Course: MAC 204 Feature Writing (2 credits. Compulsory)
Course Duration: Two Hours per week for 15 weeks (30 hours) as taught in the 2011/2012
session.
Lecturer: Adisa R. M.
M.Sc. Mass Communication (Lagos);
B.Sc. Mass Communication (Kano);
PGDE (NTI Kaduna);
Advanced Digital Appreciation Program-Tertiary (ADAPT) Training NCC Abuja;
Member: NIPR, ACCE;
Department of Mass Communication,
Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
E-mail: adisarasaqm@yahoo.com
adisa.rm@unilorin.edu.ng
Office Location: First Floor, Room 3, Educational Technology Building,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Consultation Hours: 10.00 am -12 noon (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Course Contents
Types of features: histories, backgrounders, obits, how-to and explanatory, consumer
information, statistical pieces, first person, and participatory. Gathering and organising feature
materials. Qualities and importance of good features.
Course description
The course provides comprehensive definitions of feature writing and the process of writing
different types of feature. The characteristics of feature story are also discussed along with
sources of feature story ideas. Research as an important step in feature writing is explained.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Examine what a feature is and how it differs from other areas of the newspaper;
2. Understand the process of features article writing;
3. Know the difference between features and other materials in print and electronic
media;
4. Gather information for feature story;
5. Know the importance of research in feature articles;
6. Master the most interesting way to tell story;
7. Proficient in the art of editing and proofreading feature story.
Course Requirements
Participants in the course are required to:
1. A minimum of 75% attendance qualifies students for writing the end of semester
examination in this course;
2. All written assignments and feature stories must be word processed;
3. Deadline must be strictly observed. Late assignments will attract penalties;
4. Each student is expected to have a yahoo e-mail account, join and participate in the
course’s online discussion group.
Methods of Grading
Performance in the course will be graded using the guidelines in the table below.
Criterion
Percentage Score of Total Marks
Test
10
Assignment/Project
15
Participation in online discussion group
5
Final Examination
70
Total
100
Course Delivery Strategies
The main method of course delivery is face-to-face lectures, discussions, small group exercises
and joining and participating in online group discussion.
Lecture Contents
Week 1: Nature of feature article
Objective
The main objectives of this week lecture are to explain the nature, purpose and function of
feature articles by using various feature stories in newspapers as samples
Description
First Hour
Definition of feature article.
Parts of feature article.
Second Hour
Role of feature article.
Relationship between features and news, opinion, editorial.
Study Questions:
1. Give three definitions of feature and cite the definers appropriately.
2. “It is hard news that catches readers. Features hold them”. Analyse this definition and
give two other definitions of feature.
3. Visit the University library, get copies of the day newspaper and examine how feature
stories differ from other stories such as news, opinion, obituary, editorial etc.
4. Describe the relationship between feature and news story.
5. What are some of the characteristics of features?
Reading List
1. Pape 4 S. and Featherstone, S. (2006). Feature Writing: A practical Introduction.
London: Sage Publications Ltd, pp. 2-3. ISBN: ISBN-10 1-4129-0799-3.
2. Ricketson 4 M.(2004) .Writing Feature Stories. Australia: Allen & Unwin, pp. 1-4.ISBN:
ISBN 1 86508 732 7.
Week 2: Basic Elements of Feature article
Objective
The main objectives of this week are to explain to students the basic elements of good feature
story.
Description
First Hour
Appealing information.
Facts beneficial to readers.
Using the right angle and slant.
Second Hour
Universality of topic and story.
Significance of timeliness, proximity, prominence, and relevance to feature article.
Study Questions:
1. Using the basic elements of feature article as guide, write a feature story for a national
newspaper.
2. Describe how a story can be made beneficial to readers.
3. Explain timeliness, proximity and prominence in relation to good feature writing.
4. What is the purpose of feature stories?
5. Describe how the right angle and slant can be used in feature.
Reading List
1. Pape 4 S. and Featherstone, S. (2006) Feature Writing: A practical Introduction. London:
Sage Publications Ltd, pp. 2-3. ISBN: ISBN-10 1-4129-0799-3.
2. Beth 3 Ryan, Freelance Writer Feature Writing Tips Available at:
http//featurewritingtips.org. Accessed 17th June, 2010.
Week 3: Feature Writing Process- Idea generation
Objectives
The aim of this week lecture is to explain the process of feature writing which starts from how to
generate story ideas to the last stage of getting the story published. Specifically, it considers
where journalists get their ideas and information.
Description
First Hour
Sources of Feature story idea.
