This module introduces students to the importance of fast accurate shorthand note taking in various journalistic settings. The Shorthand method used is Teeline, and students are prepared for the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) shorthand examinations.

CLASS TEST length between 0.27 HOURS and 1 HOUR weighted at 100%.
Class tests at
40 wpm end of Semester 1; 50 wpm Easter; 60 - 100 wpm end of Semester 2. The pass rate is 95%.

NCTJ external examinations at speeds ranging from 60 wpm to 120 wpm. An NCTJ examination at a speed of 100 wpm is the target. These examinations consist of one passage of 4 minutes duration. A 30-second interval is given after 2 minutes. Transcription is required at a speed of 10 wpm. The pass rate is 97.5%.

Students should aim to progress to NCTJ 100 WPM or more at the end of this first academic year.
Those who do not can choose Shorthand 2 as an optional module in the second year of their degree PROVIDING they have PASSED a 60 wpm internal test in this first year, and gained 15 credits.

Regular weekly workshops ( 4 x 1 hours per week) with a specialist shorthand teacher combined with independent study using audio/visual study aids

Shorthand skills will be used during practical journalism classes for note taking

Regular speed tests and homework will contribute to the learning process

NCTJ past papers and audio recordings will be used for independent study

Audio / video playback facilities

Internet
Blackboard
Library

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Ann Dix (2001) Teeline Fast, Heinemann is recommended as a back-up to the theory, but not used in class