This module provides knowledge, understanding and experience of writing in the modern era of the cross-media industry. You will analyse the different styles and emphases of writing across the range of media outlets, including newspapers, TV, magazines, radio and websites for a range of different consumers - readers and audiences.

Exemplary work by a range of practitioners working for a variety of media platforms will be explored and used to demonstrate key elements of different modes of writing, including interviewing. You will be required to submit all assessed work as freelances to specific publishers including but not exclusively Staffs Live.
This module also introduces students to the techniques employed by successful Blogger/Vloggers working across web and mobile media outlets in producing content. Including: understanding and building online audiences; blog/vlog site construction and development; user interaction; producing effective online content. Including: understanding and building online audiences; SEO, blog/vlog site development; user interaction; producing effective online content.

The blog/vlog will have a clearly-defined target audience, with content, design, presentation and writing styles to reflect audience expectations and needs.
Student will be encouraged to reflect on their learning through a series of academic mentoring tutorials which will support them with their reflective essay

Coursework - Build, develop and maintain a Blog/Vlog weighted at 20%. [LO1;2;3]

Coursework – Portfolio of written work and photographs / video work (2000 words and 6-10 images/5 mins video) weighted at 60%.

Coursework – Reflective essay analysing career aspirations and how this relates to work produced through the module. This should also include an analysis of the expectations of a range of relevant publications 2000 words weighted at 20%. [LO 4]

26 x Lectures/Seminars (3 hours) = 72 hours
3 x Academic Mentoring Tutorials (20 mins) = 1 hour
Independent Study hours = 327 hours
Learning Strategies can include:

Contact/Scheduled learning and Teaching Activities:
One-to-one tutorials
Risk Assessment, health and safety, ethics input
Academic workshops/presentations
Small group sessions (seminars, tutorials, debates)

NB: This module will be accompanied by a comprehensive handbook and VLE support.
You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities and on-line tutorials via Lynda.com and BoB.

Guided Independent Study Activities:
Independent practice
Research
Group meetings
Personal development planning
Teamwork
Networking events
Blackboard VLE, Lynda.com and BoB access
Independent Study in support of your project work.

1. LEARN THE TECHNIQUES OF USING APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE IN THE PRODUCTION OF A BLOG OR YOUTUBE CHANNEL (OR SIMILAR)
Learning.

2. ANALYSE DIFFERENT WEBSITES, BLOGS AND VLOGS IN TERMS OF CONTENT QUALITY, AUDIENCE REACH AND MARKET SUCCESS.
Analysis.

3. APPLY SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING FROM THIS MODULE TO PRODUCE WRITING, ILLUSTRATION, AUDIO AND MOVING IMAGE FOR A TARGET ONLINE AUDIENCE.
Application.

4. REFLECTION AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF BLOG/VLOG RESEARCH, CREATION AND PRODUCTION. Reflection.

5. DEMONSTRATE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF DIFFERENT MARKETS AND AUDIENCES.
Learning.

6. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF SEGMENTED READERSHIPS AND UNDERSTAND HOW TO APPEAL TO THEM.
Knowledge and Understanding.

7. EVALUATE THE PANORAMA OF MATERIAL AND MATCH CONTENT TO APPROPRIATE STYLES AND MODES OF EXPOSITION.
Enquiry.

8. EFFECTIVELY MATCH READER EXPECTATIONS, NEEDS AND DEMANDS IN A FRAGMENTED MARKET. Communication.

Digital cameras, camcorders, audio recorders and portable lighting via Media Centre
Library
Visual aids via data projector/power point
Computer-aided research and Library resources
Software: Browser-based software packages (e.g., Wordpress/Wix), Microsoft Word, Photoshop, video/audio editing software.
Online software teaching guides, blog resources.

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

The most recent additions of the following texts, which will be available through online study links. The following are the most recent editions:

Belair-Gagnon, V, Social Media at BBC News
Bradshaw, P & Rohumaa, L, The Online Journalism Handbook
Cole, P & Harcup,T, Newspaper Journalism
Fleming, Hemmingway, Moore and Welford, An Introduction to Journalism
Frost, C, Journalism: Ethics and Regulation
Kelly, S, The Entrepreneurial Journalist¿s Toolkit
Lieb, T, Editing for the Digital Age
McBride & Rosentiel, The New Ethics of Journalism
McKane, Anna, Newswriting, 2nd Editon

This module introduces students to the techniques employed by successful bloggers/vloggers working across web and mobile media outlets in producing content.