Introduction to Feature Journalism from edX

Feature journalism is an art which combines in-depth reporting, research, and thoughtful analysis with a creative approach to storytelling that engages as well as informs the reader. In this course you will explore what sets feature journalism apart from other journalistic forms and examine why feature articles add value to a wide-range of publication types. With a particular focus on the southern African context, you will also consider common ethical challenges and the risks of feature journalism, including the constraints related to freedom of speech and press freedoms. Finally, this course takes a look at the business side of feature journalism and provides some practical tips on how to identify and access publishing markets. Whether you are a seasoned journalist or a budding freelance writer looking to hone your skills, this course will provide you with an overview of the craft and useful advice for creating and selling compelling feature stories that inform, inspire, and engage your chosen audience.

What you'll learn

Knowledge of how feature journalism differs from news reporting and commentary.
Skills to analyze the legal and ethical parameters that circumscribe freedom of speech.
The ability to recommend ways of selling stories to your chosen market.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores ethical challenges and the risks of feature journalism, including freedom of speech and press freedom constraints

Focuses on the Southern African context

Taught by Dr. Ronald Irwin

Develops feature journalism skills like in-depth reporting, research, and thoughtful analysis

Provides practical tips on identifying and accessing publishing markets

Teaches how feature journalism differs from news reporting and commentary

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Feature Journalism with these activities:

Read 'The Art of Feature Writing' by William Zinsser

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Expand your knowledge of feature writing by reading a classic book on the subject.

View Extraordinary Lives on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Art of Feature Writing'.
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.

Read a General Overview of Feature Journalism

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Refresh your knowledge of the basics of feature journalism to better prepare yourself for this course.

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Read an article about the definition and characteristics of feature journalism.
Read an article about the different types of feature journalism.

Organize Course Notes and Materials

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Stay organized by compiling and reviewing your course notes and materials regularly.

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Create a system for organizing your notes and materials.
Regularly review your notes and materials.

Five other activities

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Watch Guided Tutorials on Feature Writing

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Watch video tutorials to learn more about feature writing techniques to further develop your craft.

Browse courses on Writing Techniques

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Search for guided tutorials on feature writing on YouTube or other video platforms.
Choose a few tutorials that look interesting and informative.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the tips and techniques that you learn.

Brainstorm Feature Story Ideas

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Practice brainstorming ideas for feature stories that you could potentially write for this course.

Browse courses on Brainstorming

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and that you think would make a good feature story.
Do some research on the topic to learn more about it.
Come up with a list of potential angles for the story.
Write a brief outline of the story.

Practice Writing Feature Story Leads

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Improve your feature writing skills by practicing writing strong leads.

Browse courses on Feature writing

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Choose a topic for a feature story.
Write a few different leads for the story.
Get feedback on your leads from your instructor or peers.

Participate in a Feature Journalism Discussion Group

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Meet with other students to discuss feature journalism, share your work, and get feedback to learn from others and improve your writing.

Browse courses on Feature writing

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Find a few fellow students who are also interested in feature journalism.
Meet up regularly to discuss feature writing, share your work, and get feedback.

Write a Feature Story Draft

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Put your learning into practice by writing a draft of a feature story.

Browse courses on Feature writing

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Choose a topic for your feature story.
Do some research on the topic.
Write a draft of your story.
Get feedback on your draft from your instructor or peers.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Feature Journalism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Journalist

As a Journalist, you will be responsible for researching, writing, and editing news stories for print, broadcast, or online media. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Journalist. You will learn how to conduct interviews, write compelling stories, and edit your work to meet the highest standards. This course can be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Freelance Writer

As a Freelance Writer, you will be responsible for writing articles, blog posts, website content, and other types of written materials for clients. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Freelance Writer. You will learn how to write clear, concise, and engaging content that meets the needs of your clients. This course can be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Editor

As an Editor, you will be responsible for overseeing the production of written content for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Editor. You will learn how to edit for clarity, accuracy, and style. This course can be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Content Writer

As a Content Writer, you will be responsible for creating written content for websites, blogs, and other online platforms. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Content Writer. You will learn how to write clear, concise, and engaging content that meets the needs of your audience. This course can be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Public Affairs Specialist

As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will be responsible for representing the interests of a company or organization to the government and the public. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Public Affairs Specialist. You will learn how to write press releases, manage media relations, and develop public affairs campaigns. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Communications Manager

As a Communications Manager, you will be responsible for managing the communications of a company or organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Communications Manager. You will learn how to write press releases, manage media relations, and develop communications campaigns. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Public relations manager

As a Public Relations Manager, you will be responsible for managing the public image of a company or organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Public Relations Manager. You will learn how to write press releases, manage media relations, and develop public relations campaigns. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Social Media Manager

As a Social Media Manager, you will be responsible for managing the social media presence of a company or organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Social Media Manager. You will learn how to create social media content, manage social media accounts, and measure the results of social media campaigns. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Speechwriter

As a Speechwriter, you will be responsible for writing speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Speechwriter. You will learn how to write clear, concise, and engaging speeches that meet the needs of your audience. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Marketing Manager. You will learn how to conduct market research, develop marketing strategies, and manage marketing budgets. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Instructional Designer

As an Instructional Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing training programs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Instructional Designer. You will learn how to write clear, concise, and engaging instructional materials that meet the needs of your learners. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Copywriter

As a Copywriter, you will be responsible for writing advertising and marketing copy. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Copywriter. You will learn how to write clear, concise, and persuasive copy that meets the needs of your clients. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing technical documentation for software, hardware, and other products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Technical Writer. You will learn how to write clear, concise, and accurate technical documentation. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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UX Writer

As a UX Writer, you will be responsible for writing the text that appears on websites, apps, and other digital products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful UX Writer. You will learn how to write clear, concise, and user-friendly text that meets the needs of your users. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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Media Planner

As a Media Planner, you will be responsible for planning and buying advertising campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Media Planner. You will learn how to research your target audience, develop media strategies, and negotiate with media outlets. This course may be especially helpful if you are interested in pursuing a career in feature journalism.

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