News Writing and Editing

Course Information

  • Course Name: News Writing and Editing
  • Course Code: BMAC 1111
  • Programme: Bachelor of Mass Communication
  • Academic Year: 2025–2026
  • Course Lecturer: Solange UMURERWA
  • Credits: 10
  • Level/Semester: Year I, Semester I
  • Delivery Mode: Face-to-face with practical sessions and Moodle support

Course Overview

News Writing and Editing introduces students to the principles and practices of writing, reporting, and editing news for print, broadcast, and digital media. The course develops practical skills in news gathering, writing, editing, and ethical journalism.

Learning Objectives

  • Introduce principles of news writing and editing.
  • Develop professional news writing skills.
  • Enhance editing and proofreading skills.
  • Promote ethical journalism.
  • Prepare students for newsroom practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify newsworthy stories.
  • Write accurate and balanced news reports.
  • Conduct interviews and gather reliable information.
  • Edit stories for clarity, accuracy, and style.
  • Apply journalism ethics and media laws.
  • Adapt news content for different media platforms.

Prerequisites

  • Basic English communication skills.
  • Basic computer literacy.

Learning Resources

  • Lecture notes
  • Newspapers and online news portals
  • Notes
  • Books
  • Videos

Learning Activities

  • Interactive lectures
  • News writing exercises
  • Editing workshops
  • Group discussions
  • Field reporting
  • Peer review

Assessment

  • Assignments
  • Practical writing exercises
  • Continuous Assessment Test (CAT)
  • Middle Term Exam
  • Group project
  • Final Examination

Course Duration

15 Weeks

WRITING FOR THE MASS MEDIA

Course Overview

Writing for the Mass Media is a foundational communication course that introduces students to the principles, techniques, and ethical standards of writing for different media platforms such as newspapers, radio, television, and digital media. The course equips learners with practical skills to produce clear, accurate, engaging, and audience-appropriate content for mass communication.

Students learn how media writing differs from academic and creative writing, with emphasis on clarity, brevity, objectivity, and adherence to journalistic style. The course also explores the role of media in society, news values, and the responsibilities of media writers in shaping public opinion.

Objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Understand the nature and functions of mass media writing
  • Apply journalistic writing styles and formats
  • Write news stories, features, editorials, and press releases
  • Adapt content for print, broadcast, and digital platforms
  • Apply ethical standards in media writing
  • Use correct grammar, style, and media language convention
Course code: BMAC 1102
Credits: 10

Lecturer: UWAMAHORO Solange

MEDIA HISTORY

Course Title: Media History

Course Description / Review

Media History is a course that examines the development and evolution of communication and mass media from traditional forms to modern digital platforms. The course explores how media systems, technologies, institutions, and communication practices have changed over time and influenced societies politically, socially, culturally, and economically.

Students study the historical growth of print media, radio, television, film, and digital communication, with emphasis on global developments as well as African and regional media history. The course also highlights the relationship between media and major historical events, technological innovations, freedom of expression, and the transformation of journalism in the digital age.

The course enables learners to understand the foundations of modern media systems and appreciate the role media has played in shaping public opinion and social change.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the origin and evolution of mass media.
  2. Identify major historical developments in print, broadcast, and digital media.
  3. Analyze the influence of media on society and historical events.
  4. Discuss the development of media systems in Africa and globally.
  5. Examine technological innovations that transformed communication industries.
  6. Evaluate the role of media in political, social, and cultural change.
  7. Demonstrate understanding of media freedom and ethics throughout history.
Course code:
Credits: 8
Academic year: 2025-2026

COMPUTER SKILLS

The Computer Skills course provides learners with essential knowledge and practical abilities to confidently use computers and digital tools in everyday life, education, and the workplace. The course covers fundamental concepts such as understanding computer hardware and software, using operating systems (Windows, macOS, etc.), and working with common applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also includes internet navigation, email communication, file management, and basic cybersecurity practices. By the end of the course, learners will be able to use computers effectively for creating documents, managing data, presenting information, and safely accessing online resources.

Objectives: 
  • To introduce learners to the basic components and functions of computers.
  • To develop proficiency in using common computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • To teach effective file and folder management techniques.
  • To build skills in using the internet for research, communication, and information sharing.
  • To promote awareness of digital safety, privacy, and responsible computer use.
  • To prepare learners to use technology confidently in academic, professional, and personal settings.
Learning Outcomes: 
  • Identify and explain the basic parts and functions of a computer system.
  • Operate a computer and navigate operating systems (e.g., Windows or macOS).
  • Use word processing software to create, format, and edit documents.
  • Create and manage spreadsheets for data entry, calculation, and analysis.
  • Design professional presentations using PowerPoint.
  • Access, browse, and search the internet efficiently.

Course Code: ESC 111

Credits: 10

Academic Year: 2024-2025

Lecturer: Christine UZAMUKUNDA

communication skills

HISTORY OF MEDIA

The History of Media course explores the evolution of communication systems and media technologies from ancient times to the digital era. It traces how humans have shared information from oral traditions and manuscript cultures to print, broadcast, and modern digital platforms. The course examines key innovations, such as the invention of the printing press, the rise of mass newspapers, radio, television, film, and the internet, and analyzes their social, political, economic, and cultural impacts. It also studies how media institutions and practices have changed over time and shaped public opinion, identity, and democracy.

Objectives:

  • To understand the chronological development of different media forms.
  • To analyze the relationship between media and historical, social, and political contexts.
  • To identify key figures, technologies, and institutions in media history.
  • To explore how media has influenced and been influenced by major global events.
  • To develop a critical perspective on contemporary media by understanding its historical foundations.
Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the major milestones in the development of media across time.
  • Recognize the influence of technological advances on communication practices.
  • Analyze how media has contributed to shaping historical narratives and public consciousness.
  • Compare the roles of traditional and modern media in society.
  • Discuss the emergence of media industries and their cultural significance.
  • Reflect on how media history informs current trends in journalism, entertainment, and digital communication.

Course Code: 

Credits: 

Academic Year 2024-2025

Lecturer: Emmanuel RUTAYISIRE