Module: JPU4000-20 Introduction to Journalism

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Jason Bennett

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.bennett2@bathspa.ac.uk

Please be aware that in order to select the Level 5 module PUB5100-20 The Independent Magazine next academic year, you must select either this module OR PUB4000-20 Introduction to Publishing (if available to your course). Please click the hyperlink for further information.

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The opportunities and platforms available for journalistic content are expanding from digital-first publications and eyewitness social media accounts to online ‘long reads’, and the growing international market for beautifully produced independent print magazines. The UK is home to world-leading journalism brands.

This module provides you with an introduction to contemporary multimedia journalism (from global to local, luxury brands to community reporting) and a variety of forms in which content is published and reframed (for online, social media, app, mobile newsfeeds, print magazines). It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the journalist, and how these relate to other roles and processes (e.g. design, production, and marketing).

You will learn core journalistic skills: how to approach a range of journalistic forms through accurate and targeted research, identifying key elements of a story, concise and well-structured writing, careful choice of images, the considerations of audience, and clear engaging presentation. You will also be introduced to industry-standard layout and editing processes.

Software skills

You will be introduced to industry-standard software packages such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.

2. Outline syllabus:

Introduction to the industry and roles

Researching and writing accurately

Identifying the key elements of a story

Audience and accessible, targeted text

Concise, engaging, well-structured writing across a range of formats, e.g., news report, illustrated lifestyle feature, extended picture captions

Working within InDesign layout templates

Basic image manipulation

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The module will be taught through lectures, seminars, workshops and weekly practical activities involving projects such as research, writing, editing, and layout.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Article (1,000 words)

• % Weighting: 25%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio

• % Weighting: 75%