Feature Article Writing is a ten-week intensive workshop combining instructional lectures, practical writing exercises, and a detailed critique of student projects. This course serves both those beginning their journalism journey and experienced writers seeking to strengthen their feature writing abilities. A comprehensive syllabus is provided below for your review.
Feature articles represent the narrative dimension of journalism; they provide factual information while crafting compelling stories about contemporary events and trends. These articles can explore virtually any subject matter, from breaking news developments to emerging trends to biographical profiles of notable individuals. High-quality feature writing often develops into extended narrative nonfiction works and books.
Successful feature writers combine journalistic precision with compelling narrative technique, possess a deep understanding of contemporary media, and bring investigative curiosity to every assignment. This course provides comprehensive training in varied feature article types and their unique requirements, along with professional marketing guidance.
Whether your interest lies in serious news-driven features or lighter entertainment-focused pieces, you'll develop the ability to craft articles that capture editorial attention and reader engagement.
Important Considerations:
- Feature articles are journalism based on factual accuracy and thorough investigation. Comprehensive reporting through research and interviews is fundamental. If your interest is in more literary or opinion-based nonfiction, consider Memoir Writing, Essay and Opinion Writing, or Personal Essay Writing courses.
This comprehensive course provides strong training in feature article fundamentals and guides students through completing one or multiple feature articles. Program components:
- In-depth lectures on feature article craft
- Hands-on writing exercises and assignments
- Collaborative project workshops (individual presentations twice)
Online Course Structure
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Week 1: Feature Articles and Genre Overview: Defining feature articles and their purpose; journalistic principles emphasizing factual accuracy and responsible reporting; contemporary journalism landscape; feature article categories; identifying story ideas and angles
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Week 2: Feature Article Architecture: Understanding feature structure, including compelling openings, context-establishing sections, detailed body development, and effective conclusions; integrating essential elements such as factual information, direct quotations, human interest, and publication conventions; creating effective outlines; managing point of view and article length variables
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Week 3: Research and Interviewing: Conducting excellent reporting; identifying and developing sources; executing effective interviews; incorporating quotations appropriately; maintaining rigorous accuracy
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Week 4: The Feature Writing Process: Understanding the complete feature development workflow, including initial concept, query development, field research, analyzing research material, crafting opening and contextual sections, structural planning, incorporating quotes, and drafting
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Week 5: Profile Writing: Selecting compelling profile subjects; understanding profile structure and components; conducting profile interviews; capturing the essence of a person through writing
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Week 6: Description and Voice: Descriptive techniques including sensory language, precise detail, creative expression, ideal word choice, and strategic modifier placement; noticing and selecting significant details; understanding voice as a writing element; developing distinctive personal voice; adapting voice for specific publications; discovering your authentic writing voice
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Week 7: Expanding Beyond Profiles: Writing hard news stories; creating roundup articles; developing service-oriented journalism
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Week 8: Professional Writing Techniques Collection of professional strategies; engaging human interest elements; creating and maintaining suspense; achieving writing economy; crafting smooth transitions; attributing quotes effectively; adding distinctive elements that distinguish excellent work
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Week 9: Marketing Your Work: Professional marketing strategies for completed articles; understanding contemporary publication options and outlets; identifying appropriate markets; developing professional query letters; professional submission practices; managing query responses
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Week 10: Professional Development: Establishing productive editor relationships; building a sustainable career, including income development, professional networking, and strategic self-promotion; identifying your specialty areas and developing specialized expertise
Important Note: Course content varies by instructor and term.
About This Online Program:
- Online classes bring together writers from throughout the world to study with Gotham faculty, New York City's premier writing school
- Online instruction is asynchronous, enabling participation at any time, with courses progressing weekly and specific weekly requirements
- Online learning is accessible from any global location with internet connectivity; while predominantly U.S.-based, our student community spans nearly every country
- Dedicated technical support is available throughout
- Beyond temporal and geographic flexibility, you maintain complete access to course materials for download and reference (content is text and image-based, not video)
