JOU5414 - Practical Journalism 2: Sports Writing

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a critical understanding of sports writing/reporting and the relationship between theory and practice
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the informing and commentating function of sports writing/reporting
Demonstrate the ability to generate, develop and research ideas
Apply written and online practical journalism skills within a sporting context
Demonstrate knowledge of a content management system and skills in the creation of online content according to established guidelines of best professional practice

Content:

Students will examine key areas of Sports Writing including previews, live coverage, aftermaths and specialist reporting through formative and summative practical exercises in class in both semesters. The practical work wil be set within the context of sports reporting issues, including sources in the sports industry and the role of the internet in terms of both research and publication.
Students will be introduced to a content management system in semester 2 and will be required to prepare and display content (for example, text, images, video, audio) as individuals in an industry-standard online format.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module is taught via a series of interactive workshops and assessment workshops which are run as professional newsroom sessions.

Workshops
Contact hours: 80
Intended Group size: Max 24

Guided independent study
Hours: 320

Further details relating to assessment
Portfolio 1 would normally include a range of sports content submitted to deadline on “newsroom days” throughout Semester 1 – these may be previews, live reports, aftermath pieces or sports news, depending on what is breaking/topical - details will be given ahead of each session. At the end of the semester, students will be expected to submit all stories to Moodle and identify in no more than 100 words which is their best story and why. This story will be awarded the numeric mark.

Note: During taught sessions throughout semesters 1 & 2, students will be obliged to submit peer feedback and marks, and also story pitches that will be vital for the successful completion of the module. The exercises are linked to the module objectives. In order to ensure that students engage fully during these sessions, they receive pass/fail for their peer feedback and pitches (see above). If for any VALID reason students are unable to attend class, they must contact tutors to avoid losing vital marks at this stage. Students who do not file stories to deadline and complete the pass/fail portfolio will not be eligible for resit in this module. Students who have good reason for missing a deadline / submission must apply to the head of department for an extension.

Assessment:

001 Portfolio 1, 1 x 1600 words equiv end of semester 1 30%
002 Portfolio 2, 1 x 2400 words end of semester 2 70%
003 In class assessment/attendance at practical sessions Pass/Fail Throughout the module 0%


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