Fourth Year Handbook

Fourth Year handbook

Journalism section

© 2012 Journalism SectionSchool of Languages, Literature Culture and Communication

Faculty of Arts Humanities and Social ScienceUniversity of Limerick

Plagiarism

Incidents of plagiarism, misrepresentation of sources or cheating in assessments will be award-ed zero marks and can lead to the award of an F for the whole module. Incidents of such behav-iour may be reported to the University Advocate, who can instigate disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. SO DON’T DO IT!!! See the University Code of Conduct for further details.


BA JournAlism & new mediA

Fourth YeAr hAndBook

ClAss oF 2013

Journalism section

Forward

It seems like just a few short weeks since you all started in your first year of this degree, and yet now here you all are about to begin your fourth and final year. Soon you will graduate and become part of the most hon-ourable of trades. Journalists, through our work, hold crucially important positions in society. We act to hold those in power to account, and to expose wrongdoing and corruption. We act as professional citizens in an informed society, as watchdogs on democracy. In short we report all the news, all the time, in an effort to inform the public.Our work is recognised and protected (albeit implicitly) by founding docu-ments throughout the world including the First Amendment to the Consti-tution of the United States of America, Article 40.6 of Bunreacht na hÉ-ireann, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on Civil and Political Rights. With such power comes great responsibility, a responsibility to be fair and accurate, to report verifiable facts obtained from reliable sources, to quote people accurately and honestly, and where possible to hear both sides of a story and give an opportunity to both sides to comment. We owe the entirety of that responsibility to our readers, listeners and viewers. At all time. This handbook describes how this year will operate, but chiefly it explains the requirements for your individual journalism project and portfolio. Your fourth year will be an important one on your road to graduate. You should Use your time wisely.

You will in years to come remember your college years as the happiest of

your life. I hope we as faculty can ensure you also remember the training

you received along the road to becoming the future of Irish Journalism.

___________________Tom Felle, September 2012


Table oF ConTenTsForward ....................................................................................................................................... 4Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 61.1 Attendance �� 61.2 Freelance submission �� 71.3 Class content and structure �� 71.4 Assessment guidelines: Standards and criteria for assignments �� 71.5 Continuous Assessment �� 91.6 Re-sits �� 91.7 Online resources �� 91.8 Reading �� 91.9 Podcasts �� 101.10 Core texts �� 101.11 Style �� 101.12 Sourcing policy �� 10

2. Fourth Year Programme Outline ............................................................................................ 112.1 First Semester �� 112.2 JM4007 – Advanced Practical Journalism �� 112.3 JM4017 – Group Projects �� 112.4 Second Semester �� 112.5 JM4008 Investigative Journalism �� 122.6 JM4018 Individual Journalism Project (Portfolio) �� 122.7 JM4028 Current Issue In Irish Journalism �� 12

3. Individual Journalism Project / Portfolio ................................................................................ 133.1 Introduction �� 133.2 Individual journalism project and proposal �� 133.3 Sourcing policy �� 143.4 Supervisors �� 153.5 Ethics �� 153.6 Grading Criteria �� 153.8 Design (print majors only) �� 183.9 Reflective journal �� 183.10 Timeline �� 19

4. General guidelines ................................................................................................................. 204.1 Content �� 204.2 Project and Portfolio submission �� 204.3 Length �� 204.4 Presentation �� 204.5 Printing; typing and binding �� 214.6 Pagination �� 214.7 Deadlines �� 21

5. Appendix ............................................................................................................................... 225.1 Core texts �� 225.2 Online resources �� 225.3 Recommended reading �� 22

Journalism section

inTroduCTion

THE BA Journalism and New Media is a young, ambitious degree among a stable of undergraduate

courses on offer at the University of Limerick. It aims to produce national standard fully convergent

journalists who will fit comfortably into any contemporary newsroom. In their fourth year, trainees

will undertake a number of modules in professional practice journalism, including advanced journal-

ism (broadcasting); investigative journalism; group projects; individual projects (portfolio); and the

journalism seminar series. In addition trainees will take chosen elective streams and one module in

cultural studies.

Fourth year modules are designed to assist trainee reporters to better understand the complex re-

alities of contemporary journalism when it comes to reporting news and features; to develop strong

news judgment; to evaluate and critically analyse news sources for worth; and to develop the tech-

nical skills and academic knowledge required to work as journalists in a professional capacity in a

media environment. Trainees who expect to excel in fourth year modules are expected to indepen-

dently pursue sources and develop contacts; to develop their own ideas for stories; to hone their news

instincts and writing abilities; and to regularly practice technical training so as to become proficient.

