Module Code and Title:       LAN202          Basic Journalism

Programme:                          BA in English Studies

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Namkhai Norbu, Runa Chakraborty

Module Coordinator:            Namkhai Norbu

General objective: This module aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of journalism and develop journalistic skills. It will also introduce them to the techniques of news writing for different media and will enable students to acquire these skills. Students will learn journalism’s main components: what news is, different types of news, reporting news story and stories centred on people, and practical news reporting and writing, among others. It will also familiarize students with the history and emergence of media in Bhutan – looking into their achievements, the existing challenges and the way forward.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, learners should be able to:

1. Write news articles at a level suitable for print in a local publication such as a college or club newsletter.
2. Distinguish different types of news articles (hard, feature, analysis, profile, editorial and column.
3. Critically analyze news content, identifying potentially dubious reporting.
4. Proofread and rewrite short texts in journalistic style.
5. Research and fact-check their own data collection for short news reports.
6. Explain the role of journalism vis-à-vis community or people journalism.
7. Differentiate restorative narratives from typical news stories.
8. Explain key ethical codes in the practice of journalism.
9. Describe the media business scenario in Bhutan.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Assessment Approach:

A. News Writing assignment: Portion of Final Marks: 15%

Students will write a news article of 400 to 500 words based on scenarios given to them. The first draft will be graded on 5%, and the final piece on 10%, of which 3% will be allotted to improvements made on the feedback provided on the first draft. Assessments will be based on the ‘Professional Writing’ rubric.

B. Feature Writing assignment: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

Students will be required to write a feature article of 600 – 800 words. The first draft will be graded on 5%, and the final piece on 10%, of which 3% will be allotted to improvements made on the feedback provided on the first draft. Assessment will be based on the ‘Professional Writing’ rubric.

C. Class participation and preparedness: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. Assessment will be based on the ‘Participation and Preparedness’ rubric.

D. Real News Reporting Project: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

Students will write a real news article of 300 – 400 words. The first draft will be graded on 5%, and the final piece on 10%, of which 3% will be allotted to improvements made on the feedback provided on the first draft. The Assessment will be based on the “Professional Writing”.

E. Editorial and Column Writing: Portion of Final Mark: 20%

Students will write an op-ed piece or column 400-500 words. Students should strive to get the same published in local newspapers. The first draft will be graded on 5%, and the final piece on 10%, of which 3% will be allotted to improvements made on the feedback provided on the first draft.  Assessment will be based on the ‘Professional Writing’ rubric.

Pre-requisites:

Subject matter:

1. Introduction to Journalism
   • Elements of news
   • Different types of news writing
   • Introduction to various types of media components
   • Introduction to techniques of news writing for different media
   • Interview techniques and skills
   • Unique quotes and attribution
2. Development of journalism in Bhutan
   • History of the media in Bhutan
   • Media laws and policies
   • Make up of news organization and management and editorial structures
   • Existing media scenario
3. Print Journalism
   • Writing/reporting for the print media
   • Makeup of a newspaper/ magazine
   • Structure and dissection of newspapers
   • Writing the different articles for newspapers (editorial, news story, column features, analysis and op-ed piece)
   • Practical assignment
4. Social Media or the new journalism
   • What is social media?
   • Impact of social media in journalism
   • Social media as a tool for journalism
   • Citizen journalism
   • Media consumption
   • Future of journalism
5. Development Journalism
   • What is development journalism?
   • Why development is always news in a developing country?
   • Challenges, present trend and practices in Bhutan.
   • Development journalism as a community journalism
   • Getting stories of the plight of ordinary people
   • Analysis of development issues in Bhutan
6. Restorative Narratives
   • What is restorative narrative?
   • Analysis of restorative narratives by media organizations in Bhutan
   • Difference between restorative narratives and a typical news story
   • Focus on restorative narratives
   • Writing restorative narratives
7. Media ethics
   • Journalists’ code of ethics/conduct
   • Libel, defamation and privacy issues
   • Plagiarism in journalism
   • Right to Information and freedom of press
8. Business of Media
   • Media business models (local and international context)
   • Revenue streams and advertisement
   • Advertising scenario in Bhutan
   • Advertising ethics

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   • Kramer, M. and Call, W. (2007). Telling True Stories: A Nonfiction Writers’ Guide from the Neiman Foundation at Harvard University. Penguin Publishing House.
   • Murthy, D. (2009). Development Journalism: What Next? Kanishka Publishing House.
   • Raman, U. (2009). Writing For The Media. Oxford University Press.
   • Rich, C. (2009). Writing and Reporting News: A Coaching Method. Cengage Learning Publication.
   • Strunk Jr, W. and White, E.B. (1999). The Elements of Style. Longman Publication.
   • Tenore, M.J. Restorative Narratives: Defining a New Strength-Based Genre. ivoh. Retrieved from http://ivoh.org/restorativenarrative/
   • Zinnser, W. (2008). On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction. Paw Prints.
2. Additional Reading
   • David, R. (2011). The Universal Journalist. Pluto Press.
   • Palmer, P.J. (2011). Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to create a politics worthy of the human spirit. John Wiley & Sons.

Date: December 20, 2015