Download PDF

Course Outline

CMN240 Feature Writing

Course Coordinator:Jane Stephens (efynes@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

 Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

If news reporting is the bread and butter of journalism, feature writing is its strawberries and cream. This course is designed to give you experience in recognising and producing high-quality feature articles. You will learn about the different types, styles, strategies and structures of feature articles. Approaches, research, skills and ethics will be explored.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Online
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled online workshops (Recorded). 2hrs Week 1 12 times

Course Topics

Features styles, researching and interviewing, profiles, editing, issues-based features, imagery, opinion writing, reviews, lifestyle and travel.

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Identify structural elements of feature articles. Knowledgeable
2 Delivery multiple kinds of stories in tight timeframes Creative and critical thinker
3 Apply theory of interviewing techniques and journalistic research. Empowered
4 Produce journalistic feature articles of publishable standard. Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

The basic concepts, applications and knowledge of news gathering, writing and delivery.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Workshops are interactive and feedback will be given on practice exercises for portfolio tasks from the first workshop.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Written Piece Individual 25% 
700 words
 Week 6 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Written Piece Individual 35% 
1000 words
 Week 10 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3a Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece Individual 20% 
500 words
 Week 8 Online Submission
All 3b Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece Individual 20% 
500 words
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Profile feature
Goal: 
To research and write a profile feature article using taught techniques. As a result of research and at least one personal interview, students will write a profile feature article on a person of interest. The feature must be written in the third person. Details of people interviewed must be listed.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
Professional/industry format.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Appropriateness, quality and structure of story (including justifier);
 1
2 
use of feature writing devices;
 2
3 
quality of information sources;
 3 4
4 
use of quotes and attribution;
 3
5 
spelling, punctuation, style and grammar
 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Issues-based feature
Goal: 
To research and write a feature on an issue on a provided theme using taught techniques. 
The feature must be written in the third-person and contain information sourced from at least two different interviews and other relevant research.
Details of people interviewed must be listed.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
Professional/industry format.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Appropriateness, quality and structure of story (including justifier);
 1
2 
use of feature writing devices;
 2
3 
quality of information sources;
 4
4 
spelling, punctuation, style and grammar
 3
5 
use of quotes and attribution;
 4
All - Assessment Task 3a:Portfolio A
Goal: 
To complete set tasks as outlined. This task is being used for measuring assurance of learning towards Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation: Sustainable, future-focussed careers. The following Program Competency will be assessed: PC4.1 Demonstrates capacity and competence in the application of journalism-discipline specific knowledge to a range of feature styles. PC4.2. Exhibits self-learning and effective time-management, recognising the value of strong portfolio task submissions to future professional endeavours. PC4.3 Demonstrates adaptability and diversity of writing skills and applications, combining critical thinking and ethical practice across the portfolio of work. 
The portfolio will contain written tasks, images and analysis that demonstrate an understanding of the module themes and the relevant graduate attributes. 
The tasks required are explored and practiced in workshops.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece
Format: 
Professional/industry format.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Correct completion of set tasks;
 1 4
2 
standard of writing and quality of journal content;
 4
3 
appropriate topic choice, tone and angle for tasks;
 1 2
4 
adherence to rules of spelling, grammar, punctuation and style.
 1 4
All - Assessment Task 3b:Portfolio B
Goal: 
To complete set tasks as outlined. This task is being used for measuring assurance of learning towards Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation: Sustainable, future-focussed careers. The following Program Competency will be assessed: PC4.1 Demonstrates capacity and competence in the application of journalism-discipline specific knowledge to a range of feature styles. PC4.2. Exhibits self-learning and effective time-management, recognising the value of strong portfolio task submissions to future professional endeavours. PC4.3 Demonstrates adaptability and diversity of writing skills and applications, combining critical thinking and ethical practice across the portfolio of work. 
The portfolio will contain written tasks, images and analysis that demonstrate an understanding of the module themes and the relevant graduate attributes. 
The tasks required are explored and practiced in workshops.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece
Format: 
Professional/industry format
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Correct completion of set task
 1 4
2 
Standard of writing and quality of journal content
 4
3 
Appropriate topic choice, tone and angle for tasks
 1 2
4 
adherence to rules of spelling, grammar, punctuation and style
 1 4

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Nil

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
Download PDF