Module: JPU5003-20 Research and Reporting

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor:  Katie Glass

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.glass@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module will introduce you to creating and using primary sources in journalistic writing, e.g. interviews, location visits, reports, Freedom of Information requests and other data. You will learn how to handle primary sources professionally and demonstrate an awareness of industry regulatory and ethical considerations, e.g. recording interview permissions, release forms, copy approval and factual accuracy.

You will learn about two key areas of primary source material. Data journalism is a growing field, and this module will introduce to you to requesting, assessing, sifting and presenting data to create stories of interest and importance locally (e.g. emissions data, local council open data) and globally (e.g. extreme weather events).    

You will also learn the professional practice and skills of interview and location-based research. Talking and listening to other people is at the core of journalism, from vox pops to gauge a range of opinions, to an extended celebrity interview, quotes from experts for a technical piece, or an exploratory interview to gain vital new understanding of a subject. This module will equip you with key interview skills, e.g. making contacts, planning and recording interviews, note taking, and working with a press office.

Building from Journalistic Research I, you will learn how use interview material and data in a number of ways, e.g. features, Q&A, written-through interview, and how to combine a number of research techniques to develop a longer feature (up to 1,500 words), which you can tailor to your own interests (e.g. current affairs and investigative journalism, or arts and lifestyle journalism).

2. Outline syllabus: 

•  What is data journalism and why is it important?

•  Introduction to how journalists access, assess, sift, question and present data

•  Planning, recording and presenting interviews and location material

•  Understanding ethical and privacy considerations when conducting interviews and

• gathering primary material

•  Combining a number of source types in your writing

•  Writing with clarity and factual accuracy; fact-checking

•  Journalistic writing forms: features, reviews and interviews, and narrative structure

•  Legal and regulatory frameworks issues

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

The module is taught via blended delivery comprising a mix of online and face-to-face learning. Activities include lectures, seminars, workshops, and weekly practical activities involving projects such as the research, writing, editing, and layout.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: A selection of journalistic writing including a feature article (word length: 2,500 words) and appendix of supporting work (equivalent 4,000 words)

• % Weighting: 80%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Legal and ethical portfolio: A selection of tasks that explore the legal and ethical aspects of journalism and likely applications (equivalent 1000 words)

• % Weighting: 20%