module specification

This module provides the student with the opportunity to work independently on a project relevant to fashion journalism. The project will take the form of an in-depth study of a critical issue in the fashion industry, to be agreed with the tutor. Students work closely with their supervisor. It offers an exciting way to make an area of expertise all your own, whilst developing both journalistic and academic communication skills.
This module is core for Fashion Marketing and Journalism students.
Assessment will be made through an oral presentation with written script, a critical essay, a literature review and a piece of long-form journalism, which can be written (5-6,000 words) and broken into shorter pieces, or radio, TV or multimedia.
A three-hour refresher session on law will prompt attention to legal constraints.

In sessions in the first semester, students will explore how to determine a critical issue in the fashion industry.
They will present and write a proposal detailing their approach and sources. They will present their proposal in class, using multimedia to brief persuasively. LO2, LO5
In the second semester, they will deepen their research, selecting original research methodologies, like interview techniques, advanced bibliographic searching, critiquing subject literature, qualitative and quantitative techniques, producing surveys and polls. They will discuss the ethics of journalistic research LO2, LO3, LO4, LO6
They will present their findings in a literature review and a critical essay, before going on to produce a research and evidence-driven piece of long form journalism. LO7, LO6
Journalism products will be honed and revised to a high standard. LO1, LO5
Classes will focus on processes both academic and journalistic, with peer review, grammar masterclasses, analysis of successful texts and drafting and redrafting. LO6
An additional three-hour session will refresh knowledge of the law.
Each student has six hours one-to-one supervision.

The most important part of this module is independent study and research, assisted by supervisor.
Classes will prepare students for independent research, with sessions on presentation and research methods, presentation styles, grammar and style, interview techniques, use of databases, construction of longform pieces, primary and secondary research, essay-writing and law. Additionally, students will be supported by a 3 hour session on law as per the Broadcast Journalism Training Council’s requirements.

If students complete all the tasks and work to the required standard, they should complete the module able to:
1. Complete professional projects independently;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of and capacity for research skills in industry and academically, including critiques of literature and statistics;
3. Demonstrate the ability to understand and keep up with the evolving fashion industry on a day-to-day basis through analytical skills;
4. Be able to confidently and professionally conduct interviews and surveys within the workplace; 
5. Be able to research and deliver compelling pieces of journalism, at best equivalent to a professional standard.
6. Be able to write academically and forensically.
7. Create journalism that respects ethical and legal constraints.

This module will be summatively assessed by an extended article of  5-6,000 words, which can be three short articles, or by a 15-20 minutes video, audio or mixed media piece. This must be based on original interviews and research and aimed at a journalistic audience.
Also formatively and summatively assessed by a 1,500 word review of literature and research, by an extended, 2,500 word analysis of ethical and political issues surrounding possible publication, and by a presentation, which will sell the idea to a professional audience, and schedule tasks relating to the planning, organisation, execution and submission of the project, agreed with the tutor in advance.
The script of this will be handed in for formative and summative assessment.
Formative assessment will take place on a coaching model. Formative and summative assessment will also be given electronically and one-to-one, in tutorial sessions and in classes. Formative assessment will be particularly important for the interviews.
Written feedback will be provided electronically for all summative assessments, reinforced by tutorial coaching.
In each case of summative assessment, feedback will be given to the student within a two-week period. The presentation will be assessed within one week.
All work will be assessed individually.
Final pieces will be suitable for pdp/e-portfolio

No textbook

Bell, J (2014) Sixth edition. Doing your research project - a guide for first time researchers. Open University Press. Maidenhead.
Best, Kate Nelson (2017). The History of Fashion Journalism. London: Bloomsbury. CORE
Bradford, Julie. (2014) Fashion Journalism. London: Routledge
Dawson, C (2009). Fourth edition. Introduction to Research Methods: A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Research Project. How to Books. London.
Kumar, R (2014). Fourth Edition. Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. Sage Publications Ltd. London.
Shulman, Alexandra (2016). Inside Vogue. London: Figtree.

Websites:
www.vogue.com
www.byliner.com
www.longform.org -- search Chambers
www.wmagazine.com