Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Mass Communications 3
JOURNALISM: MAGAZINE AND NEWSPAPER FEATURE WRITING
Catalog Description:
3 - Journalism: Magazine and Newspaper Feature Writing
3 units
Feature writing, free lance journalism and how to get published in newspapers and magazines and
online opportunities. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
write compelling and interesting long-form features for newspapers and magazines;
demonstrate mastery of journalistic writing skills necessary for publication;
demonstrate recognition of story ideas and opportunities for selected writing markets;
write professional and appropriate query letters to sell pieces to designated market
opportunities.
5. write all copy conforming to current Associated Press style
Course Content:
1. Analysis of current U.S. writers' market by geographic area and subject matter
2. Developing research and interviewing skills, such as asking closed- and open-ended
questions
3. Writing standard feature articles totalling 6,000 words, including profiles, service features,
news features, lifestyle features, timeless features, and critical reviews
4. Completion and submission of a major feature article of the student’s choice,
5. suitable for publication
6. Writing a plan for a suitable graphics and typographic presentation of the student’s major
feature article, employing photos, original drawings, photo illustrations and informational
graphics
7. Writing an accompanying query letter for marketing the course's major feature article
requirement
8. Demonstrating knowledge of basic U.S. libel and privacy laws, journalistic ethics, especially
plagiarism, and copyright laws
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture and discussion
2. Guest speakers
3. Evaluation of student work and professional pieces by peer discussion
4. Development of writing skills with diagnostic testing and appropriate practice in word use,
grammar, etc.
5. Individual conferences
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Given a magazine story written for publication, write a query letter aimed at informing
potential editors about the story, promoting the story and securing a contract for getting the
story published for payment
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Correction and editing of major writing assignments
Chabot College
Course Outline for Mass Communications 3, page 2
Fall 2010
b. Verbal discussion, class participation
c. Quizzes and exams, including final exam
d. Evaluating students' ability to meet deadlines
Textbook(s) (Typical):
The Art of Feature Writing, Earl R. Hutchinson. Oxford University Press, 2008
Special Student Materials:
None
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Rev. 1/10/94
REV 11-19-09 wj, cp 12-09-09