Module: JPU4001-20 Journalistic Research 1

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Laura Little

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.little@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Accuracy is an important part of journalistic integrity, reputation and trust. This module introduces you to the role that research plays in journalistic writing so that you can present factual information, statistics and data precisely. It provides the basis for different areas of journalism e.g. investigative, news, and reporting in specialist areas, from lifestyle and entertainment to business and science.

This module will give you a solid grounding in the research needed for writing. You will learn how to find secondary sources, assess their reputability and handle them professionally and critically in order to create questions and stories. You will analyse how stories are presented by different media outlets, locally and internationally – the selection of information, structure, writing style – to understand the decisions that journalists and editors make and how they address different audiences.

You will use a number of techniques to gather current information yourself, e.g. by signing up for press releases, newsletters, Google alerts, RSS feeds, and Twitter. You will also learn about sourcing suitable images to support your story.

You will explore a range of different forms of short journalistic writing, such as news shorts and articles from press releases, fact boxes, and profiles. Writing clearly and accurately is also important in maintaining the trust of readers; this module will help students develop their writing skills and attention to detail.

Software skills

You will learn to upload text and image content to a Content Management System (CMS, e.g. Wordpress).

2. Outline syllabus:

Finding and assessing sources

Sources, links and netiquette

Learning how to assimilate and distil wide-ranging material

Critical analysis of how publications create and present ‘stories’ with different angles and audiences

Representing facts, statistics and data accurately in your writing

Writing clearly and accurately (and Google-friendly copy)

Writing a range of research-based articles for different audiences

Image selection and usage rights

Uploading text and images to a CMS

3. Teaching and learning activities:

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

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio (equivalent to 2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Article and Research Folder (equivalent to 2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%