Course Title: Write extended stories

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: COMM5911C

Course Title: Write extended stories

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5314 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact: Penny Johnson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4383

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

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Anna Snoekstra
anna.snoekstra@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This course is designed to develop the skills to develop and  apply a range of narrative techniques to develop your writing across a range of contexts.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CUFWRT402A Write extended stories
Element:	1. Analyse extended story writing requirements
Performance Criteria:	1. Identify the components of a storytelling creative concept, brief or project, including target audience, format , timeline and proposed outcomes 2. Consider factors such as style, tone and length in relation to purpose of the writing task 3. Decide on the most appropriate structuring technique for extended story writing tasks 4. Discuss with relevant personnel possible visual and aural storytelling structures if appropriate to storytelling tasks
Element:	2. Prepare to write extended stories
Performance Criteria:	5. Research extended and more complex stories from a range of creative works that may inspire story ideas to meet project requirements 6. Use information sources to research subject areas 7. Experiment with a range of narrative structures and writing styles and techniques 8. Develop extended ideas for characters, plots and settings 9. Develop complex scenarios, contexts and situations as required 10. Select the story structure, style, techniques and content that best meet the requirements of projects 11. Seek feedback from relevant personnel on proposed stories and refine approach as required
Element:	3. Draft extended stories
Performance Criteria:	12. Draft extended stories using appropriate structuring, style and language 13. Use relevant formatting and presentation techniques 14. Proofread draft stories for appropriate grammar, punctuation and spelling 15. Submit draft manuscripts to relevant personnel for feedback and amend as required
Element:	4. Write final drafts
Performance Criteria:	16. Evaluate extended stories in line with relevant criteria 17. Discuss and confirm with relevant personnel additional requirements or modifications to the story 18. Complete necessary amendments as required within agreed timelines 19. Evaluate story writing process, assessing one's own performance and noting areas for future improvement

Learning Outcomes

You will be able to write original projects applying appropriate format and using extended narrative techniques.

Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will consist of:

• In-class activities including:
• Class discussions
• Class presentations
• Group work
• Writing exercises
• Workshopping
• Out-of-class activities including:
• Research
• Conducting interviews
• Independent project-based work

Teaching Schedule

 

Week	Class content	Assessments
Week 1 July 6th	Getting started Introduction to course Assessment outline Personal introductions via small-group storytelling Four types of writing Elements of narrative How do businesses use stories How to find and tell a story  Introduction of AT 1: Storytelling
Week 2 July 13th	Storytelling Case study: The Moth Classic three-act structure Beginnings, middles and ends What to leave in and what to take out Overcoming nerves about public speaking Workshop story ideas Activity: Finding your story
Week 3 July 20th	People matter Writing distinct characters using description, voice, habits, details, anecdotes Characterisation in business writing Group storytelling session (AT 1 delivery) Introduction of AT 2: Character profile	Assessment Task 1: Storytelling (group 1 – in class)
Week 4 July 27th	Looking at the world Interviewing techniques Choosing and using direct quotes Point of view: first, second and third person narratives Observational techniques Writing exercise: character description Group storytelling session (AT 1 delivery)	Assessment Task 1: Storytelling (group 2 – in class) Assessment 1 Submission: 2nd August
Week 5 August 3rd	Making stories interesting Keeping the reader reading – desires, obstacles, suspense, rhythm, pace Different narrative structures Workshopping etiquette  Guest speaker: (Didem Caia) Workshopping AT 2: Character profile	Assessment Task 2:  Character profile (draft)
Week 6 August 10th	Show, don’t tell Descriptive techniques Using details Writing exercise: observation and description Introduction of AT 3: Short story	Assessment Task 2:  Character profile Due: August 16
Week 7 August 17th	Stories for newsletters/blogs/social media Basic structure Analysing good stories Coming up with ideas Stories add value Significant Objects project Writing exercise: personal object
Week 8 September 24th	Putting stories to work How businesses use stories Writing exercise: finding the ‘story’ Guest speaker: (Jill Farrar TBC)
Mid-Semester Break	August 31st - September6th
Week 9 September 7th	Loving language Evocative language Word choices Strong verbs Applying narrative techniques to fiction/memoir/creative non-fiction Workshoppings session 1 AT 3: Short story	Assessment Task 3: Short story (workshop – in class)
Week 10 September 14th	Stories have power Importance of storytelling in our personal lives and our society Workshopping session 2 AT 3: Short story	Assessment Task 3: Short story (workshop – in class) Short Story due: September 20th

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None

References

Resources are available through Canvas.

Other Resources

All required resources will be provided by the teacher on Canvas.

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops

Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include:

• participation in written exercises, in class and online
• research
• the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks.

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as competent in this course you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief, which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

Assessment Task 1: Storytelling
Due date: Week 3 or 4 (Monday 20 July or Monday 27 July)

You will present a 3–4-minute story in class. Your story must be true, from your own life, and told in a compelling way with a clear beginning, middle and end. You may read from a script, use notes or deliver it without prompts.

Assessment Task 2: Character profile

Due date for final submission: Week 6 (Sunday 16 August)

You will write a 250-word character profile of a subject of your choice using techniques including description, direct quotes, observation of habits, anecdotes, etc. You must have a draft to workshop in class in Week 5 (Monday 3 August).

Assessment Task 3: Short story
Due date for final submission: Week 10 (Sunday 20 September)

You will research and write a 800–1200-word story in a genre/style of your own choice. You could write a newsletter article or blog post, a fictional short story or a creative non-fiction piece. Your story should demonstrate the use of some storytelling techniques. You must submit an outline of your story by Week 7 (Sunday 23 August). You must have a draft to workshop in class in Week 9 (Monday 7 September).

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessments are: 

CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did not Submit Assessment

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

 

Other Information

Information about your studies

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Attendance

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

 

Assessment

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.  

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview