Journalism

Description:
This unit explores notions of genre and audience, and how they might frame our writing/reading of journalistic texts. You will look at how different audiences make sense of various textual forms, and how public knowledge is subsequently formed. You will also explore the ways in which ‘interpretative communities’ are formed in media contexts, and examine the ways in which ‘fandom’ is represented ad interpreted.

Assessment:
Initial proposal group seminar presentation (week 5) – 20%
Work in progress group seminar presentation (week 10) – 30%
Individual Critical 2000 word report (Week 11) – 50%

Description:
In Media and Popular Culture, you will be introduced to the diversity of media, nationally and internationally. By focusing on the role of the media in various historical, cultural and economic contexts, you will develop ideas of ownership and control, social relations and culture. With reference to a variety of studies of popular culture, we will introduce you to key ideological concepts and theoretical perspectives, enabling you to fully understand the nature of popular media.

Assessment:
Presentations and participation (20%)
Portfolio – analysis (1000 words) and portfolio – review (1000 words) (40%)
Essay (2000 words) (40%)

Description:
This unit provides a guide to the legal and political framework that governs media production in the UK. You will develop a working knowledge and critical appreciation of the legal process as it affects journalists, with particular reference to defamation, contempt, copyright, confidentiality, press freedom and privacy. The course will consider and critically analyse the political and economic influences that shape media production both in a specific and wider context.

Assessment:
A one and a half hour written law examination
A production of a news story with a legal angle (350 words)

Description:
This unit focuses on reporting and information gathering, and the essential journalistic skills and disciplines required in the production process: You will learn effective research and interview techniques and how to write in a prescribed format, accurately and to deadline. You will work to weekly deadlines to produce a range of news and feature material for a chosen audience. A clear understanding of the way the media industry operates will sharpen your awareness of audience need and inform your engagement with the processes through which magazines, in particular, are produced. You will begin to get to grips with the full range of media technologies, including photography, video and audio, and will research, write and lay out news and features.

Assessment:
Portfolio 1 (News)
Portfolio 2 (News, features and subbing)
Magazine project (Navigator)
Shorthand exam

Description:
In this unit you will prepare for and undertake a successful case study or research project around one or more media institutions. This is likely to include a work placement at your chosen institution(s) as part of your research. As a piece of extended individual research, the case study is intended to provide you with an introduction to the experience of the major study which you will undertake in your final year of study. The preparatory part of the unit mainly comprises workshops and seminars although it also includes lectures and class presentations of your own work.

Assessment:
Case study research proposal, 700-800 words (10%). nb You must also comment on at least one research proposal on the forum, or forfeit 5% of your mark.
Contribution to Case Study forums (10%)
Case study report, 4000 – 5000 words (80%)

Description:
This unit encourages exploration of the various ways in which film can be read as a textual and cultural form. You will develop a critical awareness of film analysis which will inform your reading of the representation of journalists and journalism in film. You will be encouraged to apply your existing knowledge of public and professional perceptions of journalistic practice to an understanding of film as a powerful popular cultural form.

Assessment:
Critical essay of a chosen film (3000 words), or a 1000 word critical review and accompanying 2000 word essay.

Description:
This unit explores the various epistemological, organisational, and professional approaches to media ethics. You will develop an understanding of the range of legal frameworks and formal and informal regulatory frameworks affecting media production in the UK. Through developing an awareness of global rights issues, you will learn how media representation can impact on public awareness. By studying a range of case studies, you will analyse dilemmas faced by media professionals, legislators and media publics, and develop an awareness of your own ethical responsibilities as a media practitioner.

Assessment:
Seminar presentation (40%)
Essay (60%)

Description:
In this unit you will research, write, design and build an online website on a topic of your choice. You will look at the various ways of presenting information online and will use a variety of media to help you sell your site and its content.

Assessment:
Presentation of site ideas
Presentation of site

Description:
This unit looks at the principles and practice of print and online magazine and news writing and editing. You will participate in editorial teams and make active decisions for the content and direction of the various magazines in which you will be involved. Through workshops and demonstrations, you will learn good practice in all areas of magazine production, including content and design, writing to briefs, market considerations, and effective subediting.

Assessment:

For the web site, a minimum of:

• 2 news stories of approximately 150-350 words each
• 2 articles of approximately 500-800 words each. These may be replaced by one or more audio/video pieces

For the magazine, a minimum of:

• 1 news story, of between 150-350 words
• 1 review of approximately 350 words
• 1 features of approximately 700 words

Description:
This unit looks at key debates and practices in photojournalism through history. You will learn to critically analyse and evaluate images, and subsequently apply theory to practice: You will produce two double page spreads on separate topics of your choice, supported by a critical log book. Your subject matter may be as diverse as you desire, from newsworthy to features and can include anything from local Cornish life.

