BMA0D307 – Feature Writing

Module code

BMA0D307

Module title

Feature Writing

Prescription

This module creates an opportunity for students to develop practical and theoretical knowledge involved in producing feature articles for a variety of media platforms. Students will be required to research markets and content and to develop appropriate interview and writing techniques.

Programmes

BM9601

NZQA Level

Level 7

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Based

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 150

Resources required

Learning Outcomes: 2.1 Understand a project development process which integrates cognitive, practical and communication skills
- discuss, identify and evaluate the issues within the project brief
- research, analyse and incorporate negotiated criteria for self-directed projects
- integrate acquired practical, communication and analytical skills in the process of resolving writing problems
- individualise a self-critical working process for developing and refining ideas
- show evidence of drawing together and applying skills and knowledge acquired in previous and concurrent courses to selected projects
- adopt independent and interdependent project development processes
- explore a range of texts by various authors
- analyse appropriate modes of address for specific audiences
- develop strategies to develop copy
- show evidence of ability to refine copy
- develop strategies in copy presentation

2.2 Develop critical skills in the analysis of written text
- explore a wide range of texts by other authors
- analyse an understanding of appropriateness of mode of address for specific purposes or audiences
- develop strategies to evaluate and refine copy

2.3 Understand the values, strategies and methodologies which inform current professional practice in the mass media
- compare and evaluate selected texts identifying issues relevant to a specific contemporary practice
- analyse a selection of current works and identify the specific methods used in their production
- compare significant changes in research methods of practice and production strategies for production relevant to a specific contemporary practice in a specific media context over a specific timeframe
- develop and implement a methodology for the production of work which explicitly applies the contextual analysis of values from a domain
- evaluate self practice in conjunction with normative criteria derived from a current domain
- plan and implement a conventional presentation of own works
- develop critical synergies between representative texts, examples of work and self practice

2.4 Analyse the differences between news and feature stories
- recognise the influence of hard news and soft news values on features
- discuss types of features
- consider the appropriateness of subject matter for soft news
- discuss types of features
- analyse the different roles played by features: personality profiles, human interest stories, trends, in-depth backgrounders
2.5 Critically examine relationship of market research and publication genres
- recognise differences in market niche
- recognise market limitations on creativity
- understand the commissioning process
- tailor writing for specific publications
- recognise the relationship between illustrative possibilities and specific text
- identify and analyse different platform styles
2.6 Acquire knowledge of writing reviews examine different review formats
- analyse examples of review writing
- write a review to a publishable standard
2.7 Acquire knowledge of writing features
- examine different interview formats
- analyse examples of feature writing
- discuss and reflect on interview procedures and protocols
- develop an interview plan
- develop a question line appropriate to subject
- show ability to conduct feature interviews

2.8 Acquire knowledge of the structure of the feature
- describe the purpose of the feature
- analyse examples of selected features
- design a key or sketch for the article
- write a logical progression
- recognise the value of quotes, anecdotes and experiences
- use descriptive passages effectively
- craft introductions that succeed as hooks in capturing readers’ attention
- develop toward an effective conclusion

2.9 Comprehend the process of graded assessment
- Actively participate in class and group critiques and presentations.
- Consider and reflect upon the relationship between the information gathering process and the final product for normative evaluation.
- Participate in summative assessment.
Content: 3.1 The feature and review
Differences between news and feature stories and reviews
News values and types of feature story and review
Anatomy of a feature and a review
Reader preferences
Sources for ideas
Focussing ideas

Differences between magazine, newspaper and internet features
Backgrounders, personal profiles, DIYs, documentaries, investigative trends, time out, travel, gardening

One of: live performance work, book, film, music CD, TV programme, video, DVD

3.2 Researching the feature market
Students research the magazine, newspaper and internet market
Investigate audiences and market niches of publications
Select suitable outlets for their feature ideas
Length of articles
Deadlines
Budgets
Illustrations
Editorial slants

3.3 Interviewing for the feature
Types of interview
Suitable sources
Interview arrangements
Difficult sources
Interview research

3.4 Writing the feature
Organising material
Story structure
The lead structure
Logical progression in the body
Writing the finish - conclusions, circles, predictions, editing

3.5 Ethics and Law
Defamation
Privacy
Copyright
Professional behaviour

3.6 Communicating with a range of cultures
Content of interest to a Mori audience
New Zealand cultural identities
Content from at least one other culture
Modes of address appropriate to the audience
Teaching and Learning Strategy: Lecturer prescribes industry or professional focus in project brief.
Students negotiate criteria.
Lecturer monitors students' progress through the time management of individual projects.
Students contribute to research of course content.
Students research briefs to extend and individualise projects.
Students identify problems with their process and adopt strategies to address those problems.
Lecturer prescribes issues, students identify specific questions in relation to those issues.
Students initiate times for critiques.
Students participate in formal assessed presentations of their work.
Students contribute to the delivery of course content.
Students negotiate and define criteria and procedures for graded assessment.
Graded assessment performed by self, peers and tutor.
Assessment Criteria: To pass this module, students must complete all assignments and accumulate an overall module mark of no less than 50%