Trainee journalists are reminded that all marks earned in fourth year go toward earning your final

QCA, which will determine the category of degree award.

1.1 Attendance

Trainee reporters at this stage of their academic training are expected to be highly motivated and

understand the importance of the newsroom and team working culture associated with the media

industry. Given the fluid nature of journalism not all class contact hours will take place in the news-

room. Lectures will start promptly and trainee reporters are required to be punctual. Regular attend-

ance at both lectures and tutorials is highly recommended, however the decision to do so is vested

with the individual trainee journalist. No marks are awarded for attendance however marks may be

awarded at the discretion of the lecturer concerned for participation, such as group project work. See

individual module outlines for full details of specific modules.


1.2 Freelance submission

As its core, journalism is centred on publications. In that vein, journalism trainees are encouraged to

seek publication of their work in local and national media. Before doing so however you are encour-

aged to seek advice from a member of the journalism faculty. This advice does not take from your ex-

press right to freedom of expression granted under Bunreacht na hÉireann; the European Convention

on Human Rights; and the United Nations Convention on Civil and Political Rights.

1.3 Class content and structure

Class schedules for each module will be outlined in individual module outlines. Due to the demanding

nature of the professional news environment trainee reporters will be required to work to their own

initiative outside of class contact hours to prepare background research and conduct interviews and

reports. As a guide trainee reporters should budget three additional hours per week on top of normal

class contact per module. Trainee reporters will also be required to work in groups outside of class

contact hours in preparation for group assignments. Trainee reporters are highly encouraged to view

their fourth year in a professional manner, and as incubation for real-life newsroom experience.

1.4 Assessment guidelines: Standards and criteria for assignments

Individual grading criteria for individual assignments will be communicated to you in writing by the

module coordinator via the module outline for each module. However general principles apply to all

modules, as follows:

To attain first class honours (A1, A2) the trainee reporter will have demonstrated a full understanding

of what is required in terms of the set assignment and deliver that assignment appropriately and by

the due deadline. The news gathering and presentation techniques used by the trainee reporter will

be of an excellent standard, the quality of the story (news value) will be high and the judgment used

by the trainee reporter in sourcing the story will demonstrate a full understanding of the require-

ments of news journalism: in other words the story will be publishable. The language used will be

precise and clear; the text will adhere fully to appropriate conventions and will be largely free from

error in spelling and grammar. A trainee reporter who attains the higher level of first class honours

Journalism section

(A1) will, in addition to the above, demonstrate excellence in terms of the quality of writing and the

production quality of the work, and news value. Trainee reporters who produce work in which the

news value of the story is of rare and exceptional quality, but who are otherwise lacking in some or

all of the standards required for an A grade, may be considered for such an award. An answer below

the first class honours standard (B1, B2, B3) will display the characteristics required for that stand-

ard but not as comprehensively or as effectively as the higher award. Such answers will display high

qualities of news value, judgment and a high standard or writing, but will not be consistently excel-

lent. In contrast with an honours assessment, a pass assessment (C1, C2, C3) will demonstrate clear

and concise writing that conforms to usual writing conventions, but may offer little in terms of news

value. Fail: A trainee reporter who falls short of performing at the level required for a pass will be

deemed to have failed. Written print and radio assignments are scored using the G1 marking system.

Professional skills and group newspapers projects are scored using the G2 marking system. Check

with your lecturer if you are unsure which grading scale is in use for an individual assessment. Grade

ranges are as follows:

Grade Mark(G1) G2 Comment

A1 75 90 Exceptional writing and news value

A2 70 85 Excellent, but not exceptional

B1 65 80 Very good writing and strong news value

B2 60 76 Very good writing and news value

B3 55 72 Good writing and news value

C1 50 68 Good writing but ordinary news value

C2 45 64 Ordinary writing, news value

C3 40 60 Ordinary writing, little news value

D1 35 56 Poor writing or no news value

D2 30 52 Poor writing and no news value

F >30 >52 Severely incompetent or plagiarised


1.5 Continuous Assessment

The Journalism Section has a policy of encouraging assessment as learning in all module assessment.

