Welcome to the Basics of Feature Writing Course at NZ Writers' College.
Want to write articles for print or online publications, from magazines and newsletters to webzines?
Being able to write an article that is interesting, factually accurate and that holds your reader’s attention is a fine art, and potentially a lucrative one too. We’ll teach you the tools you need to write articles, and give you the chance to polish your writing skills in 20 writing assignments with expert feedback from a professional feature writer.
The Basics of Feature Writing Course introduces you to the structure and format of feature articles, and teaches you how to write readable articles for print and Web publications.
Topics include:
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What exactly is a feature article?
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How do print articles differ from articles for the Web, and how can you write for both?
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How to write compelling openers
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Twenty key tips to write the body of an article
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How to close your article in style
Course Details:
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Modules: 5 Modules (a 140-page course manual)
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Duration: Course can be completed at own pace within three to five months
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Start date: At any time; applications all year round via our website
Student must complete:
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20 writing exercises
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1 full-length article
Admission Requirements:
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Basic writing skills are essential
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Computer skills, e-mail and Internet access required
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No previous tertiary qualification required
Tutors for this course:
Course Curriculum
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Module 1 – What is Feature Writing?
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A look at the structure of a feature article
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Writing articles for print publications
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Web-writing tools and tips for online articles
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Selecting a target publication
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Writing Assignments
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Module 2 – Writing the Lead
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An overview of different article openings
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Writing Assignments
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Module 3 – Writing the Article Middle
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Twenty key tips to write a feature article
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Writing Assignments
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Module 4 – The Perfect Closer
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Ending your article in style
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How to create sidebars, pull quotes, sub-headings and contributor bios
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Writing Assignments
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Module 5 – Tying up the Loose Ends
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Editing tips and final checks
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Writing assignments
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How does the course work?
Detailed class notes covering the content of each module are e-mailed to students. At the end of each module, students will be required to complete writing exercises. In total, the course includes twenty short writing assignments, all of which count towards the final result of the student. This includes a full-length article.
Once the writing assignment has been completed, and e-mailed to the lecturer, an assessment and feedback will be sent to the student, and the module will be considered complete. Students can also participate in ongoing online discussions by posting comments about the materials covered in the course or other issues pertaining to writing in the college blog.
Conditions of Certification:
Students will receive an NZ Writers' College Certificate upon successful completion of the course, provided they meet the following conditions:
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Students must have completed all 20 assignments
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The course must have been completed within three months of registration.
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Students are expected to attain a minimum average of 50% for the course
Minimum Estimated Time Commitment:
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Reading time: 8 hours
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Writing time: up to 15 hours
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Research time: 2 - 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the selected topic for article.
Photo credit: digitalrob70
