English and Journalism BA (Hons)

" English and Journalism BA (Hons)

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— Coventry University (@covcampus) February 9, 2015 OVERVIEW

This English and Journalism course runs in 2016/17.

The English language is not only a system of communication; it is a means of defining the world and ourselves, an instrument in the construction of global identities, and an expression of the cultural and political world.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

By combining your study in these areas, you will join a vibrant course which examines how the world of language and the media influence our lives at home and internationally. You will explore styles and contexts surrounding language and literature and also examine the editorial world of the journalist. As well as enhancing your critical-thinking skills, there will be plenty of opportunities for hands-on practical experience, producing your own news and current affairs for a variety of media audiences, including print and online.

If you choose this course you will benefit from:

• a vibrant learning community to help you develop your critical thinking and the communication skills employers want;
• experienced teaching staff, who bring professional and/or research expertise into their teaching;
• guest lecturers from the media industries and field trips to media-oriented organisations;
• being able to take part in the English and Languages Society, contribute to the Coventry Words magazine and participate in cultural trips;
• networking with international students through online exchanges and blogs;
• the opportunity to apply for a work placement, to spend a year studying or working overseas;
• access to the student union’s flagship Coventry Source newspaper and radio station;
• the option to volunteer in schools to gain experience as a teaching assistant or to present one-day courses to students;
• a mix of theory and practical modules to give you the knowledge and skills to widen your career choices when you graduate.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

During the first year, you will be introduced to the core areas of English and Journalism and will study areas such as literature, language of the media and feature writing.

Second year subjects will increase your knowledge and skills in both areas and will give you a greater understanding of media markets and the cultural and political influences of the news media upon society, of discourse in society and of journalism as literature, as well as developing your writing for the news media.

You have the choice to apply for an optional work placement or study abroad year with this course.

In the final year you will complete a Professional project or dissertation and develop an understanding of ethics in journalism and in your own project. You will also choose from options such as Screenwriting, Critical Discourse Analysis or Language and Society in Modern Britain.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE BE TAUGHT?

Your course will be based on a series of lectures, with associated seminars and practical workshop classes. In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice.

If you are interested in part-time study (which is taught during the day) please contact the Part-time Admissions team on +44 (0) 24 7765 4321 or email part-time.uni@coventry.ac.uk for further information, but please note that not all courses have a part-time option.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

An estimated percentage breakdown of how your final grade is assessed is as follows: formal examinations 35%; coursework, tests, essays 40%; practical or project work 10%; group work etc. 5%; presentations, posters etc. 10%.

A compulsory Add+vantage module must also be completed: please see the page on the Add+vantage scheme for more details.

TEACHING CONTACT HOURS

In a typical week you will have up to 13 contact hours of teaching and this could break down as:

Personal tutorial/small group teaching: 1 hour session (as individuals or in small groups) regularly throughout each semester, as well as individual project supervision in your final year

Medium group teaching: 7 hours of practical workshops or seminars each week

Large group teaching: 5 hours of lectures each week

Personal study: 27 hours each week studying and revising in your own time, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.

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