module specification

 Continuing on from the first-year core Reporting Skills, students in Advanced Reporting will develop the skills and techniques necessary to succeed in more advanced forms of reporting, including investigative journalism, features, and in-depth interviews and profiles. This course is core for journalism students and for some allied courses.

Through a combination of workshops, masterclasses and site visits, students learn to identify subject matter and potential readerships; master interviewing and editing techniques across media; learn how to find original angles; undertake focused, widely sourced research on individuals and issues; and conduct on-the-spot reportage.  They analyse statistics and develop stories based on them.

This module develop students’ skills in multi-platform journalism. Via predominantly practical workshops, the students will learn the basics of radio journalism, as well as TV/video camera and editing skills, using cutting-edge software and equipment. This will reinforce their understanding of the need for 360-degree journalism in today’s society.

They will work on projects within class with a view to publishing them online via the course website, www.hollowayexpress.co.uk
Holloway Express, thereby providing an outward-facing portal for future employability.

The module will be assessed by two portfolios of six stories (news and features) in total, comprising one podcast and one video package, both of which must show evidence of professional writing and newsgathering skills learnt in this module, plus a piece of long-form journalism (2,500 words) showcasing investigative reporting (this can use multimedia). Contributions to an online journal will assess class contribution, moderated by tutors at the end of the year.

Pass level 4

 This module focuses on originating stories and developing writing/creative/editing skills for different journalistic audiences and formats across a range of media. LO1, LO2

Students learn to identify subject matter for potential readerships; develop research, interviewing and editing techniques for radio, TV and print; practise on-the-spot reportage; and find original angles and relevant sources for their stories.  They will be encouraged to seek professional publication for good stories, which will also be published on the course website. LO3, LO4

They learn how to write/create content in different formats, from in-depth profiles to on-the-spot crisis reporting or well-researched investigations, which will be assessed in two portfolios, developing varied writing skills. LO1, LO5, LO6

They develop the professional techniques and writing disciplines required by the different approaches and styles of the industry, including news and report writing for newspapers, magazines, radio and TV, websites. Writing and creating media to precise length and deadline will be important, as will original research. Use of mobile technology will be encouraged, as will social media and social media video. LO1, LO6, LO7

Through discussion and presentation, risk evaluation and ethical concerns arising from collaboration and commissioning practice will be explored. LO5, LO7

In-depth investigative journalism will explore ethical concerns in the wider world.

The module will be taught by a programme of weekly sessions, comprising a three-hour block for each of the 27 weeks in which it runs. Learning and teaching strategy will be based on an interactive, coaching model.

Sessions will mix tutor instruction with blended learning, in-class writing workshops, discussions and debate, site visits and guest lectures, with students required to do weekly reporting and writing exercises out of class as well as during sessions, where coaching will supplement group work.

Newsdays in news weeks will incorporate coaching sessions. Rather than a set programme of content, students will be led on a skills basis through a news agenda of the day.

Electronic resources, including the university’s virtual environment, will be used by students and staff.

Working in small teams will develop social as well as professional and academic skills.
The module will be supported by a VLE site containing notes, readings and extended bibliographies, and weblinks.

Independent, reflective study, including reading, individual reporting exercises and writing, will form the backbone of every session.

Support for pdp, via e-portfolio.

 If students read all the required texts, participate in all the class activities and complete the required assessments and assignments, they should be able to:

1. Utilise the techniques and tools required for multi-media news gathering and writing to a level acceptable at professional entry;

2. Reflect upon and be able to explain the rationale for technical choices.

3. Report from and about a wide range of situations, finding and using appropriate sources for stories and developing original angles;

4. Create journalistic products in a variety of platforms – radio, TV, print -- to length and to audience, working to a variety of audience, creating a portfolio of work;

5. Analyse and use in practice the newsgathering skills needed to develop stories from a variety of sources for variety of journalistic disciplines, including packages for radio and TV and investigations;

6. Display the personal and professional skills needed to report a variety of situations;

7. Discuss, codify and evaluate ethical concerns which may arise from collaborative working or risky situations.