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JLS724Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Feature Writing

This course explores feature writing, focusing on developing creative and literary skills for journalists. It covers various feature types, including profiles, interviews, and reviews, emphasizing in-depth research and engaging storytelling. The course also examines column writing, opinion pieces, and service journalism, providing practical experience in crafting compelling content. Students will learn to adapt their writing style for different media platforms, including radio, television, and film.

Take a practice test or generate AI study notes to help you excel in this course.

40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Feature WritingJournalismProfilesColumnsReviews

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Feature Story Ideas

2

Interview Techniques

3

Column Writing

4

Arts Reviews

5

Language of Features

6

Feature Story Structure

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Feature Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Columnist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Creator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

NewspapersMagazinesOnline MediaBroadcastingPublic Relations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: General Overview of Features

4h

Unit 1: Features - A Starting Point

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Features - A Starting Point
  • Understand the nature and characteristics of feature stories
  • Identify different types of feature stories

Unit 2: Another Look at Feature Story Ideas

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Another Look at Feature Story Ideas
  • Explore sources for feature story ideas
  • Understand the functions of features in journalism
Week
2

Module 1: General Overview of Features

3h

Unit 3: Special Features and Profiles I

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Special Features and Profiles I
  • Understand the qualities of a good feature writer
  • Explore people profiles
Week
3

Module 1: General Overview of Features

3h

Unit 4: Interview Features and Profiles II

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Interview Features and Profiles II
  • Understand the relevance of interviews in feature stories
  • Analyze interview feature examples
Week
4

Module 1: General Overview of Features

3h

Unit 5: The Feature Sidebar and Feature Series

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 5: The Feature Sidebar and Feature Series
  • Learn to write feature sidebars and feature series
  • Analyze examples of sidebar and series features
Week
5

Module 2: Writing Columns

3h

Unit 1: Opinion Columns

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Opinion Columns
  • Differentiate among types of opinion columns
  • Understand the role of editorial opinions
Week
6

Module 2: Writing Columns

3h

Unit 2: Personal Columns

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Personal Columns
  • Understand the characteristics of personal columns
  • Analyze examples of personal columns
Week
7

Module 2: Writing Columns

3h

Unit 3: Service Columns I

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Service Columns I
  • Understand the purpose of service columns
  • Analyze examples of service columns
Week
8

Module 2: Writing Columns

3h

Unit 4: Service Columns II: Travel Guide

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Service Columns II Travel Guide
  • Understand the components of a travel guide
  • Analyze examples of travel guides
Week
9

Module 3: Reviews and Language of Features

3h

Unit 1: Arts Reviews

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Arts Reviews
  • Understand the criteria for arts reviews
  • Analyze examples of arts reviews
Week
10

Module 3: Reviews and Language of Features

3h

Unit 2: Special Correspondents

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Special Correspondents
  • Understand the role of special correspondents
  • Explore examples of special correspondents
Week
11

Module 3: Reviews and Language of Features

3h

Unit 3: Language of Features

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Language of Features
  • Understand the stylistic devices used in feature writing
  • Analyze the use of language in feature examples
Week
12

Module 4: Writing Tasks

3h

Unit 1: Writing the Feature Story

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Writing the Feature Story
  • Understand the techniques involved in feature writing
  • Analyze examples of feature story structures
Week
13

Module 4: Writing Tasks

3h

Unit 2: Writing the Feature: The Intro

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Writing the Feature: The Intro
  • Understand the different types of feature intros
  • Analyze examples of feature intros

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a portfolio of different feature types (profiles, interviews, reviews)

2

Practice writing catchy intros and compelling conclusions

3

Study examples of successful feature stories and analyze their structure

4

Focus on improving your writing style and language skills

5

Review key concepts related to ethics and legal considerations in journalism

6

Practice time management by setting deadlines for writing assignments

7

Create concept maps linking Modules 1-3 to understand the different feature types

8

Analyze the writing styles of famous columnists and feature writers

9

Practice writing headlines that grab the reader's attention

10

Review all TMAs and assignments to identify areas for improvement

11

Focus on understanding the different types of leads and how to use them effectively

12

Practice writing in different tones and styles to adapt to various feature types

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