Course Title: Produce Writings - Novel

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2009

Course Code: COMM5401

Course Title: Produce Writings - Novel

School: 345T Creative Media

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4171 - Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact : Program Administration Brendan Lee

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368

Course Contact Email:Brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Dr Olga Lorenzo
9925 4058
olga.lorenzo@rmit.edu.au


Dr Sonia Orchard
sonia.orchard@rmit.edu.au

Ms Edwina Preston

edwina.preston@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

None

Course Description

This course introduces you to the basic conventions of novel writing. You originate a concept early in first semester and then refine this concept while developing the first draft of a novel. Produce Writings – Novel supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent performance as a writer in a range of writing contexts.

The competency Produce Writings – Novel VBP552 is delivered and assessed alongside the following competencies:
CUVCOR03A: Develop, refine and communicate concept for own work
CUVCOR11A: Source information on history and theory and apply to own work
CUSRAD01A: collect and organise information


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VBP552 Produce Writings - Novel

Element:

1. Analyse the purpose of the writing task 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The purpose of the work is confirmed with relevant parties
1.2 The form, media and technique most appropriate to the purpose of the writing task is selected
1.3 The stylistic and cultural context of the writing task is proposed to meet the writing objective

Element:

2. Investigate the scope of the writing task

Performance Criteria:

2.1 The level and scope of the writing task is analysed to determine the length and style of the work
2.2 The level of research required to fulfil the agreed outcome to the required style and standard is analysed
2.3 The resources necessary to retrieve or generate the relevant information is determined
2.4 The type and level of information required to suit the context of the writing task is planned

Element:

3. Plan the writing task

Performance Criteria:

3.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work
3.2 Ideas are organised and developed into an ordered sequence
3.3 All resources required to deliver the writing task are organised
3.4 A timeline for the completion of the writing task that reflects the critical milestones is determined

Element:

4. Create the writing task

Performance Criteria:

.1 Components of the information required and the form in which the writing will be developed, constructed and presented is resolved
4.2 The intention of the writing task and the characteristics of the audience are reflected in the writing
4.3 Appropriate processes and research are utilised to retrieve the necessary information
4.4 The particular characteristics of the media are analysed to inform the writing in a way that is appropriate for the purpose of the writing
4.5 Relevant information sources are employed to generate and inform the writing task
4.5 Common literary devices and the metaphoric function of language are integrated into the writing task
4.6 Writing task is produced in accordance with writing goals

Element:

5. Realise the writing task

Performance Criteria:

5.1 The writing task is appropriate for the media, the context of the brief and the style of the subject matter
5.2 The language in which the writing task is written is suitable for the intended audience
5.3 The writing task is proofed and edited to the standard required for presentation
5.4 A draft is presented, if required, to the client to confirm that the work is acceptable
5.5 Work is adjusted as required and presented in the agreed manner and timeframe


Learning Outcomes


Not applicable On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to develop the concept for a novel, create and refine a synopsis and begin the first draft of a manuscript.


Details of Learning Activities

Students learn through classroom-based lectures, workshopping, writing exercises, discussion and class presentations. Students are expected to do their own research and writing off-campus.


Units of competency in cluster Learning Activities
Assessment
CUVCOR03A: Develop, refine and communicate concept for own work:
* Activities include workshopping, writing exercises, lectures, Produce a synopsis and 10000 word excerpt of novel; Show through the drafting
process how you are working on your
novel
CUVCOR11A: Source information on history and theory and apply to own work:
The aim is to develop competency in knowledge of elements of craft in published novels relevant to student’s work. Activities include lectures, writing exercises and workshopping Two 4-minute class presentations of an aspect of craft; excerpts showing understanding of theory & craft
CUSRAD01A: collect and organise information:
Students need to demonstrate the ability to research both the thematic considerations of their novels and elements of craft. Activities will include lectures, student presentations, workshopping and writing exercises Presentations and excerpts of novel, workshopping novel at least three times each
semester.



VBP 552: Produce writings -- Novel

* Lectures and classroom discussion of:
- plot, character development,
- use of dialogue, point of view, style, pace, and setting.
- different narrative concepts and styles
* Workshopping drafts to a publishable
standard
* Completing written exercises Produce 10,000 words of a novel (5000 each semester)


Teaching Schedule

The following schedule is subject to change depending on class needs.
Week Topic Competencies
1 Introduction
Writing exercises in class; prospective novels discussed
Texts assigned

VBP 552 / CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
2 Novel themes
Getting ideas for novels discussed
Writing exercises
Workshopping of student work commences VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
3 Novel Beginnings
Workshopping students’ beginnings
Discussion of conventional and non-conventional beginnings
Writing exercises on beginnings VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
4 Voice and Point of View
Lesson on point of view and tense in novel writing
Writing exercises experimenting with PofV
Workshopping students’ work in class VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
5 Voice and Point of View
Discussion of Point of View cont
Writing exercises
workshopping VBP 552
CUVCOR03A;

6 Voice and Point of View
Discussion of Point of View cont
Writing exercises
workshopping VBP 552
CUVCOR03A;

7 Voice and Tense
Other elements of voice examined
Writing exercises experimenting with voice
Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft
Workshopping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
8 Rhythm and Pace
Elements of pace examined, including scenes, summary, stretch, ellipsis
Writing exercises experimenting with rhythm and pace
Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft
Workshopping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
9 Rhythm and Pace
Writing exercises experimenting with rhythm
Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft
Workshopping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;

