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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM2410 Journalism Practice

20 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Ian Bucknell
Email: i.bucknell@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module prepares students for the challenges of working as multimedia journalists in a world where evolving digital platforms and mobile devices change the way in which news is produced and shared. TV, radio and digital production skills are taught side-by-side rather than in isolation, reflecting contemporary professional practice. These abilities are underpinned by a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of journalism; the ability to find, research and develop a story that is then told within a coherent and engaging narrative.

Objectives

This module progresses students’ understanding of the techniques and editorial responsibilities of journalists as they acquire the core skills of multimedia news production.
The module aims:
1. To provide students with comprehensive practical instruction on how to research, develop and produce news stories;

2. To enable students to learn the tools of news production such as filming, editing, script writing and presentation skills;

3. To ensure students work within legal, regulatory and ethical guidelines;

4. In association with the module Multimedia News Production Two, to meet the requirements of industry accreditation at Level Two.

Learning outcomes
At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. identify, research and develop a news story in preparation for production;
2. understand and apply the editorial, ethical and legal responsibilities incumbent on journalists;
3. demonstrate the ability to produce news content for radio and TV using filming, audio recording, editing and presentation skills;
4. apply appropriate storytelling forms and structures to producing multimedia content for digital platforms.

Skills outcomes
Creative problem solving, independent working and professionalism.


Syllabus

This module builds on a series of Level One practical journalism modules that enable students to learn the fundamentals of the discipline. Students will increase their understanding of how to find and develop factual stories for news production. They will acquire the skills needed to convert their research into journalism for television, radio and digital platforms. Students will demonstrate their skills and understanding through the creation of a portfolio of multimedia work. Teaching and learning is delivered within a range of environments:
• Journalism workshops in which students discuss and find ways of working through the practical, legal and ethical challenges of producing multimedia news. Topics covered include sources of news, OfCom regulations and news values;
• Small group practical sessions that support students as they acquire the technical and storytelling skills associated with news production, mastering industry standard equipment and applications. Subjects include composition, filming sequences of shots, camera movement, gathering wild-track for audio packages, creating interactive content and writing articles for online and apps;
• The students skills and understanding will be brought together through a series of formative news days – simulations of a newsroom environment that allow students to draw on knowledge as it is required in a “real life” scenario rather than when prompted by an essay or exam question.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop42.008.00
Practical47.0028.00
Practical112.0022.00
Private study hours142.00
Total Contact hours58.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Private study should be dedicated to:
- Journalism workshop preparation: 20 hours
- Practicing technical skills: 62 hours
- Research and development of TV, radio and digital stories: 60 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Monitoring will be carried out by means of formative and summative assessment. The journalism skills and understanding of students will be brought together in a short series of formative newsday exercises. These sessions simulate a professional journalism environment and enable students to draw upon their knowledge and abilities in real-life scenarios

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
PortfolioMultimedia Portfolio: Compilation of TV, radio and digital work with associated scripts30.00
ReportNews Report: A news report produced for radio, TV or digital70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Resit information – the portfolio and news report project can be re-submitted if required.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/11/2018 09:25:32

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