Course Title: Produce Writings - Corporate Writing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2011

Course Code: COMM5398

Course Title: Produce Writings - Corporate Writing

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4171 - Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mctafe@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Penny Johnson
Telephone: 9925 4383
Email:  penny.johnson@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 105

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

At RMIT, Produce Writings – Corporate Writing is delivered and assessed along with the following competencies:
• CUSRAD01A – Collect and organise information
• CUVCOR03A – Develop, refine and communicate concept
• CUVCOR11A – Source information on history and theory and apply to own work 

Course Description

Corporate Writing introduces you to the craft of professional writing, focusing on business and public relations forms. You study the principles of clear writing and plain English, and the essentials of shaping messages for specific audiences and purposes. This close language work is then applied to business writing, in particular emails, letters, memos and formal reports. You also learn the techniques of persuasive writing and apply this to speechwriting and copywriting. You learn how writing for the screen differs from print, how writing for the ear differs from the eye, and how layout, typography and visuals can enhance the written message.

 

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	VBP552 Produce Writings - Corporate Writing
Element:	1. Analyse the purpose of the writing task
Performance Criteria:	.
Element:	2. Investigate the scope of the writing task
Performance Criteria:	.
Element:	3. Plan the writing task
Performance Criteria:	.
Element:	4. Create the writing task
Performance Criteria:	.
Element:	5. Realise the writing task
Performance Criteria:	.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
• identify  barriers to communication
• build a resource bank of writing samples 
• critique informative and persuasive writing pieces
• interrogate a brief, outline the scope of a task and create a plan and schedule
• research a topic and reference source material using conventional citation styles
• select and sequence information to suit the audience, purpose and form
• write in plain English and the active voice
• apply specific writing techniques to suit the task, such as hedge words and the passive voice
• write in a range of business and public relations forms
• edit and proofread your work to an expected standard
• communicate information effectively via tables, graphs and visuals
• produce documents where the layout and design supports the communication
• work collaboratively with others on a group project.

Details of Learning Activities

Classes are a mixture of lectures, discussion, activities, exercises and group work. You also teach your fellow students by presenting an oral critique and offer feedback to others during workshopping. Some class time in Semester 2 is given over to a collaborative public relations strategy project. Each semester a guest speaker will address the class on an area of expertise.

The Corporate Writing 1 website on Blackboard provides information, resources, activities and web links to support your studies. You are expected to manage your own learning and undertake an appropriate amount of out-of-class independent study and research.

Out-of-class activities include:
• practical exercises
• reading articles and excerpts
• preparing for discussion
• independent research
• writing tasks
• project work.

