2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
COMM1305 Introduction to Journalism
20 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Kate Nash
Email: k.nash@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Module replaces
COMM1300 Basic Journalism.This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
The module introduces students to some key journalistic concepts, conventions and practices. In addition the module seeks to expose students to a wide range of news media and to build a familiarity with news content. Students will also develop practical skills in recording vox pops and will be introduced to the legal and ethical frameworks relevant to journalism.Learning outcomes
At the end of the module students should:
1. Explain key journalistic concepts with reference to examples from the news media.
2. Apply knowledge of journalistic concepts and values to produce news content that is news worthy, factual and accurate.
3. Apply knowledge of journalistic law and ethics to produce news content that complies with relevant laws and codes of conduct/ethics.
4. Write and produce an online news story
5. Record and edit audio
Skills outcomes
News writing, audio recording and editing, online news production. In addition students will gain an introductory understanding of media law.
Syllabus
The module will cover news values, journalistic objectivity, news language and storytelling, and journalistic sources, as well as an introduction to media law and journalistic ethics.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Practical | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Private study hours | 158.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Private study time should be dedicated to preparation of online news page (est 70 hours); reading and research for weekly VLE submissions (est 18 hours) and exam revision (est 70 hours).Opportunities for Formative Feedback
The news viewing log will be completed over the first 8 weeks of the semester with students receiving frequent formative feedback.The news story will build on exercises conducted in practical classes in which students will receive formative feedback.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Practical | News story equivalent to 2,500-3,000 words | 50.00 |
| Literature Review | News viewing log 2,000 words | 25.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 75.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 00 mins | 25.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 25.00 | |
The media law exam is a requirement of the BJTC, the accrediting body for the BA programme in Broadcast Journalism.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 23/02/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD