2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC2262 Travel and Journalistic Writing

20 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Brian Lavery
Email: B.Lavery1@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan), Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Experience of developing written work, commitment to wider reading and an active interest in either travel or journalism.

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This is an opportunity to develop skills in journalistic writing and in travel writing. You will learn how to write in ways that arrest a reader's interest and convey complex messages in clear and thought-provoking ways, whether it's about travel that you have engaged with or something that excites you in your subject area. This is a skill that can be transferred across a wide range of careers. This module explores journalistic and travel writing, how these forms have developed and how contemporary writers might approach them within this context. You will be encouraged to explore each form critically and practically, by exploring existing texts and by developing new writing. This will also emphasise the development of your voice as a writer.

Objectives

This module examines the forms of journalistic and travel writing from a range of critical and creative perspectives. Beginning with definitions of each form of writing, with an appreciation of the variety of mediums through which these might be expressed, students will be asked to develop their understanding of how they might both convey information and tell story within these respective forms. This will lead to an evaluation of the concept of journalism and of travel writing, the parameters that these forms are supposed to work within and the ways in which writers can work outside prescribed boundaries. The module will also look at the value and appeal of journalism and travel writing.

Learning outcomes
1. Identify and write within the parameters of journalistic and travel writing;
2. Subvert the parameters of these forms to achieve specific goals;
3. Write effectively within at least one of these forms;
4. Critically engage with the historical development and current practice within these forms.

Skills outcomes
The ability to think and write critically and creatively.

As part of this module, students will develop a range of digital literacy skills. Further details are provided in the Minerva area.

Syllabus

The module will cover issues and areas such as:
- truth and authenticity;
- writing for others;
- perspective;
- news values;
- agendas in writing;
- developing tone, style and voice as a writer.
These subjects will be studied across a variety of mediums, including short and longer prose, audio and visual media, and comics.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Independent online learning hours			11.00
Private study hours			167.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Reading 57 hours
Writing 70 hours
Research 40 hours
Independent Online Learning 11 (timetabled activity)

Students will be expected to prepare for teaching sessions by reading recommended texts, conducting their own research around their areas of writing interest, and completing writing exercises set by the tutor. They will also need to engage in writing regularly to develop their final writing portfolio, as well as the critical commentary, which will involve putting their own writing into the broader context of travel and journalistic writing and engaging in evaluative reflection.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored throughout the module via engagement within group workshops. In addition, students will get an opportunity to submit a partial draft of their creative and critical work midway through the module. They will receive written feedback on this draft and the opportunity for a tutorial to discuss it further. Finally, students will engage in peer review and get tutor feedback on their work and ideas throughout the workshops.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	3000 word prose submission (involving 1 or 2 features depending on the student interest) AND 1000-word critical commentary	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:16:09

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