Undergraduate - UnitATS1331 - Feature writing

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Berwick First semester 2014 (Day) Gippsland First semester 2014 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)	Ms Anita Anderson

Notes

Previously coded JRN1903

Synopsis

This unit teaches students to produce feature stories for newspapers, magazines and online. Students develop advanced writing and reporting skills to apply the craft of feature writing in relation to contemporary issues. They critically consider the contribution feature writing makes to the print and electronic media, including new media, and they develop an awareness of professional standards applicable to writing stories for the media.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will have:

Competence in the production of newspaper and magazine feature stories in a range of styles within the genre;
Application of advanced research tools and interview techniques;
Critical understanding of the ways feature stories elaborate on and humanise contemporary issues;
Knowledge of professional workplace practices and principles and of industry standards relevant to the craft of feature writing;
Knowledge of the history of feature writing, of those who have shown excellence in the craft, and of the future of the genre in a rapidly changing media environment.

Assessment

Colour story (600 words): 15%
Magazine feature story and pitch (1200 words): 25%
Major news feature and critique (1600 words): 35%
Invigilated class and online project (equivalent to 1100 words): 25%