Practical Journalism 1

Course Content:

Writing is a key communication tool of journalism. This module introduces students to
the language, practical conventions, contexts and functions of written journalism in the
multimedia environment. Through studying and critically analysing the structure, style
and content of articles published on websites, in newspapers and magazines students
will begin to develop an understanding of how copy is gathered, put together and
directed at specific readerships.

Topics covered include:
? What makes a story a story? Understanding and applying news values
? How to structure, plan, organise and select material
? What are direct quotes used for and how are they obtained? Why are the
conventions of interviewing important in journalism?
? Who will read your journalism? How is a story communicated clearly and
efficiently to the reader?
? How can a feature be defined? Is a feature the same as or different from news?

In what ways? What are the various feature genres? How are features
approached?
? What's the difference between a topic and an angle? What makes a good feature
idea and where will it come from?
? Why does a journalist have to do research? What are sources? Where's the best
place to go for information? What are the most effective techniques?
? Asking the right questions, note-taking, identifying quotes, finding information
? Writing well: how does writing succeed? Using correct English, grammar, spelling
and punctuation and writing to a specified house style.
? Using relevant technologies and formats to produce journalistic pieces
? The importance of accuracy and attention to detail in producing journalism.
? Analysing examples from current news reports and feature articles.

Teaching:
Weekly lectures and related lab-based workshops

Autumn Semester:
? Feature ideas and where they come from
? Feature research and sources
? Feature presentations
? Interviewing
? How to structure, plan, organise and select material.
? The intro ? your most important 25 words
? Finding a story and what makes a story
? Newsbreaks; quoting ? how to report what people say; house style.
? Writing for the web ? the CMS
? Headlines links
? Language ? choosing the right word in the right context
? Numbers ? reporting figures and finance
? The news pyramid ? developing your story
? Press conferences
? Research

Spring Semester:
? Legal dangers and ethical dilemmas
? Grammar, punctuation and syntax in news writing
? Sub-editing
? Local, national and international government
? Reporting sport
? Reporting arts and entertainment
? Magazine news
? Digital packaging and social media
? Work placement introduction

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? Portfolio of news stories, features, timed tests and quizzes: 2000 words
equivalent (70%)
? Group production of a publication: 1000 words equivalent (30%)
STUDY OPTION 2: Alternative assessment
STUDY OPTION 3: Alternative assessment

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer