Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Feature Writing
Module Code CM280
School School of Communications
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Jane Suiter
Semester 2: Jane Suiter
Autumn: Jane Suiter
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This course will teach students how to write compelling features, stories that look to a corner of the news and illuminate it. Unlike news features are imbued with scenes and vignettes which often show rather than tell. A good feature is grouned in a specific time or place or inhabited by people. They can be embedded in an ongoing new events, or come at a story from an offbeat angle. The class will be grounded in a workshop environment in which students will begin to work on and understand this craft, critiquing their own and each other’s features.

Learning Outcomes
1. Explore the qualities of feature writing and how it differs from news.
2. Learn to develop a writing process that carries a story from concept to publication
3. Sharpen skills at focusing stories along a single, clearly articulated theme
4. Evaluate the importance of backgrounding in establishing the context, focus and sources of soundly reported stories
5. Analyze the connection between strong information and strong writing
6. Explore different models and devices for structuring stories
7. Learn to constructively critique and be critiqued



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Total Workload: 0

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Writing Skills.
50 per cent.

Research Skills.
25 per cent.

Angles and story ideas.
25 per cent.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Carl Sessions Stepp,: 2007, Writing as Craft and Magic, 2nd, Oxford University Press,
  • Sharon Wheeler,: 2009, Feature writing for journalists, Routledge,,
  • Harold Evans: 2000, Essential English for Journalists, Editors and Writers, 2nd,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
GIBA Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht
JRBA in Journalism
Timetable this semester: Timetable for CM280
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