Results of continuous assessments will, in as far as is practicable, be communicated to trainee report-

ers within five days of submission, so as to ensure adequate and timely feedback. Results will include

a detailed breakdown of the quality of trainee reporters’ work as well as comments and suggestions

on how to improve. Due to the nature of the media industry, group and practice based learned are

used frequently as assessments. Lecturers will as par as practicable try to meet trainee reporters

for individual feedback sessions at least once during the semester. Trainee reporters are encouraged

to contact the lecturer directly if they have concerns or questions regarding their marks. Grades re-

ceived during the semester are provisional and should be considered indicative only until approved

by the external examiner. Final module marks will be published in the normal way through the stu-

dent academic administration portal system.

1.6 Re-sits

Please refer to School of Languages, Literature, Cultural and Communication policy for information

on re-sits.

1.7 Online resources

A number of online resources including short instructional video tutorials may be found at www.

tomfelle.com/teaching. Other online resources are listed at the back of this booklet. Online resources

are available for free via the internet. Some of the websites require you to register to use them, but

registration is free.

1.8 Reading

Trainee reporters are reminded of the importance of keeping abreast of current affairs developments,

in particular in national news. You should consult copies of Irish national newspapers and listen to

RTE Radio One’s ‘Morning Ireland’, the ‘News At One’ and ‘This Week’; and ‘Prime Time’ the ‘Front

Line’ and ‘The Week In Politics’ on RTE television, so as to both improve their own general knowledge

of national and international affairs and to greater understand the processes of interviewing and re-

porting current affairs journalism. Trainee reporters should read copies of The Irish Times, the Irish

Journalism section

Independent and the Irish Examiner daily. In addition to this, trainee reporters are encouraged to regu-

larly read the British press, including the Guardian, the London Independent and the Daily Telegraph.

US publications including the New York Times and the Washington Post are also highly recommended,

as is the BBC World Service (radio, TV and online) and National Public Radio in New York (especially

the ‘All Things Considered’ program). All the above mentioned newspapers are available in the library

in the newspaper section, and the radio services are available online.

1.9 Podcasts

Also included in the appendix are a number of podcasts available via iTunes. These podcasts are free

and provide very interesting foundations for debate and discussion. If you are unable to access the

podcasts please contact your lecturer who can arrange for access via an alternative means.

1.10 Core texts

Recommend and required readings for all journalism modules include both traditional book and jour-

nal texts as well as newspaper articles. You are strongly advised to read the set texts. The core texts for

all modules are available from O’Mahony’s bookshop. Copies have also been ordered for the library.

1.11 Style

House style should be followed on all matters. See the draft House Stylebook (Felle and Quinn, 2010)

for details.

1.12 Sourcing policy

Trainee reporters are required to quote on the record sources at all times. You are required to identify

yourself as a trainee reporter and inform your source how the information you obtain will be used.

You should use judgment to assess the news value of comments attributed to sources. Contact details

for sources should be filed at the end of your news story (print) or in an attached Word doc (broad-

cast). MISREPRESENTATION OF SOURCES IS AN IMMEDIATE FAIL.


2. FourTh Year Programme ouTline

2.1 First Semester

In your first semester you will take two journalism modules, the core cultural studies module and you

own two chosen electives. Journalism modules are as follows:

2.2 JM4007 – Advanced Practical Journalism

This module aims to prepare trainees to work in the professional world of journalism. It will focus

primarily on honing professional standard advanced journalism skills, mainly through the medium

of broadcast (radio) journalism. The module will be delivered via a mix of traditional lectures and

newsroom/studio based working. The focus will be on core competencies including news bulletin

preparation and editing, presentation and delivery; programme research, production and presenta-

tion (news / magazine); and long form (documentary) broadcast journalism. Assessment will be via

100 per continuous assessment. This module will be lead by Fiona McGarry. More details are available

in the module outline.

2.3 JM4017 – Group Projects

This module aims to prepare trainees to work in the professional world of journalism. While sched-

uled in the normal way, much of the work for this module will be via students’ own self-directed

learning – and lectures in the main will not take place in the newsroom. It will include three elements

– production of a newspaper (the City Voice) in conjunction with the second year class; elementary

broadcasting (TV and Radio Day); and multimedia journalism (online news delivery). This module

will be lead by Tom Felle with input from all journalism faculty. See module outline for further details.