Teaching Schedule

Semester 1
Week Starting	Class content	Assessment due dates	Elements
Week 1 7 Feb	Introduction to the subject The communication process		CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information
Week 2 14 Feb	Writing professionally: audience, purpose and form Plain English: words and phrases		CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work
Week 3 21 Feb	Plain English: syntax, paragraphs, rhythm and tone, design and layout		CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work
Week 4 28 Feb	Putting plain English into practice Communicating in the workplace: business correspondence		CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information
Week 5 7 March	Writing business letters Analysing letter types: good/neutral news, bad news and persuasive letters Letter layout and formats		VBP 552 Plan the writing task VBP 552 Create the writing task CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess relevant information CUSRAD01A Organise relevant information CUSRAD01A Communicate relevant information
Week 6 14 March	Labour Day holiday
Week 7 21 March	Electronic communication: the culture of email Writing emails and memos		VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess relevant information CUSRAD01A Organise relevant information CUSRAD01A Communicate relevant information
Week 8 28 March	Introduction to speechwriting Writing for the ear Ingredients of an effective speech	Business correspondence assignment	VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information
Week 9 4 April	Guest speaker: speech writer Analysing speeches		CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information
Week 10 11 April	Analysing speeches Feedback on plans	Speech – plan	CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information
Week 11 18 April	Persuasive writing Psychological appeals		CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the writing task VBP 552 Create the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information
Mid-semester break (Thursday 21 April – Wednesday 27 April)
Week 12 2 May	Logic and argument Workshopping speeches		CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the writing task VBP 552 Create the writing task CUVCOR03A Communicate concept CUVCOR03A Refine concept CUSRAD01A Communicate the information
Week 13 9 May	Presentation of speeches	Speech – delivery	VBP 552 Realise the writing task VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUSRAD01A Communicate the information
Week 14 16 May	The media release as a publicity tool Understanding different media markets		VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Organise the information
Week 15 23 May	Writing media releases		CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the writing task VBP 552 Create the writing task CUSRAD01A Communicate the information
Week 16 30 May	Workshopping media releases Introduction to Business XYZ	Media release due 6 June	VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task CUVCOR03A Communicate concept CUVCOR03A Refine concept CUSRAD01A Communicate the information
Week 17	Assessment week
Semester break (Monday 13 June – Friday 1 July)
Semester 2
Week 1 4 July	Introduction to report writing Report back on Business XYZ		VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory
Week 2 11 July	Report writing: structure and conventions		VBP 552 Plan the writing task CUVCOR03A Communicate concept CUVCOR03A Refine concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess the information
Week 3 18 July	Report writing: research techniques	Report – plan	CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work
Week 4 25 July	Referencing styles Using tables, graphs and diagrams		VBP 552 Create the writing task CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work
Week 5 1 Aug	Preparing a business case		VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task VBP 552 Plan the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUSRAD01A Organise the information
Week 6 8 Aug	Introduction to copywriting	Report –¬ final	CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task
Week 7 15 Aug	Advertising		CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept
Week 8 22 Aug	Brochures and flyers		CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information
Week 9 29 Aug	Newsletters		VBP 552 Create the writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR03A Communicate concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess the information
Week 10 5 Sept	Writing for the Web Workshopping		VBP 552 Create the writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUSRAD01A Communicate the information
Week 11 12 Sept	Writing for the Web Workshopping		VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work CUSRAD01A Communicate the information
Week 12 19 Sept	Introduction to PR project Form groups	Copywriting assignment	VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task VBP 552 Plan the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory
Mid-semester break (26 September – 7 October)
Week 13 10 Oct	Creating effective presentations: crafting words and visuals Group work on PR project	PR project ¬ –plan Resource bank	CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Create the writing task
Week 14 17 Oct	Group work on PR project		CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUSRAD01A Communicate the information VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task
Week 15 24 Oct	Presentation of PR project	PR project presentation	CUSRAD01A Communicate the information VBP 552 Realise the writing task
Week 16 31 Oct	Week 16 31 Oct Monday holiday – Cup Day
Week 17 7 Nov	Assessment week

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

You receive course materials in class and online (via Blackboard).

References

You are advised to look at the course blackboard site for ongoing updated information.

Other Resources

You need access to a computer and to the internet for this course.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through writing tasks, assignments, a group project, and participation in class activities and workshopping.

Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.

1.Resource bank and oral critique (10%)

Compile a resource bank of business and copywriting samples throughout the year. Choose a business document or piece of copywriting and discuss its effectiveness via an oral critique to the class. Delivery date should be negotiated with your teacher in either Semester 1 or 2.

2.Business correspondence (15%)

Write 5 pieces of correspondence in response to a given scenario.
Due date: 28 March

3.Speech (20%)

Research and write a 750-word speech on a contemporary issue of your choice. You need to submit a written plan for approval before researching and writing, and you are expected to workshop your speech in class before delivery.
Due date: Speech plan – 11 April; Speech delivery – 9 May

4.Media release assignment (10%)

Write a 350-word media release for associated publicity for your speech. You should also submit an explanatory paragraph explaining your choice of media outlet, its demographic and the purpose of the release.
Due date: 6 June

5.Report (15%)

Research and write a 1500-word business report to a set brief. Before progressing to the research and writing stages, you are expected to submit a detailed plan to your teacher for approval.
Due date: Plan – 18 July; Final report – 8 August

6.Copywriting assignment (15%)

Select and analyse 3 different types of copy from your resource bank. Write 2 pieces of copy to build your own portfolio.
Due date: 19 September

7. Public relations group project (15%)

As a group, develop a PR plan for an organisation, either real or simulated. Present a live pitch of around 20 minutes to the class, including visual aids to support your proposal. You should also present a mock-up piece of copywriting.
Due date: 24 October

Grades used in this unit are as follows:

Grades which apply to curriculum-based courses:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are
available through the course contact in program administration

Other Information

Submission of assessments
Submit all assessment tasks in hard copy with a completed School of Media and Communication cover sheet. You are expected to keep a copy of all assignments submitted.

Feedback
You will receive spoken and/or written feedback from your teacher on your work. When appropriate, this feedback also includes suggestions on further developing your skills and taking projects to the next stage.

Late Submissions
Please refer to the course blackboard site for policy information including information on late submissions

Plagiarism
RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece
of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1;

Course Overview: Access Course Overview