2011-2012 YEAR THREE - Cardiff University

MC3592 Writing for the Media Today: Print, Broadcast, Digital
(capped at 90)
Spring
TUTORS: Jane Bentley, Emma Gilliam, Tim Holmes, Glyn Mottershead
20 Credits
Aims of the Module:
The media is undergoing a rapid period of change and transition and
journalists are having to adapt rapidly. More than ever before, they are
expected to be flexible and able to produce material for a variety of
platforms. Listeners, viewers and readers are able to receive their ‗news‘ on
demand, and in whatever form suits their needs – they can choose how their
‗news‘ comes to them. The ‗audience‘ is also increasingly able to engage with
the journalistic process, producing their own content which adds a rich seam
of source material to all newsrooms. This module introduces students to this
‗converged media‘ world in a practical and professional style, providing
them with a clear understanding of the media industries and the career
opportunities they encompass.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module successful students will have gained skills in:
writing and the use of different styles; reporting; story sourcing; research; the
appreciation of different audience requirements and expectations; working in
groups; creating and delivering well-focussed presentations.
Method of Assessment
Assessment is by five short writing assignments (50%), a small-group
presentation (10%), and a final essay or feature - (40%).
Syllabus Content:
The module will consist of a series of 6 two-hour lectures and a series of 5
two-hour practical workshops. Attendance at workshops is compulsory. The
material delivered during the series of lectures will feed directly into the
work carried out during practical workshops.
Reading List:
Essential Reading
W Hicks et al, Writing for Journalists, 2000 (second edition), Routledge
Suggested Reading
W Hicks, English for Journalists, 1998, (second edition), Routledge
V Hay, The Essential Feature, 1990, Columbia University Press
A Hoffman, Research for Writers, 1996
The Penguin Guide to Punctuation or Chambers Good Punctuation Guide, or
similar
Hodgson, FW, Modern Newspaper Practice
Kovach, Bill and Rosenstiel, Tom The Elements of Journalism
Frost, Chris Reporting for Journalists
Randall, David The Universal Journalist
BBC (2005), Editorial Guidelines, BBC
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YEAR 3