2.4 Second Semester

In the second semester you will take four formal ‘taught’ modules, along with working on your own

portfolio, which will also count as a module. There is no cultural studies module, so the modules you

will take are JM4008 Investigative Journalism; JM4018 Individual Journalism Project / Portfolio; and

JM4028 Current Issues in Irish Media seminar. Modules are briefly described below:

Journalism section

2.5 JM4008 Investigative Journalism

This module aims to build on skills attained during the degree with a strong focus on off-diary and

self-sourced reporting using investigative techniques. Research using sources such as FOI; planning;

public records; CRO; national archives and other documentary sources will be examined. The module

will also examine investigative interviewing, examining the human face of stories, the personal im-

pact or ‘story behind the story’ in news and feature journalism. Assessment will be via course work.

Further information will be available in the module outline.

2.6 JM4018 Individual Journalism Project (Portfolio)

Trainee reporters will develop, working on their own initiative, a substantial journalism portfolio in-

cluding a long form series. This module aims to perfect trainees’ skills at developing long form narra-

tive journalism using investigative, interviewing, and documentary sourcing techniques. Journalistic

styles including straight news, human interest and colour and feature journalism may be pursued.

The module leader is Tom Felle however trainees will be assigned individual supervisors from the

journalism faculty. Section 3 ‘Portfolio’ details this module in detail.

2.7 JM4028 Current Issue In Irish Journalism

This module aims to significantly develop trainees’ critical thinking skills, and will examine media

practice, issues facing the industry and society generally. The module will be delivered via a series

of guest lectures, and/or a conference on an aspect of Irish media, and/or public interviews with no-

table figures; and/or field excursion(s). Assessment will be via participation and/or a series of blog

based opinion articles. The module leader is Tom Felle. Further details will be available in the module

outline.

PLEASE NOTE: All modules are weighted at 6 ECTS credits, giving a total of 30 ECTS per semester

(60 ECTS per year, 240 ECTS for a full BA degree). As final year students your time management is

important. You should balance time spent on each module accordingly and not allow your journalism

projects to disadvantage you in achieving excellence in your various academic elective modules.


3. individual Journalism ProJeCT / PorTFolio

3.1 Introduction

The individual journalism project represents the culmination of four years of training to be a jour-

nalist in the BA degree programme. Trainees are expected to use all of their training to develop in-

dependently a substantial project, which will take its place within a professional portfolio of their

work. The portfolio, if the trainee engages fully with the process, will be a calling card when seeking

employment.

3.2 Individual journalism project and proposalChoose either the ‘Print Major’ or “Broadcast Major’ route

The project represents a substantial individual contribution by the student to an area of journalism.

The portfolio element allow the student to showcase minor elements which demonstrate conver-

gence and encourage publication of work. Trainee reporters should use the project to develop an area

of interest. Projects may be used to develop long form investigative or human-interest narratives on

any issue. A mix of news and features may be used and is desirable. The highest standards of writing/

production and journalism should be aimed for. Investigative news journalism may, for example, aim

to expose maladministration, malfeasance, waste or other wrong doing by a public body (for exam-

ple); whereas feature piece may examine the human cost of a policy decision.

Projects should have an over arching theme, and individual pieces should be related to that theme in

some way, though they do not necessarily have to have direct links. Trainee reporters are encouraged

from week one of semester one to begin considering their plans for a project. Trainee reporters are

required to discuss their plans with potential supervisors by week four and submit initial proposals

Print major:

4,500 individual written project (75%)

Project designed on at least three A3 pages (5%)

Four min radio or 90 sec TV package (10 per cent)

Freelance portfolio (10 per cent)

Broadcast major:

25-min radio / 10-min TV documentary (75%)

Paper edit of documentary (5%)

1,000-1,200 investigative news / feature (10%)

Freelance portfolio (10%)

Pass / fail only: Proposal; progress report; reflective journal by due deadlines

Journalism section

by agreed deadlines. Articles should be written appropriately using usual journalism conventions.

Word/time counts should not be seen as targets but rather as guides. Appropriate time lines, analysis

pieces and backgrounders may be included if desired. Content for the print section should be laid out

using InDesign appropriately (at least three tabloid sized newspaper pages).

Please read the following specific guidelines carefully:

• Major elements should demonstrate depth and must be an original contribution to journalism.

• It must use evidence – records, documentary material, oral testimony, credible sources, eco-

nomic or statistical data, academic research, FOI documents – to support a coherent argument.

• In matters of public controversy, it must demonstrate a genuine attempt to present a full ac-

count of conflicting viewpoints.

