Journalism: the basics

A gentle taster exploring the foundations of news and feature writing to gain an insight into the world of print and journalism. Learn the reporter's skills and build confidence in writing for different markets.

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Key course information

Dates
19/04/12 - 21/06/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 weeks

Time
15:50 - 17:50

Fees
Full fee: £108
Senior fee: £61
Concession: £29

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HJ030

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

This ten-week course is a gentle introduction to journalism for those who want to find out more about newspapers and magazines in this country and who would like to build greater confidence in their writing. It will lay a foundation of basic skills needed in print journalism and will give opportunities for students to try their hand at a variety of stories for different markets.

What topics will we cover?

The topics covered on this course may include:
-What a journalist does
- Writing filler stories
- Structuring longer news stories
- Interviewing and writing headlines
- Using quotes
- Feature writing
- E-journalism
- Visit to a news organization.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- write a filler story
- structure a longer news story
- conduct and record a simple interview
- use quotes accurately and effectively
- research and write a simple feature story
- post a blog or review on the internet
- begin a portfolio of work to demonstrate your progress.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is aimed at people who are interested in print journalism, but who feel the need to develop their writing skills further before attempting articles for publication. It will give an overview of the journalist's work and give students the chance to find out where their interests lie. It is not geared to foreign language students: non-native English speakers should consider enrolling on the English through journalism course (HJ200).

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through tutor presentations, class discussions, pair/group work, writing exercises, homework tasks, project work, class visit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Just bring an A4 pad of paper and pens. A ring binder would be useful for notes and for research.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

On completing this course you may wish to consider joining an Introduction to freelance journalism course.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.