SJ5076 - Introduction to Shorthand (2020/21)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2020/21 | ||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Introduction to Shorthand | ||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Assessment components |
|
||||||||||||||||
| Running in 2020/21(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
This module introduces students to the basic techniques of teeline shorthand, transcription and voice recording.
It requires regular attendance and practice to develop speeds of up to 60 wpm, as required by professional accrediting bodies.
It will be assessed by three in-class tests and journal reflecting on class contribution, moderated by tutors.
Syllabus
Introduction and practice in teeline shorthand will be combined across weekly sessions with discussion of the ethical importance of accurate recording. Use will be made of voice recorders and transcriptions.
Sessions will briefly explore the different settings in which journalists need to record others' voices, from interviews and vox pops to court sittings to conferences and debates.
Constant coaching and feedback from staff and other students will quickly foster students’ development as so that they will be able to use their skills in journalistic settings, particularly on newsdays and in reporting situations such as Council debates and news conferences.
Assessment through in-class tests and journal (moderated by tutor) is aimed at developing well-grounded self-confidence in professional skills.
Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module will be taught by a programme of weekly sessions, comprising an hour a day three times a week for 15 weeks. In these sessions, techniques will be introduced and practised. In addition, students are expected to practise in their own time and use online tests to dvelop professional skills.
Since the aim of the module is to introduce students to both a necessary skill for professional journalists and to the ethical need for accuracy, in whatever form recording takes, newsdays and newsweeks will incorporate coaching sessions.
Feedback will be given one-to-one, in class and electronically.
The module will be supported by a VLE site containing notes, tests and weblinks.
Full support will be given for developing pdp, for professional training.
Learning outcomes
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. record a variety of interviews, speeches, conferences at up to 60 wpm;
2. judge when different recording techniques will be appropriate;
3. produce adequate and useful transcriptions;
4. explain why recording is important for ethical journalism.
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed by in-class tests, both formative and summative. As this is a straightforward skill, repetition is crucial and feedback on formative tests will be on the spot. Contribution to group learning will be assessed via the journal.
Written feedback will be provided electronically for all summative assessments, reinforced by tutorial coaching.
Summative assessments will take place at two intervals during the module, timed to be effective alongside other subject-specific modules.
In each case of summative assessment feedback will be given to the student within a two-week period.
Marking follows the course BA Journalism criteria document, posted on all VLE modules.
Bibliography
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/67E047A1-F712-251B-A64B-1059EE3B2666.html?lang=en-GB
Textbooks:
Core Text:
Johnston, D. Teeline for Journalists, Heinemann (2006)
Other Texts:
Adams, S. Interviewing for Journalists. Routledge (2001)
Chantler, P and Stewart, P. Basic Radio Journalism. Focal (2003)
Clarkson, J et al. Teeline Gold. Heinemann (1991)