Portfolio. Produce a portfolio of news work in their own time suitable for publication on a newspaper or news website at local, regional or national level. (approx 1,500 words, weighting 50% - Learning outcomes 1-7)

Timed exercise approx 2 hours. Students will need to demonstrate an ability to produce accurate and readable copy to deadline mirroring industry requirements. Students will also be assessed on their shorthand in this exercise as they will have to produce their news story from their own Teeline notes, and submit those notes. (approx 500 words, weighting 50% - Learning outcomes 1-5 and 7)

Allan, Stuart (2005) Journalism: Critical Issues, Buckingham, OU Press.
Fleming, Carole et al (2006): An Introduction to Journalism, London, Sage.
Frost, Chris (2002) Reporting for Journalists, London, Routledge.
Frost, Chris (2007) Journalism Ethics and Regulation (2nd edit.) London, Pearson.
Harcup, Tony (2003) Journalism: Principles and Practice, London, Sage.
Harcup,Tony (2007) The Ethical Journalist, London, Sage.
Harris, Geoffrey and Spark, David, (1997) Practical Newspaper Reporting, Oxford, Focal Press.
Hicks, Wynford (1999) Writing for Journalists, London, Routledge.
Hicks, Wynford (1998) English for Journalists, London, Routledge.
Hudson, Gary and Rowlands, Sarah (2007) The Broadcast Journalism Handbook, London, Pearson.
Journalism Dept (2007) Journalism Style Guide, Staffordshire University
Keeble, Richard (2001- Third Edition) The Newspapers Handbook, London, Routledge.
McKane, Anna (2007) Newswriting, London, Sage.
Pape, Susan and Featherstone, Sue (2005) Newspaper Journalism: A Practical Introduction, London, Sage.
Phillips, Angela (2007) Good Writing for Journalists, London, Sage.
Sanders, Karen (2003) Ethics and Journalism, London, Sage.
Sissons, Helen (2007) Practical Journalism: How to Write News, London, Sage.
Starkey, Guy (2007) Balance and Bias in Journalism, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.
Staffordshire University Journalism Dept (2007), Journalism Style Guide, Staffs University.
Truss, Lynne (2003) Eats, Shoots and Leaves, London, Profile Books.

This 15 credit module aims to integrate the core journalistic skills of news gathering and news production, while examining and critically analysing news content across a broad range of print and online outlets at local, regional and national level.
It aims to equip students with the core news writing skills needed to enable them to work successfully in the journalism profession, adapting to both the print and online product
The module seeks to analyse, investigate and practice core news gathering techniques such as interviewing, research and contact/source building. It will also introduce shorthand as an essential note-taking skill, and students will develop their practical skills in shorthand in dedicated Teeline workshops.
The module will also develop in students the ability to construct and write news effectively, independently and to deadline with available resources.
It seeks to enhance student's knowledge and understanding of different story structures and news writing styles, determined by different target audiences.
The module aims to equip students with the skills to write effective intros, structure stories accurately, use quotes effectively, and develop a concise writing style suitable for publication.
This module will also prepare students to sit the National Council for the Training of Journalist's News Writing qualification, which they will be expected to take on completion of the module.

Media Centre/Newsroom
Internet/StaffsLive
Library
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where appropriate) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

There will one three-hour session each week for 12 weeks.
Each session will include a short lecture/discussion followed by practical news gathering and news writing exercises to deadline.
Practical, student-led news workshops will include specific elements of news gathering such as interviewing, sourcing, research and use of contacts. These will include regular shorthand seminar sessions designed to teach students a vital note-taking skill used in a variety of journalistic scenarios such as face-to-face and phone interviewing, press conferences, public meetings, speeches and so on.
Practical, student-led workshops on writing skills will cover topics such as writing intros, story construction, use of quotes, background information.
Analysis and tutor and peer group feedback on work will be given during sessions and in one-to-one tutorials.