Keeping record of sources.
Second Hour
Feature article materials.
Characteristics of feature ideas.
Study Questions:
1. Good feature ideas can be generated from many sources, list them.
2. Explain sources of feature ideas.
3. There will be days when a good feature story idea comes to you easily, and there will be
other days when an idea will be difficult to generate. How then can writers develop
workable ideas?
4. How does a feature writer keep records of sources?
5. What are the characteristics of feature ideas?
Reading List
1. Pape 4 S. and Featherstone, S. (2006) Feature Writing: A practical Introduction. London:
Sage Publications Ltd, pp. 12-15. ISBN: ISBN-10 1-4129-0799-3.
2. Ricketson 4 M.(2004) Writing Feature Stories. Australia: Allen & Unwin, pp. 5567.ISBN: ISBN 1 86508 732 7
3. Garrison 4 B. (2004) Professional Feature Writing. London: Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates, pp. 12-13. ISBN: Not Provided.
Weeks 4 and 5: Types of feature
Objectives
The main objectives of weeks 4 and 5 are to enable students examine some of the different
categories of features, look at news features and backgrounders, consider the use of profiles and
personal columns, look at reviews and advertorials and study general differences in style.
Description
First Hour (week 4)
News backgrounders.
Investigative features.
Human interest features.
Types of human-interest stories.
Analyses of characteristics of sample features.
Second Hour (week 4)
News Feature.
Advertorial Feature.
Follow-up feature.
Descriptive and Color Writing.
Guidelines for descriptive feature writing.
Analyses of characteristics of sample features.
First Hour (week 5)
Profiles and Personality.
Traditional profile formula.
Travel Writing.
Entertainment Features and Critical Writing.
Primary functions of reviewers, critics, and entertainment writers.
Second Hour (week 5)
Personal Experience Articles.
Seasonal Features.
Generating seasonal article ideas.
Science and Technical Features.
Study questions
1. Write feature story outline for each of the feature types.
2. Describe the traditional profile formula.
3. What are the primary functions of reviewers, critics, and entertainment writers?
4. The variety of feature stories is broken down into certain categories. Describe in detail
each variety.
5. Give brief examples of issues relevant to each.
6. What elements are present in color stories? Human interest stories?
7. What is it about the personality profile that distinguishes it from other forms of
Journalistic writing?
8. List the sources of ideas for seasonal feature.
9. What the challenges of science and technology feature?
10. Write a news feature on any ongoing political issue in Nigeria.
Assignment
Buy three daily newspapers (or look at them in the University library) and try and pick out
examples of the different kinds of features. Justify your labeling by listing the defining elements
of the various types of feature.
Reading List
1. Pape 4 S. and Featherstone, S. (2006). Feature Writing: A practical Introduction.
London: Sage Publications Ltd, pp. 79-94. ISBN: ISBN-10 1-4129-0799-3.
2. Ricketson 4 M.(2004). Writing Feature Stories. Australia: Allen & Unwin, pp. 1330.ISBN: ISBN 1 86508 732 7
3. Garrison 4 B. (2004). Professional Feature Writing. London: Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates, pp. 113-368. ISBN: Not Provided.
4. Whitaker, 4 R. W., Ramsey, J. E. and Smith. R. D. (2004). Mediawriting: print, broadcast
and public relations. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 237-256. ISBN 08058-4688-3
Weeks 6 and 7: Researching Feature Article Ideas
Objectives
The objectives of these weeks are to explain the strategies that can be used for a good idea to
develop into a feature article. Also, how to find some basic information about the idea as well as
how to dig deeper for all there is on a current subject.
Description
First Hour (week 6)
Sources for researching feature articles.
Second Hour (week 6)
Types of research.
Observational research.
Guidelines for Observational research.
First Hour (week 7)
Participant observation.
Reading for material on feature topic.
Reference books.
Second Hour (week 7)
Computer-based research.
Internet Research Resources.
Research rules.
Study questions
1. List the types of research.
2. How is research for feature articles conducted?
3. Explain the best sources for researching feature articles.
4. Define observation in research.
5. State the guidelines for observation.
6. What is participant observation?
7. How does computer based research carry out?
8. Describe how to use internet research resources.
9. What are the basic research rules?
10. Explain the importance of reference materials in feature writing.
Reading List
1. Garrison 4 B. (2004) Professional Feature Writing. London: Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates, pp. 54-79. ISBN: Not Provided.
