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

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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Introduction to Feature Journalism

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