This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module is aimed towards students who are considering a career in journalism, freelance writing, publishing and related fields (a substantial proportion of the programme's cohort), but will also be of use to those with a general interest in the area of media and language studies. It enables students on the BA English Language and Linguistics programmes to put into practice the complex theories and methods of analysis they will have explored elsewhere on their programme of study by producing their own portfolio of journalism and media-related writing. It should be emphasised that a consideration of the impact of new media ('multimodality') on the field will form a substantial component of the module's content.
Students will carry out their own research, for example using Canterbury and its environs as their news area, collecting information, arranging and carrying out relevant interviews, and writing up projects. They will produce and submit a portfolio of original journalism in which they demonstrate their ability to use the English language, their understanding of grammar and their ability to structure their writing with the target audience in mind. Accompanying this, students will submit a critical commentary in which they will reflect on how an understanding of relevant discourse, stylistic and cultural theory has influenced their writing.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
• Portfolio (word count undefined) – 10%
• Two Pieces from the Portfolio (1,500 words total) – 50%
• Critical Commentary (1,500 words) – 40%
Reassessment methods
• Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate refined and extended knowledge and critical understanding of a range of language contexts, their communicative purposes and settings, participants and
processes;
2 Show consolidated and systematic understanding of ways of approaching texts and discourse in the light of current theories and their application (e.g. semiotics,
multimodality and narratology);
3 Show a high level and engage closely, rigorously and in detail with stylistic and discursive features of journalistic texts;
4 Demonstrate their ability to accurately describe text and discourse in formal terms (stylistic, rhetorical, and linguistic);
5 Show a high-level and in-depth awareness of how different social, political and cultural dimensions of communication operate in the production and reception of
journalistic discourse and be able to apply and make use of this knowledge outside of the context in which it was first encountered;
6 Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of relevant stylistic, discourse, narrative and cultural theory;
7 Produce original writing (reportage) of a high standard (as measured by the assessment criteria), both in terms of style and of content, and showing awareness of the
complex contemporary issues which affect journalists, writers and other media workers;
8 Account for and analyse editorial changes in appropriate and rigorous theoretical terms, pertaining to theories of discourse analysis, stylistics and cultural systemisations
in general.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Engage in critical reflection, and analysis of their own and others' work, as well as the module's various key 'input' texts;
2 Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent learning, use secondary texts with critical discrimination and reflect critically on their own and others' work;
3 Demonstrate advanced research skills, including information retrieval, reporting, note-taking, interviewing, evaluating and structuring information; this will also involve the
development of substantial IT and multimedia skills and the exploration of accompanying ethical issues relating to the collection and storage of data;
4 Demonstrate acquisition of advanced-level necessary analytical and "workshopping" skills and be capable of applying the outcome of workshop discussions to their own
work;
5 Demonstrate advanced drafting, editing, and proofreading skills.
6 Demonstrate their ability to communicate information, arguments and analysis effectively across a variety of forms and genres.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