• The human-interest angle – the human impact – should be examined where relevant.

• The finished work must be a fully competent professional and accurate piece of journalism

that could be published or broadcast as one piece or as series of articles or programmes for a

target publication/broadcast organisation.

• Minor pieces should demonstrate breath. Students should use their own judgement in decid-

ing what to submit. Trainee reporters are highly encouraged to include their best samples of

freelance material as part of the overall portfolio.

3.3 Sourcing policy

The highest standards will be followed when sources are used. Trainee reporters will satisfy them-

selves as to the authenticity of all documentary sources before publication and/or portfolio submis-

sion. Similarly the authenticity and suitability of live sources will be checked. Where information is

obtained from a source it must be independently verified. Individuals or other bodies named in a

story shall be offered the opportunity to comment before publication and/or portfolio submission. All

documentary sources (eg FOI letter(s) or CRO printouts) should be included as an appendix (separate

document) when submitting your portfolio (one copy required only, submitted to supervisor). A sepa-

rate appendix (one copy only, submitted to supervisor) of the names, details and telephone numbers

of all live sources used should also be included. ‘On the record’ sources should be used where pos-

sible. Non-attributable sources may only be used with express permission from your supervisor, and

only in the rarest of circumstances. A separate sealed envelope with the contact name and contact


details for non-attributable sources should be prepared by the trainee, signed across the seal by the

supervisor, and held by the supervisor. This envelope will not be sought or opened. In a case where

a dispute as to the authenticity of the source has arisen, the trainee shall refuse to reveal the identity

of the source, but if requested must satisfy examiner(s) as to the validity of information obtained.

Should the information not be independently verifiable, it may not be used. Only the supervisor and

the trainee shall know the identity of the source in question.

3.4 Supervisors

You will work with a supervisor on an individual basis to advance their proposal. You are free to

choose your own supervisor, and supervisors insofar as possible will be accommodating. However

you should be aware that the supervisor is not there to give you a topic, but rather to advise you on

how best to develop your chosen project to a professional and publishable standard. Please note that

supervisors must first agree to accept your proposal; and that your first choice of supervisor may al-

ready have a full compliment of projects to supervise. In that case your second or subsequent choice

of supervisor will be assigned to supervise your project. Available supervisors and their range of

interests are as listed on the following page. Supervisors are of course not limited to these areas. You

should discuss your topic with your supervisor prior to agreeing to work together.

3.5 Ethics

Trainee reporters are reminded of the University code of conduct and the code of conduct and ethics

laid down by the National Union of Journalists. The highest ethical standards should be followed at all

times when conducting journalism. All rules set down by the Office of the Press Ombudsman should

be followed. It an issue arises trainees should consult the various codes, and if in doubt should check

with their supervisor before continuing.

3.6 Grading Criteria

Trainee reporters will be graded on the following basis:Major Project (print or broadcast) – 75 per cent

• News values and editorial standards• Judgement demonstrated • Depth of long-form work• Technical standards of broadcast and/or multimedia• Voice and/or presentation skills for radio/TV/TV for web

Journalism section

Tom Felle Section Leader, BA Course DirectorQualifications: MA; BSc Comm; Adv Dip (Jrnl); S Dip (Ed) Expertise: Investigations; politics; FOI; EU and foreign affairs; new media; technology; multimediaTel: 061 20 2315Email: [email protected]: BM-029Office Hours: Mondays, 4-6pm

Emer Connolly Lecturer Qualifications: MA Jrnl (NUI); H Dip (App. Comm); BAExpertise: Crime; courts; justice; politics; current affairs; regional media; broadcastingTel: 061 23 4679Email: [email protected]: C1-074Office hrs: Thursdays, 9-11am

Fiona McGarry Lecturer Qualifications: MA; BA (NUI); Grad Dip (Film) Expertise: Radio; current affairs, investigative; health; social affairs; regional mediaTel: TBCEmail: [email protected]: C1-078Ofice hours: Wednesdays, 2-5pm

Anthony Quinn Teaching AssistantQualifications: M Phil trans. to PhD; BSc Comm; Adv Dip Jrnl; PG Cert Teaching & Learning; Dip Sound EngExpertise: Media theory, television; ‘new’ media; visual cultureTel: 061 20 2419Email: [email protected]: C1-078Office hours: Wednesdays, 3-5pm

