Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of magazine and feature writing.
Apply appropriate writing styles and content to specific print and online publications, addressing target readerships.
Generate, develop and research ideas.
Develop contacts and use relevant sources and research.

Content:

Students will examine key skills and techniques used in magazine and feature writing through formative and summative practical exercises in class, resulting in a varied portfolio. The practical work will develop important feature writing techniques including the use of authoritative sources, research and interview skills, journalistic writing styles and the role of the internet in terms of both research and publication.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will be taught through interactive workshops, which are based around a live production timetable, replicating professional practice within journalism.

Workshops
Hours: 80
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 120

Further details relating to assessment
Portfolios 1 & 2 will normally include a total of 1,600 words of original features, submitted to deadlines throughout Semester 1. 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, students will be obliged to submit peer feedback 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 may 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 Semester 1 In-class Assessment 8 x 50-word equivalent Throughout Semester 1 20%
002 Semester 1 Portfolio 1 (coursework) 1,600-word equivalent End of Semester 1 30%
003 Semester 2 In-class Assessment 8 x 50-word equivalent Throughout Semester 2 20%
004 Semester 2 Portfolio 2 (coursework) 1,600-word equivalent End of Semester 2 30%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Julian Cole
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - JOU4232 OR JOU4942 OR JOU4444
Semester(s) Offered - 5YL