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MAC117Social Sciences2 Unitsbeginner

Writing for Mass Media I

This course introduces undergraduate students in Mass Communication to the fundamentals of writing for the mass media. It explores the basic concepts, principles, and styles involved in crafting effective media messages. The course highlights the importance of research, journalistic style, and medium requirements. Students will learn to develop an ear for writing, understand the role of editing and proofreading, and appreciate the fast-paced nature of the mass media environment.

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

195h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Media WritingJournalismBroadcast StylePrint StyleAdvertising

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Media Writing Basics

2

Broadcast Writing

3

Print Writing

4

Advertising Writing

5

Public Relations Writing

6

Semantics

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

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Advertising Copywriter

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Creator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Media Relations Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

News MediaAdvertising AgenciesPublic Relations FirmsBroadcastingDigital Media

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

10h

Unit 1: Definition and Basics of Media Writing

5 study hours
  • Understand the definition of mass media
  • Explore the challenges and obligations of media writers
  • Discuss the principles and qualities of good media writing

Unit 2: Broadcast Style

5 study hours
  • Explore the broadcast style manual
  • Learn how to handle abbreviations, names, titles, quotations, and numbers on air
Week
2

Module 1:

10h

Unit 3: Print Style

5 study hours
  • Understand the characteristics of print media
  • Explore the information presentation styles in print
  • Discuss the place of photos in print writing

Unit 4: Advertising Style

5 study hours
  • Explore the expectations of advertising audience
  • Discuss media and suppliers
  • Learn how to write Ad copies
Week
3

Module 1:

5h

Unit 5: Public Relations Style

5 study hours
  • Identify the qualities of a public relation writer
  • List the sources of public relations writing
  • Learn how to write the news release
Week
4

Module 2:

5h

Unit 1: Writing the Lead/Headlines

5 study hours
  • Discuss the different types of leads
  • Enumerate the functions of leads/headlines
  • Identify the guides to effective lead/headline writing
Week
5

Module 2:

5h

Unit 2: An Ear for Writing

5 study hours
  • Learn how to affect people positively with your writing
  • Discuss the importance of triviality in media writing
  • Organize an idea into meaningful writing shape
Week
6

Module 2:

5h

Unit 3: Information Sources

5 study hours
  • Identify primary sources
  • Identify secondary sources
  • Learn about the World Wide Web
  • Learn about on-line services Database
Week
7

Module 2:

5h

Unit 4: Revising, Editing and Proof-Reading

5 study hours
  • Explain revising, editing and proofreading
  • Explain the importance of revising your written communication
  • Use a revision checklist to improve the organisation, wording and tone of your written communication
Week
8

Module 2:

5h

Unit 5: Organizing the Facts

5 study hours
  • Discuss the traditional methods of organisation
  • Learn about introduction
  • Learn about the Body
Week
9

Module 3:

5h

Unit 1: Conciseness

5 study hours
  • Identify superfluous details
  • Identify superfluous words, phrases and clauses
  • Identify redundancies
Week
10

Module 3:

5h

Unit 2: Avoiding Banality

5 study hours
  • Effectively package messages for the media by avoiding banality
  • Define figures of speech in relation to writing for the mass media
  • Define bromides, clichés, platitudes in relation to writing for the mass media
Week
11

Module 3:

5h

Unit 3: Readability Formulas

5 study hours
  • Identify the benefits of readable writing
  • Discuss the methods of engineering readability or component
  • Discuss paragraphing guidelines
Week
12

Module 3:

5h

Unit 4: Semantics

5 study hours
  • Differentiate between words and things
  • Discuss the levels of abstraction
  • Discuss the importance of context in media writing
Week
13

Module 3:

5h

Unit 5: Correct Usage

5 study hours
  • Identify grammatical faults
  • Apply the parts of speech to media writing
  • Handle troublesome words
  • Insert transitional words and phrases accordingly

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.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all study units and focus on key concepts

2

Practice writing leads and headlines for different types of stories

3

Study the different writing styles for broadcast, print, advertising, and public relations

4

Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and style guidelines

5

Practice editing and proofreading your own work and the work of others

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