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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2021 - 2022

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the concepts and skills involved in editing news and news features.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the organisational structure and practices of a subs desk.
2. Distinguish readability from legibility.
3. Demonstrate an ability to edit and/or rewrite news and news features copy fairly and quickly.
4. Write standfirsts, headlines, straplines, subheads, crossheads, pullquotes and captions for a wide variety of media.
5. Display a basic knowledge of the technical aspects of typography, its architecture and furniture.
6. Process a wide range of news articles and news features which are complete, fair to all parties mentioned therein and interesting.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Total Workload: 0

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

TOPICS
Module descriptor; reading list; assessment regime; editing desk structure; sub-editing functions; news v features; use of graphics; visualization; readability v legibility; Gunning's fog index; copy checking; defamation; privilege; sub judice; copy editing for print, online and brodcast; writing v editing as careers; duties of down-table sub; writing headlines - direct v oblique approaches; fitting headlines; turn heads and lines; headlines for court, crime, accident, sport and business stories; headlines on running stories and special/freestyle headlines; headline count, shape, size, pattern, typography, accessories; choosing and mixing display faces; subheads - style and frequency, when to use, where to position and how to space; captions - their role and how to write them; in-class-test.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Brooks, Brian S. & Pinson, James L.: 2022, The Art of Editing in the Age of Convergence, Routledge, New York,
  • Holmes, Tim: 2016, Subediting and Production for Journalists, Routledge, Oxford,
  • Friend, Cecilia & Challenger, Donald: 2014, Contemporary Editing, Routledge, New York,
  • Ellis, Barbara G.: 2001, The Copy-editing and Headline Handbook, Perseus, Cambridge, MA,
Other Resources

None
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