MJ4100 Literary Journalism and Narrative Non-fiction Prose Course description

The development of media offers formats that facilitate the use of literary inspiration in journalism. These formats are constantly contributing to expanding the journalistic genre repertoire, and therefore the quality of journalism in several media outlets. Journalists are able to delve into their knowledge of genres and their ability to convey a richer and more engaging language.

None.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student has

• advanced knowledge of academic theories about literary journalism and the different directions within the genre
• in-depth knowledge/understanding of the genre¿s history and singularity
• has in-depth knowledge of the relationship between literary fiction and literary journalism, and knowledge of key works within the genre

Skills

The student is capable of

• applying knowledge of literary journalism in the analysis of their own and other people¿s work
• taking a critical approach to and analysing theories about and expressions of literary journalism and working independently with literary journalism texts
• applying literary devices by taking inspiration from other literary journalism and theories about such journalism
• inspiring colleagues, students or pupils to engage in creative and inspirational journalism and of contributing to new ideas
• analysing literary forms of expression in journalism and conveying such forms of expressions

Competence

The student

• is capable of communicating academic issues within the field and contributing to projects in which literary journalism is a key aspect
• has competence in journalistic innovation and in applying his/her knowledge and skills in new areas
• has developed a deeper understanding of journalistic variation through increased knowledge of the subject's research area and own creative practice
• is capable of reflecting on ethical aspects of the use of literary devices

In the course of the programme, students will discuss:

• the relationship between fiction and journalism
• fictional writers as journalists
• literary journalism in history
• literary essays
• reportage, in particular travel reportage
• documentary novels, literary documentaries
• the relationship between journalistic theory and literary theory
• theories about the use of literary and narrative devices in journalism
• New Journalism
• writing experiments

Lectures, seminars and supervision.

None.

The students can choose between two different forms of assessment, both of which are individual:

Either:

• A theoretical semester assignment, for instance an analysis of literary journalism. Scope: 13 to 16 pages, in font size 12, Times New Roman with 1.5 line spacing

Or:

• A practical semester assignment comprising journalistic texts prepared by the student and inspired by literary journalism, with a pertaining reflection paper. The reflection paper should have a scope of 13 to 16 pages, in font size 12, Times New Roman with 1.5 line spacing. Normally, the students will submit a text they have written themselves with a scope of 100 to 120 lines.

Candidates who fail the ordinary exam can submit a reworked version of the semester paper for a resit/rescheduled exam once.

Alle hjelpemidler tillatt

The paper is assessed on a scale from A to F, where E is the lowest pass grade.

All exams will be assessed by one external and one internal examiner.

En bachelorgrad eller tilsvarende.

Søker må ha karaktersnitt C eller bedre i det faglige grunnlaget for opptak, jamfør forskrift om opptak til studier ved OsloMet .