The core aim of the module is to develop photojournalism students' ability to produce picture-focused copy to publishable standards. The module title reflects the essential secret of such work, to write words which work in negotiation with the picture content, not as an alternative narrative. Good pictures tell stories, good writing to pictures brings out meaning for consumers and provides the cement of detail and context. The power of pictures is a key factor in modern journalism and the skills required to produce effective captions and text for picture stories is a valuable asset for all journalists. This is particularly important given the convergence of journalism media formats and employers' demands for and of multi-skilled journalists. The crucial importance of following house style and the conventions of what a particular print publication or website requires in terms of captions and body text for picture stories will be central to the module. The workshops will require students to address shortcomings in use of English and develop a flexible and creative approach to their writing once fundamental understanding and abilities have been secured. The module will prepare students for the National Council for the Training of Journalists' (NCTJ) examinations in caption writing and news writing for photojournalists.

Evans, Harold Essential English for Journalists, Editors and Writers (2000) Pimlico
Evans, Harold Pictures on a Page: Photojournalism, Graphics and Picture Editing (1997) Pimlico
Rudin, Richard and Ibbotson, Trevor An Introduction to Journalism: essential techniques and background knowledge (2002) Focal Press

2 x weekly two-hour workshops = 24 hours

Independent learning = 126 hours
Students will be required to investigate the range of text published with pictures using the wide range of available resources, and practice to develop their own ability to produce copy of a publishable standard.

1. Class test on news writing for photojournalists, one hour and 30 minutes (60%). Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3.
2. Class test on caption writing, one hour (40%). Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3.

Blackboard, newspapers, magazines, journalism websites, library books and journals.

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