Mary Dundon Senior Lecturer, MA Course DirectorQualifications: Grad Dip (Jrnl); H Dip (Ed); BA (NUI)Expertise: Investigations; politics; current affairs; local government; Tel: 061 23 4678Email: [email protected]: ER3-023Office hrs: Thursdays, 10am-1pm


• Quality of writing; literary flair demonstrated; production value• Use of investigative techniques

Minor project (broadcast or print)– 10 per centPortfolio (including freelance articles) - 10 per centDesign – 5 per cent (news and/or feature pages minimum three) or paper edit (broadcast)Pass or Fail basis only: Submission of reflective journal; submission of proposal and progress report by due deadlines

3.7 Freelance PortfoliosPortfolio pieces may include any of the following: Please note trainees are not expected to have pub-

lications in all categories and should balance time spent on their portfolio accordingly:• News and feature writing; literary print; review; analysis and/or opinion writing for print

(publications)• Blogging / online journalism (own website encouraged)• Short radio / television news reports/clips (submission on CD); • Multimedia feature package(s); • Photojournalism;

3.7.1 Freelance publications

Trainee reporters are strongly encouraged to continue to seek publication for their work. Material

published during fourth year may be included in the portfolio and it will be considered part of the

portfolio - so long as it has not been submitted as part of any other module assignment.

3.7.2 Blogging / online journalism

Trainees are encouraged to set up their own websites for professional purposes and blog regularly on

a variety of issues. Inclusion of multimedia content is highly encouraged. Material submitted should

include paper (print out) samples as well as a link to the site.

3.7.3 Television / radio

Original short series of news / feature packages (3-5 mins radio60-90 secs TV) or mini-documentary

(10 mins radio/5 mins TV). PLease note that students will be assessed for news value as well as tech-

nical proficiency. NOTE: Broadcast material previously produced for modules in the fourth year of

this degree programme, as well as freelance material, may be included as part of the wider portfolio

but will not be assessed.

Journalism section

3.7.4 Photojournalism

Trainees should submit an acceptable one or two page printed colour (except if submission is in-

tended to be in greyscale /sepia etc) PDF news or magazine page(s) with photomontage displayed,

appropriate captions labelled and a maximum 400-word accompanying essay.

3.7.5 Multimedia journalism

Flash multimedia or Soundslides with or without accompanying audio. Appropriate captions labelled

and a maximum 400-word explanation.

*3.7.6 Co-op; Erasmus; publications before September 1, 2011

Trainee reporters may include examples of their best-published work (as high quality A4 / A3 repro-

ductions rather than originals). While this work will enhance the portfolio, no marks will be awarded

for it.

3.7.7 Pass / Fail elements

You are required to submit an initial proposal and a progress report agreed with your supervisor by

the stated deadline(s). You are also required to submit a reflective journal with your final portfolio.

These items are submited on a pass/fail basis only, however failure to submit any or all will result in a

failure of the entire project. Late submission will incur a penalty of an initial 10 per cent of the overall

module grade, plus three percentage points per day or part therof that the item(s) remain outstand-

ing. Exceptions will only be granted in cases laid out in LLCC School policy.

3.8 Design (print majors only)

A minimum of three pages of news and/or features (do not use placeholder text or placeholders im-

ages) must be included in the portfolio. Students may use the 4,500 words of print, or choose differ-

ent samples to include. Appropriate folios should be used; pictures should be appropriately colour

corrected; an explanation of design as well as target publication (max 200 word) should be included.

3.9 Reflective journal

An accompanying reflective journal must be submitted on a pass/fail basis. This journal should be

added to weekly (typed as a Word document) and should include (but is not limited to) efforts to seek

publication for journalistic endeavours; interviews sought; idea formations; attempts and failures;


and your own learning outcomes as a result of your efforts. Your efforts to review sources used (docu-

ments) and interviews; journalism techniques (such as your own interviewing skills); the credibility

or otherwise of these sources; use of investigative techniques (if warranted) and efforts to obtain bal-

ance and remain impartial should be adjudged in your reflection. There is no limit to the word count

on the reflection – short weekly additions (such as ‘Christmas week, not much to report’) will reflec-

tion far better than a rushed effort the night before submission. As a general rule, circa 100 words

per week for the duration of the portfolio development would suffice, with perhaps an additional

concluding 300-400 words before submission. There is no requirement for academic reflection, or

sourcing, in your journals. However it is advisable to avoid simply stating the obvious – such as what

you’ve done – in favour of what you’ve learned from what you’ve done (eg: learning that it takes a

minimum of four weeks, but in reality closer to six weeks, to get an answer back under FOI from the

Dept of Health; or, for example, an insight discovered as a result of your interviewing style).

