2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM2410 Journalism Practice

20 Credits Class Size: 45

Module manager: Carl Hartley
Email: C.Hartley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module prepares students for the challenges of working as multimedia journalists. TV and radio skills are taught side-by-side rather than in isolation, reflecting contemporary professional practice. These abilities are underpinned by a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of journalism; the ability to find, research and develop a story that is then told within a coherent and engaging narrative.

Objectives

This module progresses students’ understanding of the techniques and editorial responsibilities of journalists as they acquire the core skills of multimedia news production.
The module aims:
1. To provide students with comprehensive practical instruction on how to research, develop and produce news stories;

2. To enable students to learn the tools of news production such as filming, editing, script writing and presentation skills;

3. To ensure students work within legal, regulatory and ethical guidelines;

4. In association with the module to meet the requirements of industry accreditation at Level Two.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. identify, research and develop a news story in preparation for production;
2. understand and apply the editorial, ethical and legal responsibilities incumbent on journalists;
3. demonstrate the ability to produce news content for radio and TV using filming, audio recording, editing and presentation skills;
4. apply appropriate storytelling forms and structures to producing

Skills outcomes

Creative problem solving, independent working and professionalism.

Syllabus

This module builds on a series of Level One practical journalism modules that enable students to learn the fundamentals of the discipline. Students will increase their understanding of how to find and develop factual stories for news production. They will acquire the skills needed to convert their research into journalism for . Students will demonstrate their skills and understanding through the creation of a portfolio of multimedia work. Teaching and learning is delivered within a range of environments:
• Journalism workshops in which students discuss and find ways of working through the practical, legal and ethical challenges of producing multimedia news. Topics covered include sources of news and news values
• Small group practical sessions that support students as they acquire the technical and storytelling skills associated with news production, mastering industry standard equipment and applications. Subjects include composition, filming sequences of shots, camera movement, gathering wild-track for audio packages.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Workshop 8 2 16
Practical Demonstration 1 2 2
Practical 4 6 24
Practical 9 2 18
Private study hours 140
Total Contact hours 60
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Private study

Private study should be dedicated to:
- Journalism workshop preparation: 20 hours
- Practicing technical skills: 60 hours
- Research and development of TV and radio stories: 60 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Monitoring will be carried out by means of formative and summative assessment. Students will complete exercises within the class that test their understanding of the journalism practices and production skills that they have been taught within the session and receive feedback. They will also, on occasion, be asked to complete formative exercises outside of the class for hand-in the following week for which tutors will provide feedback in class and/or via email.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Portfolio Multimedia Portfolio: Compilation of TV, radio and with associated scripts 30
Report News Report: A news report produced for radio or TV 70
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Resit information – the portfolio and news report project can be re-submitted if required.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 6/4/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team