2. Whitaker, 4 R. W., Ramsey, J. E. and Smith. R. D. (2004) Mediawriting: print,
broadcast and public relations. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 237256. ISBN 0-8058-4688-3
3. Frost 4 C. (2002) Reporting for Journalists. London: Routledge, pp. 24-46. ISBN 0203-16343-5
Weeks 8 and 9: Interviewing for Feature Article
Objectives
The main objectives of the weeks 8 and 9 lectures are to identify the characteristics of a good
interviewer, to describe basic types of interviews and interview subjects, to explain how to
prepare for an interview, including how to select subjects and write appropriate questions. Also,
to give tips on how to conduct an interview, including how to appropriately handle sensitive or
difficult interview situations.
Description
First Hour (week 8)
Importance of Interviewing.
Characteristics of a Good Interviewer.
Kinds of Interviews and Subjects.
Second Hour (week 8)
Preparing for an Interview.
Choosing Sources and Subjects.
Brainstorming and Making Contacts.
First Hour (week 9)
Conducting Additional Research.
Ground Rules for the Interview.
Using Tape Recorders and Notebooks.
Second Hour (week 9)
Writing Interview Questions.
Types of Questions.
E-Mail Questions.
Personal Conduct during the Interview.
Study Questions
1. What are some of the characteristics of a good interviewer?
2. What are the three main types of interviews and the two main classes of interviewees?
3. What strategies are necessary to deal with the problems each category entails?
4. How can you get a reluctant interview subject to talk to you?
5. Why is research important prior to an interview?
6. Why is it important for the journalist to control an interview?
7. Differentiate between off the record and not for attribution. When are they used?
8. Are there any drawbacks to their use?
9. Distinguish between open-ended, closed-ended and loaded questions. When is it
appropriate to use each type?
10. Describe what should be the conduct of interviewer.
Reading List
1. Whitaker, 4 R. W., Ramsey, J. E. and Smith. R. D. (2004). Mediawriting: print,
broadcast and public relations. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 161185. ISBN 0-8058-4688-3
2. Frost 4 C. (2002). Reporting for Journalists. London: Routledge, pp. 24-46. ISBN 0203-16343-5.
3. Pape 4 S. and Featherstone, S. (2006). Feature writing: a practical Introduction.
London: Sage Publications Ltd, pp. 23-36. ISBN: ISBN-10 1-4129-0799-3.
Week 10: Writing of Feature Stories
Objectives
This week objectives are to explain the rudiments of feature story writing.
Description
First Hour
Elements of Good Writing.
Word Usage in Feature Story.
Second Hour
Principles of organising story material.
Organization of all Facts and Information.
Getting an Idea Down on Paper.
Steps in the feature writing process.
Study Questions
1. List the elements of a good feature writing.
2. Drawing on the elements and principles of feature story, write your own feature story.
3. Choose two newspaper and two magazine features at random and then discuss the words
usage.
4. Describe the steps in the feature writing process.
5. Explain the steps for the organization of facts and information in feature writing.
Reading List
1. Whitaker, 4 R. W., Ramsey, J. E. and Smith. R. D. (2004). Mediawriting: print,
broadcast and public relations. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 381383. ISBN 0-8058-4688-3
2. Garrison 4 B. (2004). Professional Feature Writing. London: Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates, pp. 81-88. ISBN: Not Provided.
3. Pape 4 S. and Featherstone, S. (2006). Feature Writing: A practical Introduction.
London: Sage Publications Ltd, pp. 65-75. ISBN: ISBN-10 1-4129-0799-3.
Week 11: Basic Structure of Feature Articles-Developing the Right Lead
Objectives
The main objectives are to explain to the students the different types of leads and also to
demonstrate some of the different approaches to beginning a feature story.
Description
First Hour (week 11)
Summary lead
Salient feature lead
Anecdotal lead
Second Hour (week 11)
Quotation lead
Delayed-suspended interest lead
Question lead
Study Questions
1. Get as many newspapers as possible, then identify the types of lead used.
2. Write two stories based on each of the lead types.
3. What are the requirements of quotation lead?
4. Draw out an outline for feature story on Boko Haram conflict.
5. Write two delayed or suspended interest leads from the outline.
Reading List
1. Whitaker, 4 R. W., Ramsey, J. E. and Smith. R. D. (2004). Mediawriting: print,
broadcast and public relations. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 380381. ISBN 0-8058-4688-3.
2. Ricketson 4 M.(2004). Writing Feature Stories. Australia: Allen & Unwin, pp. 145165. ISBN: ISBN 1 86508 732 7.
Weeks 12 and 13: Feature Story Structure
Objectives
The main objectives of the weeks are to enable students understand, practically, how facts of
feature story fit together smoothly and logically. Also, how transitions in a feature story guide
the audience from one segment of the story to the next will be discussed.