3.10 Timeline

• Week 1, semester 1: Trainee reporters are formally advised of procedures, and receive a copy of handbook

• Week 2 to 4, semester 1: Trainee reporters consider ideas, formulate work schedule and have a brief discussion with a potential supervisor

• Friday, September 28, 4pm: Trainee reporters submit a one page (max 500 word) commis-sioning brief of their proposal for long form print work (minimum), and schedule / time plan (bullet points) to Tom Felle, and propose a supervisor (you should have agreed this with your supervisor first) - and submit online via LLCC portal.

• Weeks 4-12, semester 1: Supervisor and trainee meet as required• Christmas/New Year: Trainees work independently, discussion with supervisor as agreed be-

tween both• Friday, February 1, 2013 4pm: Trainee reporters submit formal progression update (500

words) to Tom Felle, discussion with supervisor• Weeks 2-8, semester 2: Trainee reporters continue to work independently, meeting with su-

pervisor as required• Friday, March 29, 2013 4pm: Submission of portfolio (two copies) to LLCC office, Millstream

Building • Weeks 10-13, semester 2: Oral examination by supervisor and panel

PLEASE NOTE: No extensions will be possible owing to requirements for external examination of portfolios. Final submissions must be made to the School LLCC office.

Journalism section

4. general guidelines

4.1 Content

Final document should be typed, spell-checked and properly presented / bound. Journalism must be

based on the candidate’s own work and must not have previously formed a part or whole of a submis-

sion for a degree or any other qualification at any academic institution.

4.2 Project and Portfolio submission

Two soft bound copies of the portfolio should be submitted to the School of Languages, Literature,

Culture and Communication by Friday, March 29 2013 at 4pm. An electronic copy of the portfolio

(flash file) may be lodged on a cloud server if appropriate (address should be included in your hard

copy portfolio). You should keep a copy of your portfolio for yourself to bring to future interviews, as

copies submitted will not be returned.

4.3 Length

The portfolio shall include (minimum) a 4,500 word print piece of journalism and three pages of

news design (choice) / broadcast documentary for radio (30 mins) or TV (10 mins). Other work as

appropriate.

4.4 Presentation

The title page (page 1) should include the following:

[Title]: Journalism Portfolio

Candidate’s name

[Degree]: BA Journalism and New Media

University of Limerick

Page two should include the above, and

[Supervisor]:

External Examiner: Dr Kevin Rafter, Dublin City University

Declarations:

[Originality]: I declare that this work is my original work and that it has not, in full or part, previously


been submitted to this or any other institution.

[Ethics]: I declare that all interviews were conducted in compliance with the professional ethical

guidelines of the National Union Of Journalists as outlined in their Code of Conduct.

Signature, printed name and date

Page three: Acknowledgments (if any; and should be kept brief)

Page four: Table of contents

Page five, and subsequent pages as required, should be broken into sections (eg print; radio; photo-

journalism etc) and each section should include a brief written introduction to what is included.

Appendices: As appropriate including (but not limited to) FOI letter(s); other documentary sources

etc; List of sources / interviews; references used.

4.5 Printing; typing and binding

Portfolio may be submitted bound as either A4 or A3 document, as appropriate. Ordinary news typed

A4 sheets should be 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced. Designed pages should be tabloid /

A3 (may be folded). CDs / DVDs should be included in an A4 sleeve. Wide margins should be included

on the inside margins of pages. Photojournalism should be presented as a tabloid/A3 news feature

style page, with captions. Copies of published articles should be reproduced as high quality scans (A4

or A3). All pages should be properly bound.

4.6 Pagination

Pages must be numbered consecutively throughout the text, including those pages incorporating pho-

tographs or diagrams, which are included as whole pages. Pagination should not appear on the title

page.

4.7 Deadlines

Deadlines as set out above are mandatory. Failure to meet deadlines for submission of shall incur a

10 per cent (of total) penalty and 3 per cent per day there after following 24 hours from the time of

deadline have elapsed, save under guidelines laid down by the School of LLCC.

