100-312 Advanced Writing

This subject is only available to third year students enrolled in the BA (Media and Communications), BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Commerce, BA (Media and Communications)/ Bachelor of Laws.

Completion of 100 points in Media and Communications including 100-205 Writing Journalism.

provides students with the skills to write at an advanced journalistic level. Lectures will present students with techniques that will enhance skills in interviewing, news judgement, narrative technique, researching, framing ideas, developing contacts and using off the record information. As well, students will also deal with issues of fairness and objectivity, plagiarism, libel and codes of conduct. On completion of this subject, students will have developed advanced skills in feature writing.

• be able to effectively research and write extended length journalistic stories;

• have gained an understanding of the practical implications of on-going debates over journalistic conduct in relation to their own writings;

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the mass media and other forms of communication in contemporary society.

A news exercise of 1000 words 20% (due early in semester), a major news feature of 2500 words 60% (due at the end of semester), a seminar presentation of 500 words 10% and participation in seminars 10%. Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment.

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.

• W Blundell, The Art and Craft of Feature Writing. Plume 1988.