A portfolio of sports features and/or innovative sports content for at least two different named commercial users, e.g. newspapers, advertising agencies etc. This is to include a 1,000-word reflective evaluation and analysis highlighting thought processes, obstacles, reasoning and research undertaken in compiling and pitching content

Total = 4,000 words [Learning Outcomes 1-6]

This module provides knowledge, understanding and experience of the key elements of feature writing and creating consumer-addictive content components, such as specific columns, styles, topics and formats, about or based on sport. The changing nature of sport will be analysed to demonstrate that creative content is not merely possible in today's business-focused sport and sports-media environment but actually necessary to exploit the massively expanding market for innovative sports-related material, e.g. advertising, TV and film. Work by exemplary practitioners will be used to demonstrate the variety of techniques and practices used to develop distinctive work. You will be required to submit all assessed work as freelances to specific publishers or other industry users. At level 6, you will also be engaged in reflective practice, by analysing and evaluating your own content, reflecting on the positive elements, areas for improvement, and learning experience as a whole.

11 x lectures (1 hour) = 11 hours
To introduce key concepts and information illustrated by exemplary journalistic texts.

11 x seminars (1 hour) = 11 hours
To facilitate group discussion of journalism content and awareness of professional issues.

Independent learning = 128 hours
Developing content production skills in negotiation with independent learning using theoretical texts and exemplary material.

Library resources
PowerPoint
Audio / video playback facilities
Current newspapers, magazines and radio, web and TV output
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Anderson, Douglas A., (1994) Contemporary Sports Reporting, Nelson-Hall
Andrews, P. (2005) Sports Journalism: A Practical Introduction, Sage
Boyle, R. (2006) Sports Journalism: Context and Issues, Sage
Evans, H., (2000) Essential English : for journalists, editors and writers, Pimlico
Hennessy, B. (2006) Writing Feature Articles 4th edn, Focal Press
Herold, D., (1963) Humour in Advertising : and how to make it pay, McGraw-Hill
Rowe, D., (2004) Sport, Culture and the Media, Open UP
Rudin, R., and Ibbotson, T., (2002) An Introduction to Journalism - essential techniques and background, Focal Press
Williamson, J., (1978) Decoding Advertisements : ideology and meaning in advertising, Marion Boyars
Wilstein, S., (2002) Sportswriting handbook, McGraw-Hill

1. DEVELOP SPORTS MATERIAL FOR SPECIALIST AND NICHE STYLES, FORMATS AND PRODUCTS.
[Learning]

2. DEMONSTRATE GRASP OF SPORT'S SYMBOLIC CAPITAL ACROSS THE FULL RANGE OF MEDIA OUTPUT.
[Knowledge & Understanding]

3. EVALUATE EVENTS AND TOPICS TO IDENTIFY CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES IN A WIDE VARIETY OF MODES AND FORMATS.
[Analysis]

4. EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE INTEREST GROUPS AND GENERAL CONSUMERS THROUGH SPORT'S CULTURAL INSTRUMENTALITIES.
[Communication]

5.ABSORB AND APPLY PRACTICAL SKILLS AND THEORETICAL POSITIONS TO HONE CONTENT.
[Application]

6. DEMONSTRATE COGNITIVE AND PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR USE IN JOURNALISM AND TRANSFERABLE TO OTHER DOMAINS AND DISCIPLINES.
[Reflection]