Journalism section

5. aPPendix

5.1 Core texts

Bryson, Bill (2001) Troublesome Words. London: PenguinChambers (2004) Concise Dictionary. Edinburgh: ChambersEvans, Harold (2000) Essential English for Journalists, Editors and Writers. London: Pimlico.Felle, Tom and Quinn, Anthony (2011) Stylebook. UnpublishedHicks, Wynford (1998) English for Journalists. London: Routledge.Hudson, Gary and Rowlands, Sarah (2007) The Broadcast Journalism Handbook. Essex: PearsonKern, Jonathan (2008) Audio Reporting: The NPR Guide to Audio Journalism and Production. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.McKane, Anna (2006) News Writing. London: Sage.Pape, Susan and Featherstone, Sue (2006) Feature Writing: A practical Guide. London: Sage.Plotnik, Arthur (2007) Spunk and Bite: A Writer’s Guide to Bold, Contemporary Style. New York: Random House.Riley, Richard (2007) Audio Editing with Adobe Audition. London: PC Publishing. Starkey, Guy and Cri-sell, Andrew (2009) Radio Journalism - Journalism Studies: Key Texts. London: Sage

5.2 Online resources

www.ul.ie/journalism - official course informationwww.tomfelle.com/teaching - various online guideswww.poynter.org and www.newsu.org - Poynter Institute websitehttp://journalism.berkeley.edu - Berkeley University California journalism website. Multimedia resources section has step-by-step guides on how to use various software packages including Photoshop, Soundslides and Audacity.www.pearsoned.co.ul/practicaljournalism - online guide to Hudson and Rowlands book, and is well worth visiting regularly.http://www.adobe.com/support/photoshop/http://www.adobephotoshoptutorials.com/http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Photoshop/1 - free online resource to help with Adobe Photoshop, including easy to follow practice sessions and tutorials.iTunes University – via iTunes U portal (search for journalism to access journalism resources) Especially: CUNY; Columbia University; Berkeley Journalism School.

5.3 Recommended reading

Brady, Conor (2005) Up With The Times. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan.Burke, Ray (2004) Press Delete: The Decline and Fall of The Irish Press. Dublin: Currach Press.Campbell, Alastair (2007) The Blair Years. London: Random House.


Downey, James (2009) In His Own Time. Dublin: Gill and MacMillan

Duignan, Sean (1996) One Spin on the Merry-Go-Round. Dublin: Blackwater Press.

Fisk, Robert (2002) Pity The Nation (4th ed) London: Nation Books.

Fisk, Robert (2009) Age of the Warrior. London: Fourth Estate

Hargreaves, Ian (2005) A very Short Introduction to Journalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Leahy, Pat (2009) Showtime: The inside story of Fianna Fail in power. Dublin: Penguin

O’Toole, Fintan (2009) Ship Of Fools. Dublin: Faber

Pilger, John (2005) Tell me no lies: Investigative journalism and its triumphs. London: Vintage

Simpson, John (2007) Not Quite World’s End. London: MacMillan.

Simpson, John (2010) Unreliable Sources. London: MacMillan.

5.4 Journalist’s tool kit

Journalism is increasingly becoming a multimedia-based profession and young trainee reporters who

are adaptable and highly skilled technically can expect to be preferred when it comes to employment.

With that in mind, journalism trainees serious about developing a career in the news media should

consider investing in their own ‘kit’. The following is a guide to the kind of equipment young trainee

reporters should be considering investing in, in the coming two to three years. Please do not feel that

you need to purchase these items immediately as none of this equipment is required for this module:

• A high spec laptop. 15 inch Apple Mac Book Pro recommended (circa €1500) * Adobe Master

Collection student edition (circa €500) * Adobe Audition (circa €70 student edition) * Digital

SLR camera – Canon 550D recommended (with standard 50mm lens or similar) - This camera

is very user friendly, and has both automatic and manual settings. It also allows shooting of

HD video and is very suitable for multimedia video for web applications. Telephoto and wide-

angle lenses can be added later. (Circa €1,000)

• Broadcast standard recorder. Zoom H4N is very affordable, circa €300 * Broadcast standard

microphone. AKG D230 circa €150 * A high spec ‘backpack’ type kit bag – Lowepro recom-

mended. Circa €150

Journalism section

© 2012 Journalism SectionSchool of Languages, Literature Culture and Communication

Faculty of Arts Humanities and Social ScienceUniversity of Limerick

University of LimerickOLLscOiL LUimnigh

Fourth Year Handbook

Documents

Transcript of Fourth Year Handbook