RGU: RGU Module: News Writing (BSM129)

Module Title
News Writing

Keywords
Structure, language, news copy, sources.

Reference

BSM129

SCQF Level

SCQF 11

SCQF Points

ECTS Points

7.5

Created

April 2008

Approved

July 2008

Amended

Revision No.

This Revision is No Longer Current

Prerequisites for Module

None in addition to SCQF 11 entry requirements or equivalent.

Corequisite Modules

None.

Precluded Modules

None.

Aims of Module

To apply theoretical news values and the language of news in news gathering and news writing for converging multimedia platforms in print, broadcast and online journalism to a level of professional competence for NCTJ presentation.

Learning Outcomes for Module

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

1.	Demonstrate critical understanding of news language in a converging journalistic environment.
2.	Apply news values to media platforms.
3.	Critically evaluate source material in a range of news gathering assignments.
4.	Engage with professional practice in writing news for broadcast, online and print.

Indicative Module Content

An understanding of news and news values applied to the technical mechanics of news gathering and news writing, are core skills for journalists working across the converging print, online and broadcast platforms. This module provides a practice-based approach to requirements, standards and practices in interviewing, researching material, structuring and presenting news copy for multimedia platforms.

Indicative Student Workload

Contact Hours	Full Time
Assessments	15
Lectures	12
Workshops	36
Directed Study
Directed Study	45
Private Study
Private Study	42

Mode of Delivery

This module will focus on practical workshops designed to develop high quality writing. The programme will be supported by weekly lectures and visiting speakers from the newspaper industry.

Assessment Plan

	Learning Outcomes Assessed
Component 1	1,2
Component 2	2,3
Component 3	4

1. News writing assignment from a press release.

2. News writing assignment from a press conference.

3. News writing assignment from a simulated media event.

Indicative Bibliography

1.	BRIGHTON, P. and FOY, D., 2007. News values. London: Sage.
2.	CRAIG, R., 2004. Online journalism: reporting, writing and editing for new media. London: Thomson Wadsworth.
3.	EVANS, H., and CRAWFORD, G., 2000. Essential English for journalists, editors and writers. London: Pimlico.
4.	HICKS,W., ADAMS,S., and GILBERT,H., 2008. Writing for journalists. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
5.	KOLODZY, J., 2006. Convergence journalism: writing and reporting across the news media. Oxford: Rowman and Littlefield.
6.	McKANE, A., 2006. News writing. London: Sage
7.	RANDALL, D., 2011. The universal journalist. 4th ed. London: Pluto Press. ebook

Additional Notes

Students will enter the NCTJ News Writing Examination on completion of this module.