Course Title: Advanced Professional Writing

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Professional Writing

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2471

City Campus

Undergraduate

345T Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015

Course Coordinator: Penny Johnson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4383

Course Coordinator Email:penny.johnson@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

You are required to have completed Writing Professionally – Effective Communication (COMM2454) and Copyediting and Proofreading (COMM2455)


Course Description

This course builds on the theory and practices discussed in ‘Writing Professionally – Effective Communication’ by exploring the craft of professional writing at an advanced level. While focusing on the areas of business writing and public relations, you will refine your ability to inform and persuade as well as explore ways to communicate information via images, graphs, diagrams and tables. A close study of business writing will introduce you to the components and techniques of writing formal reports, business cases and proposals, while the public relations content explores the art of writing copy for print ads, newsletters, brochures, direct mail and web-based applications.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • identify and apply advanced principles of professional writing and editing
  • research, write and edit complex business documents such as formal reports, business cases and proposals
  • prepare, write and edit samples of copywriting, such as advertisements, newsletters, brochures, direct mail and web content
  • work to a brief and communicate effectively with clients and peers 
  • write persuasive and informative documents that effectively target specified audiences
  • reflect on industry practices and discuss trends in professional writing.

Program Learning Outcomes
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • apply and creatively adapt theoretical and technical knowledge and skills to reflect the needs and expectations of varied readerships and markets
  • communicate effectively to audiences within relevant creative and professional contexts around writing, editing and publishing
  • work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness.



Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are: 

  • lectures, which provide the framework for developing advanced skills in professional writing
  • class exercises and activities designed to clarify course content and practise relevant skills
  • collaborative project work
  • independent research and study, working through the course requirements as presented in classes, online and through learning materials.


Overview of Learning Resources

Course information and learning materials for this course are available through myRMIT and you are provided with selected written and visual material in class. You can also access a range of resources through the library, e-reserve, the web, blackboard and various databases.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Assessment will include a range of activities such as in-class exercises, assignments, and individual/group projects.