The range of modern journalism - from breaking news to more abstract interpretation of issues such as the economy, science, politics and psychology - has resulted in an increasingly visually literate readership. Topics for features may include causes for a bearish or bullish stock market, causes and cures of schizophrenia or potential repercussions of cloning and gene splicing.
The Illustrated Feature FYP works best when used to communicate concepts, feelings, and the intangibles for which a literal picture, a photo feature or a photoessay is not possible. It uses visual means -- appropriate symbols, analogies, metaphors, design and layout principles -- to express amorphous, sometimes theoretical ideas and concepts.
The Illustrated Feature Writing FYP is for groups of not more than four students, and is marked on three main components:
| 1 |
Feature writing (70 per cent) |
| 2 |
Illustrations/graphics/images/design - in colour or black and white (20 percent) |
| 3 |
Written report and oral defense (10 percent) |
Of the three, the writing component is the most important.
Evaluation Criteria
| 1 |
Feature
Each package will be evaluated on:
• Content (e.g., originality, scope and depth of subjects and relevance and significance of findings)
• Presentation (e.g., organisation of series; projection, completeness, logic, flow of story; and effectiveness of writing, visuals and layout)
• Copy Mechanics (e.g., grammar, spelling, punctuation)
• Technical and aesthetic quality of photographs (e.g., focus, sharpness, proper contrast; expression, lighting, composition)
• Interface design and interactivity, in the case of interactive websites.
Each package should conform to the following guidelines:
• A list of sources, including telephone number for verification, contained in an appendix to the written report
• Use a consistent style (e.g. Reuters or AP) appropriate to the concept and intended target audience of the feature
• Clear and logical presentation, with attention given to headings and hierarchy of the various elements in the package
• No anonymous sources, except when cleared with your supervisor
• Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, spelling and style. Good copy mechanics will counts towards the final grade on the project
• Appropriate use of images, graphics and design and layout principles – in colour or black and white
• Watch out for weak imagery, poor captions, headlines that don ’ t mesh, and a sloppy layout
• Ethical and copyright considerations in the use of images: Every image used should bear a credit line and source
The package should contain:
• A total of 8,000 words, in three to five parts of a series with a central theme. Each part can be further subdivided into boxes and sidebars, but the package must contain at least three articles of 2,000 words or more each. Structure and organization of the package counts towards the final grade.
• 15-20 photographs.
Make three copies of the final report. Also prepare a short written synopsis and an oral report outlining the series' findings and how the project was executed.
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| 2 |
Illustrations
• The appropriate use of images, graphics, and design and layout principles - in colour or black and white - in illustrating the editorial concept will account for 20 percent of the final grade
• Watch out for weak imagery, poor captions, headlines that don't mesh, and a sloppy layout
• Ethical and copyright considerations: Every image used should bear a credit line and source |
| 3 |
Written Report
The project must include three copies of a 10- to 30-page written report, bound in accordance with FYP Committee guidelines, which must contain the following information:
• An introduction and description of the project
• Background information about the theme or subject of the essay
• Proposed audience for the project
• An analysis of the style used
• A summary containing insights learned during the project, difficulties encountered and how they were solved, etc
Examiners will look for:
• The clarity of the writing
• The completeness of the report. Are all required sections complete?
• The quality and creativity of the written part of the project story
• A critical self-evaluation of the project and its results |
| 4 |
Oral Defense
Although joint presentations (written and oral) from each group will suffice, students will be graded individually for their contributions to the project. Students should see that members of the group assume responsibility for their own share of project tasks
The following aspects will be examined:
• The clarity of the presentation. Is it easy to understand the rationale for the project?
• Are all members well prepared?
• Evidence of critical thinking |
IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTS:
“A limited quantity of camera equipment for FYPs is available for short-term loan from the school. Students who plan to check out cameras must register with IT by submitting a form with their supervisor’s endorsement. Forms are available from the IT department. Students must take care of equipment and will be financially liable for any damages.”
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