Description
First Hour (week 12)
Inverted pyramid Structure.
Inverted pyramid class exercise (writing skill).
Second Hour (week 12)
Chronological order.
Class Exercise (Writing Skill).
Essay.
First Hour (week 13)
Transition word and phrase.
Application of Transitional words and phrases (Class Exercise).
Second Hour (week 13)
Styles of language.
Word length.
Study Questions
1. Applying chronological structure, write a historical feature that describes the University
of Ilorin establishment and early years.
2. Write an essay about the problems and perceptions of the international students on
University of Ilorin Campus.
3. Describe the styles of language used in the two stories in 1. And 2.
4. Describe the inverted pyramid structure.
5. List ten transitional words.
6. List ten transitional phrases.
7. Select two national newspapers and identify how they have used transitional words and
phrases.
8. Describe the styles of language often used by Nigerian newspapers.
Reading List
1. Whitaker, 4 R. W., Ramsey, J. E. and Smith. R. D. (2004). Mediawriting: print,
broadcast and public relations. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 380381. ISBN 0-8058-4688-3.
2. Ricketson 4 M.(2004) Writing Feature Stories. Australia: Allen & Unwin, pp. 145165. ISBN: ISBN 1 86508 732 7.
3. Frost 4 C. (2002) Reporting for Journalists. London: Routledge, pp. 24-46. ISBN 0203-16343-5.
Week 14: Polishing and Editing Manuscripts
Objectives
Students will be acquainted with the professional, creative energy and efforts that are required to
edit feature story manuscripts that will be clearer, cleaner and crisper. In doing this, editing
symbols will be applied to stories that must have been written by each of the student.
Description
First Hour
Manuscript self Editing Process
Editing Symbols
Second Hour
Rewriting process
Study Questions
1. What is self editing?
2. List and explain the traditional editing symbols.
3. Making use of editing symbols, edit stories written in weeks 12 and 13.
4. State the reasons for rewriting process.
Reading List
1. Whitaker, 4 R. W., Ramsey, J. E. and Smith. R. D. (2004) Mediawriting: print,
broadcast and public relations. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 380381. ISBN 0-8058-4688-3.
Week 14: Revision
Objectives
Students would be expected to seek for clarification on all issues and topics treated during the
course. They are expected to at this stage be able to apply all subjects discussed.
Revision questions
1. What are the excuses your faculty members hear most often from students who miss
classes, assignments and tests—or simply do poorly in a class?
2. Write about your favorite teacher, a successful coach or another interesting personality on
your campus. Interview other students, friends, relatives and colleagues so you have
enough information for a well-rounded portrait of the person.
3. Visit the University library, get copies of the day newspaper and examine how feature
stories differ from other stories such as news, opinion, obituary, editorial etc.
4. Describe how a story can be made beneficial to readers.
5. There will be days when a good feature story idea comes to you easily, and there will be
other days when an idea will be difficult to generate. How then can writers develop
workable ideas?
6. What is it about the personality profile that distinguishes it from other forms of
Journalistic writing?
7. How is research for feature articles conducted?
8. Distinguish between open-ended, closed-ended and loaded questions. When is it
appropriate to use each type?
9. Making use of editing symbols, edit stories written in weeks 12 and 13.
10. State the reasons for rewriting process.
Reading List
1. Pape 4 S. and Featherstone, S. (2006). Feature Writing: A practical Introduction.
London: Sage Publications Ltd, pp. 2-3. ISBN: ISBN-10 1-4129-0799-3.
2. Ricketson 4 M.(2004). Writing Feature Stories. Australia: Allen & Unwin, pp. 1330.ISBN: ISBN 1 86508 732 7.
3. Garrison 4 B. (2004) Professional Feature Writing. London: Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates, pp. 113-368. ISBN: Not Provided.
4. Whitaker, 4 R. W., Ramsey, J. E. and Smith. R. D. (2004) Mediawriting: print, broadcast
and public relations. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 237-256. ISBN 08058-4688-3.
5. Beth 3 Ryan, Freelance Writer Feature Writing Tips Available at:
ttp//featurewritingtips.org Accessed 17th June, 2010.
6. Frost 4 C. (2002). Reporting for Journalists. London: Routledge, pp. 24-46. ISBN 0-20316343-5.
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KEY
Available in the University Library
Available in local bookshops
Available on the Web.
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