10 Show, don’t Tell
Discussion of “show, don’t tell” as craft
Writing exercises experimenting with “show, don’t tell”
Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft
Workshopping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
11 Show, don’t Tell
Writing exercises on “show, don’t tell” cont
Presentations by students on set texts discussing elements of craft in novel
Workshopping
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;

12 Show, don’t Tell
Class presentations continued
Workshopping
Writing exercises VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;

13 Dialogue
Examination of dialogue and character in classic novels
Writing exercises to do with dialogue
Class presentations
Workshoppping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
14 Dialogue
Writing exercises to do with dialogue
Class presentations
Workshoppping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;

15 Dialogue
Writing exercises to do with dialogue
Class presentations
Workshoppping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;

16 Characterisation
Examination of character and techniques for developing character
Writing exercises to do with characterisation
Class presentations
Workshoppping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
17 Characterisation
Writing exercises to do with characterisation
Class presentations
Workshoppping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;

18 Assessment Period
19 Review of Semester 1 and introduction to Semester 2 work VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;

20 Place and Atmosphere
Discussion of craft
Class presentations
Writing exercises
Workshopping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
21 Place and Atmosphere
Writing exercises
Workshopping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;

22 Politics and the Novel
Discussion of craft
Class presentations
Writing exercises
Workshopping VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
23 Presentations on set text
Class presentations
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR11A
24 Presentations on set text
Class presentations
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
25 Realism, post-modernism
Discussion of craft
Class presentations
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
26 Presentations on set text
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
27 Presentations on set text
Class presentations
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
28 Metaphor, symbolism , discussion
Class presentations
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
29 Metaphor, symbolism
Class presentations
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
30 Presentations on set text
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
31 Presentations on set text
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
32 Endings: discussion of craft
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
33 Endings: discussion of craft
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
34 Genre : discussion
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
35 Selling Novels: Discussion
Workshopping
Writing exercises
VBP 552
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A;
CUVCOR11A
36 Overview/ Assessment period





Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

This will vary according to the teacher.

For Olga Lorenzo
Weeks 1–18:
David Malouf, Remembering Babylon
Sonya Hartnett, Of a Boy

Weeks 19–36:
Patrick McCabe, The Butcher Boy
Anna Quindlen, One True Thing

For Sonia Orchard
Weeks 1-18: 
"Addition", Toni Jordan
"The Sea", John Banville


Weeks 19-36:
"Of A Boy", Sonya Hartnett
"Austerlitz", W.G. Sebald


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks.


Assessment Tasks

1. Novel excerpt

A 5000-word excerpt from your novel, including word count, and edited to publishable standard. A (maximum) 500-word synopsis. First 2000 words of manuscript (or 2000 consecutive words of your choice, clearly identified) to be closely assessed and line-edited.

Due dates:
Class no. 5716: Tues. May 11
Class no. 5717: Tues. May 11
Class no. 5718: Wed. May 12

Percentage weight: 40%

2. Presentation


A five-minute presentation on one of the set texts, focusing on a single element of craft.

Note: this is not a book review, a discussion of the themes of the novel or a recounting of the plot. It is a discussion of only one element of craft covered in the teaching schedule above: for example, pace, dialogue or point of view. The presentation should focus on ’what I learned’ about this element of craft while reading this book. Students should take notes while reading.

Due dates:
Class no. 5716: Tues. March 18
Class no. 5717: Tues. March 18
Class no. 5718: Wed. March 19

Percentage weighting: 5%
3. Class participation: Semester 1

Students are expected to participate in class discussions, consistently workshop manuscripts, respond to feedback, provide a positive contribution to the work-in-progress of other students, contribute to an analysis and discussion of set texts, and participate in the writing and discussion of class exercises.

Percentage weight : 5%


4. Novel excerpt

A 5000-word excerpt from your novel, including word count, and edited to publishable standard. A (maximum) 500-word synopsis. First 2000 words of manuscript (or 2000 consecutive words of your choice, clearly identified) to be closely assessed and line-edited.

Due dates:
Class no. 5716: Tues. Oct 13
Class no. 5717: Tues. Oct 13
Class no. 5718: Wed. Oct 14

Percentage weight: 40%

5. Presentation

A five-minute presentation on one of the set texts, focusing on a single element of craft.

Note: this is not a book review, a discussion of the themes of the novel or a recounting of the plot. It is a discussion of only one element of craft covered in the teaching schedule above: for example, pace, dialogue or point of view. The presentation should focus on ’what I learned’ about this element of craft while reading this book. Students should take notes while reading.

Due dates:
Class no. 5716: Tues. August 4
Class no. 5717: Tues. August 4
Class no. 5718: Wed. August 5

Percentage weight: 5%

6. Class participation: Semester 2

Students are expected to participate in class discussions, consistently workshop manuscripts, respond to feedback, provide a positive contribution to the work-in-progress of other students, contribute to an analysis and discussion of set texts, and participate in the writing and discussion of class exercises.

Percentage weighting: 5 %


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Late submission

If you are unable to complete your assessment project, assignment or essay by the due date, you can apply for an extension. If you are seeking an extension of up to 7 calendar days, please apply to your teacher who will let you know whether your request has been granted. Application for Extension forms are available from the Distributed Learning System (DLS) or from the Creative Media Office. The application must be submitted by email or in person, before the official due date together with supporting evidence such as a medical certificate.

If you are seeking an extension of longer than 7 calendar days, or if you are seeking an extension for a test or lab-based assessment, you will need to apply to the University for Special Consideration.

If you submit late work without an approved extension, 5% of the total marks for that piece of assessment will be deducted each week (or part of a week) it is late.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview