Module UXS-2033:
Practical Digital Journalism

Module Facts

Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Ifan Jones

Overall aims and purpose

This module will require students to adapt the writing, broadcasting and newsgathering skills acquired in the Introduction to Journalism. As well as producing a variety of text, video and sound content for digital platforms they will learn how to produce websites, app, and social media feeds that will disseminate their work to a wider audience. Virtual newsrooms and fieldwork will develop the skills that are required in an industry where the journalist is the writer, cameraman, publisher, broadcaster, printer and deliverer of his own news content.

Course content

The course will begin with an introduction to on-line journalism, the influence of new digital technology on journalism and its implications for traditional forms of media. We will also discuss the ethical and legal issues involved in producing on-line content. You will be taught a range of skills including how gather news on-line, write and produce visual and audio content for digital news platforms and how to ensure that content reaches a wide audience. You will be expected to put these skills into practice and create your own digital news platform, create content from that platform and distribute that content to the widest possible audience.

Assessment Criteria

good

(C) C A good understanding of the essentials of law for journalists A sound appreciation of journalistic ethics and responsibilities A good understanding of the practicalities of objective reporting

excellent

A An excellent understanding of the essentials of law for journalists An excellent appreciation of journalistic ethics and responsibilities An excellent understanding of the practicalities of objective reporting

threshold

D An understanding of the essentials of law for journalists An appreciation of journalistic ethics and responsibilities An understanding of the practicalities of objective reporting

Learning outcomes

  1. Acquire, practice and hone advanced on-line research and newsgathering techniques, drawing analytically and critically upon a variety of academic and non-academic sources

  2. Learn, apply and master a range of complex techniques for digital news collection and dissemination

  3. Create and critically evaluate a variety of original content for multi-media digital platforms, aiming towards producing a portfolio of a professional standard

  4. Critically evaluate, select and develop appropriate media platforms such as apps, blogs and social media feeds, aiming towards producing a portfolio of a professional standard

  5. Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of, on-line media law and ethics to the complex field of practice of digital journalism

  6. Show a practical understanding of media law and the workings of local and national government

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Virtual Newsroom seminars 15
Written News stories 60
Website 25

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
 

  1. Weekly lectures of 1 hour x 11

  2. Weekly practical work 1 hour x 11

  3. Tri-weekly field trip 4 hour x 3

  

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: