semester 2 70%
003 Job application, interview & reflection; 2,000 word equiv.; end of semester 2 20%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Paul Marsden
Level - 6
Credit Value - 40
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL

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