Assessment:
(60%) Two double-page magazine spreads. Mounted in the news room
(40%) Critical log-book

Description:
This unit explores the evolution of radical and participatory media forms, and the cultural and political implications of the alternative media landscape. You will benefit from hands-on media production experience by designing, creating and producing your own zine, short video or website, within the context of radical and participatory media.

Assessment:
Production of your own zine, 3000-4,000 words, website or short video (55%)
2000 word logbook and critique (30%)
15-20 minute presentation of your completed project (10%)
Seminar Reading Presentation (5%)

Description:
This unit gives you the opportunity to expand the basic radio and audio skills that you developed at Level 1. You be introduced to recording and digital editing equipment in the newsrooms at Tremough and helped to develop your radio interview technique. The unit will give you all the necessary skills required to produce an audio news package and write the items for it. You will cover story and package structure, writing for audio, and essential audio recording and editing techniques.

Assessment:
News writing assignment (30%)
3 packages of 1-3 minutes duration (40%)
Presentation of 1 five-minute news bulletin (30%)

Description:
This unit will provide you with insights into the exacting environment of television news and reporting and will further develop the central themes of J2009 Radio Journalism.
You will benefit from critical discussion of editorial content in seminars, and develop your scriptwriting skills in dedicated workshops. You will also participate with MA Broadcast Journalism students during the production of the Live at 7 programme.

Assessment:
Research, film, edit and produce a short audio-visual package (50%)
critical evaluation of a Live at 7 broadcast (30%)
Students will be provided with pre-recorded news items and are required to provide a running order which takes factors including news value, audience and timing into account. They will be required to substantiate their decisions. 20%

Description:
In this unit you will gain an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of crime narratives across a range of media forms. By exploring a number of theoretical approaches to the issue of crime reporting, you will develop a critical understanding of the representation of crime in the media. You will learn to recognise the complex interrelations between media representations of crime and public perceptions of crime, and to critically evaluate notions of criminality, criminal legislation and policy.

Assessment:
1 Feature of 2,000 words (40% weighting)
2 Seminar Presentations (10% weighting)
1 Essay of 2,500 words (50% weighting)

Description:
For your dissertation, you will research and write your own data extended case study. This piece of work will draw on many of the theoretical perspectives that you have explored elsewhere on the course. It is also an opportunity to critically evaluate your own interests within a theoretical framework.

Assessment:
1 dissertation, 12,000 words or equivalent

Description:
This unit allows you to explore the fields of science, health and environmental journalisms within specific contexts, markets and genres. You will develop advanced practical skills in these specialisms together with a knowledge and awareness of the political, cultural and economic factors which shape them. Students will consider and develop examples of journalism in these genres while critically analysing the range of discourses that influence and form them.

Assessment:
Seminar presentation (40%)
A 300-400 word pitch addressing market research and critical considerations (10%)
1,500-word health/environment/science feature (50%)

Description:
In this unit you will be required to produce an 8,000-word (or equivalent) portfolio of journalistic work that is targeted at existing publications and online media outlets. You will also produce a log book or blog that documents your research and decision making process and a critique of your work. Using the core journalistic skills already accrued on the course you will be expected to produce a number of pieces that demonstrate an appreciation of both audience and style. With the support of a tutor and through peer group work you will initiate ideas and develop a portfolio of marketable stories. Your portfolio must include an appreciation of online journalism and include at least one item that is written/designed for the web. You may, if you choose to, submit a new magazine concept for part or all of this assignment.

Assessment:
Portfolio, 8000 words (70%)
Logbook/ blog and critique, 2000-3000 words (20%)
Poster presentation (10%)

Description:
In this unit you will learn how book publishing works, in terms of professional relationships and contemporary editorial and business practices. You will explore some of the ways in which new technologies have impacted on modern day publishing, within an evolving creative and cultural economy. By examining case studies from book and magazine publishing, you will develop your understanding of the process of publishing from initial pitch to final publication. You will also learn to identify concepts and develop brands, in intellectual and commercial terms, and to successfully present those concepts/brands to different audiences.

Assessment:
List proposal: 2000 words (50%)
Pitch for new title: 1000 words (30%)
Presentation (20%)