The difference between news stories and features. A range of different feature styles including news reactive features, interviews, reviews and columns. A range of UK and international publications. Understanding how features are targeted at different readerships, and the range of styles employed by feature writers. Writing styles of notable feature writers. The tradition of feature and non-fiction writing in the UK and America and analysing the styles of key writers. Research tools used by feature writers and carrying out original research. How feature writers respond to the news agenda to develop timely, original and compelling articles. How to pitch feature ideas to editors.
Total Contact Hours: 24
Private Study Hours: 126
Total Study Hours: 150
BA (Joint Honours) One Other Subject With Journalism
Main assessment methods
2 x Column article (1,000 words) – 60%
Pitch (300 words) – 10%
Presentation (10 minutes) – 30%
Reassessment methods
Like for like
Brooker C (2007), Dawn of the Dumb, Faber and Faber
Harcup T (2009), Journalism Principles and Practice, Sage Publications
Moran C (2013), Moranthology, Ebury
Randall D (2011), The Universal Journalist, Pluto Books
Thompson H S (2012), Fear and Loathing at Rolling Stone, Penguin
Wallace D F (2005), Consider the Lobster, Abacus
Wolfe T (2005), The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine Flake Streamine Baby, Vintage
Wolfe T (ed) (1975) The New Journalism, Picador
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced reporting and writing skills to produce a range of news and features content for a defined audience
2. Understand the difference between news stories, features, opinion columns and reviews
3. Understand the feature content of newspapers, magazines and supplements and be familiar with the different styles of a wide range of titles
4. Critically explore the writing styles of notable contemporary feature writers
5. Develop valid feature ideas with reference to the current news agenda and an understanding of news values
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Gather, organise and deploy information in order to formulate arguments coherently and communicate them fluently
1. Engage critically with information from primary and secondary sources
2. Understand the narrative processes and modes of representation at work in key texts
3. Reflect upon the relevance of the student's own cultural commitment and positioning
4. Work to deadlines in flexible and innovative ways showing self-direction and self-discipline
5. Consider and evaluate their own work and the work of others with reference to professional standards
6. Use information technology to perform a range of tasks
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