Aims

Objectives
This course aims to provide basic research, critical and selection skills in respect of journalistic information. It will introduce students to written journalistic practice, and will give them an insight into specific features of a range of journalistic genres.
As far as subject-matter is concerned, the course forms part of a dynamic of courses in journalistic practice through an integrated timetable: Course COMU2272 (Seminar: Analysis of writing for the press), Course COMU2265 (Graphics in the press), Course COMU2276 (Radio news journalism workshop), Course COMU2277 (Television news journalism workshop) and Course COMU2274 (Journalistic and multi media practices).
This course leads on to a second-degree level of specialisation (Course COMU2283 (Laboratory in writing for the press)).

Main themes

Introducing students to the practice of daily written journalism, and sensitising them to the
specific features of a range of journalistic genres.

Content and teaching methods

Content
Defining and applying a critical journalistic approach to research into, and selection of, information.
Determining the principles of journalistic writing.
Overview of journalistic genres from news agency items though press releases, press conferences, investigations, local information, background papers and interviews to reporting. An introduction to the characteristics of the foregoing, and critical analyses of the approaches involved.
Applying these genres through exercises in producing daily newspapers, including the development of complete products in real time and in professional editorial conditions. Classroom exercises and work out in the field.
Methodology
Presenting journalistic genres and approaches in class.
Developing daily press products in professional editorial conditions.
Individual critical evaluation of all of each student's work.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Assessment
Ongoing assessment of students (individually, collectively and in small groups, depending on the kind of work being corrected).
Organisation of optional remedial sessions for students in difficulty.
Organisation of individual mid course feedback meetings.
Collegiate evaluation by university teachers and active professionals.
Final collective evaluation by this group of teachers, together with all teachers on the journalistic practice courses.
Support: A special book provides learning support on this course, similar to the one that provides back-up to those on journalism courses (Course C011MU2283 (Laboratory in writing for the press)). The Internet and the Intranet are used for information search (particularly access to the Belga press agency) and for the sharing of information while doing exercises. This course requires supervision.

Other credits in programs