Course Title: Produce Writings - Novel

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2011

Course Code: COMM5401

Course Title: Produce Writings - Novel

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: Dr Olga Lorenzo
Phone: 9925 4058 (Mon pm only)
Email: olga.lorenzo@rmit.edu.au

Other teacher TBA

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


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

Course Description

Produce Writings – Novel supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for developing the first draft of a novel.  You originate a concept early in first semester and then refine this concept while learning the basic conventions of novel writing.


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:

4.1 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


On successful completion of this course, you will have gained insight into the process of writing a novel. Through research and practical application of theory, 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

In-class activities:
• lectures
• industry speakers
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• reading of excerpts of writings and set texts to provide examples of writing elements
• workshopping of students’ own projects
• analysis/critique of writings of students’ choice

Out-of-class activities:
• independent project based work
• writing and reading assignments
• online and other research
• independent study


Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

 Week Class Content Assignments Due  Competency & Elements 
 Week 1
8 Feb		  Introduction to subject. Explanation of course structure and
assessment. Discussion of student and teacher expectations.
Writing exercise		    VBP 552 1,2,3;
CUSRAD01A 1-4;
CUVCOR03A 1
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 2
15 Feb		  Discussion of writing practice
Ideas for novels and initiating novels
Texts set for the course
Writing exercise 		   VBP 552 1, 2, 3
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A1,2
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 3
22 Feb		  Novel beginnings
Work-shopping of beginnings commences
Discussion of conventional and non-conventional beginnings
Writing exercise on beginnings		    VBP 552 3,4
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 4
1 Mar		  Pace and novel writing
Writing exercises experimenting with pace
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 1,2,3,4
CUVCOR03A 1
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 5
8 Mar		  Nexus between ‘show, don’t tell’ dictum and the scene as an element of pace
Writing exercises on elements of pace continued
work-shopping		  Notes for all 4-minute presentations on set texts DUE today  VBP 552 2,3
CUVCOR03A 1
 Week 6
15 Mar		  Introduction to point of view as a key element of voice
Writing exercises
work-shopping 		   VBP 552 2,3
CUVCOR03A 1
 Week 7
22 Mar		  Voice and tense
Other elements of voice examined
Writing exercises experimenting with voice
Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 1-4
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 8
29 Mar		  Rhythm and voice
Writing exercises experimenting with rhythm and voice
Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 9
5 Apr		  Concept of story focusing on Michael Hauge’s six-stage plot structure
Writing exercise
Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2
 Week 10
12 Apr		  Analysis of story continued
Writing exercise
Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 11
19 Apr		  Character arcs—an introduction to Hauge’s theory of identity and essence
Writing exercise
Presentations by students on set texts discussing elements of craft in novel
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A, 12, 3
 Week 12
3 May		  The synopsis, the blurb and the pitch
Class presentations continued
Work-shopping
Writing exercises		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
 Week 13
10 May		  Introduction to dialogue conventions
Examination of dialogue and character in classic novels
Writing exercises to do with dialogue
Class presentations
Work-shopping		  500-word synopsis and 2000-word excerpt DUE today  VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4;
CUVCOR03A
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 14
17 May		  Dialogue, continued. Punctuation and other conventions
Writing exercises to do with dialogue
Class presentations
Work-shopping 		   VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
 Week 15
24 May		  Writing and re-writing. Revision and proof-reading. Drafts.
Writing exercises
Class presentations
Work-shopping 		   VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1, 2, 3
CUVCOR03A 2,3
 Week 16
31 May		  Characterisation, continued. Other aspects of character
Examination of character and techniques for developing character
Writing exercises to do with characterisation
Class presentations
Work-shopping		    BP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 17
7 June		  Assessment    
   Semester 2    
 Week 1
5 July		  Review of Semester 1 and introduction to Semester 2 work   VBP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3;
CUVCOR11A 1,2  
 Week 2
12 July		  Place and Atmosphere
Discussion of craft
Writing exercises
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 3
19 July		  Setting, landscape and place as metaphor
Writing exercises
Work-shopping 		   VBP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 4
26 July		  Other forms of metaphor as craft
Class presentations
Writing exercises
Work-shopping		    BP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4;
CUVCOR03A
CUVCOR11A
 Week 5
2 Aug		  Review of summary as a tempo of pace and the ‘show, don’t tell dictum’: when you have to tell; the unreliable narrator and subjectivity in the novel
Presentations on set text
Class presentations
Work-shopping
Writing exercises		  All 4-minute presentation notes due today  VBP 552 3,4,5
CUVCOR03A 1,2,3
 Week 6
9 Aug		  The unreliable narrator and subjectivity continued
Presentations on set text
Class presentations
Work-shopping
Writing exercises		    VBP 552 3,4,5
CUVCOR03A 2,3
 Week 7
16 Aug		  Post-modernism and the conventions of writing
Discussion of craft
Class presentations
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 3,4,
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2, 3
CUVCOR11A
Week 8
23 Aug		  Novel beginnings and narrative perspective
Presentations on set text
Work-shopping
Writing exercises		    VBP 552 1,2,3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1, 2, 3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 9
30 Aug		  Review of novel beginnings
Presentations on set text
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 1,2,3
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 10
6 Sep		  Character arcs
Class presentations
Work-shopping		    VBP 552 4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 11
13 Sep		  The pitch and the synopsis refined
Class presentations
Work-shopping
Writing exercise		    VBP 552 1,2,3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 12
20 Sep		  Middles of novels
Presentations on set text
Work-shopping
Writing exercise		    VBP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 13
11 Oct		  Tension and higher stakes
Work-shopping		  500-word synopsis and 2000-word excerpt DUE today  VBP 552 3,4
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 14
18 Oct		  The publishing industry
Agents
Writing exercise		    VBP 552 2
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 15
25 Oct		 Writing practice and the writing in the cold
Ted Solotaroff piece		    VBP 552 2
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 16  Public Holiday    
 Week 17  Assessment    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

For Olga Lorenzo
Semester 1:
Malouf, D., 1994, Remembering Babylon, Vintage Press. 
Hartnett, S. 2002, Of a Boy, Penguin 
Semester 2:
McCabe, P., 1992, The Butcher Boy, Picador.
Franzen, J., 2001, The Corrections, Farrar Straus Giroux
For other novel teacher: TBA


References

George, E., 2004. Write Away — (ISBN 9780060560423)
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

You require 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 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

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 and grades for the Presentation task and the Synopsis/Novel Excerpt task.
Semester 1
1. Workshop 1,500-word novel extract - (10%) Date for workshopping to be assigned by teacher. Photocopies of extract to be workshopped need to be arranged beforehand or brought to class. This work has to be separate from the Synopis and Novel Excerpt to be submitted at the end of the semester. 
2. Presentation – (10%) Notes due week beginning March 7. A 4-minute presentation on one of the texts set for Semester 1 on a single aspect of craft or a single writing convention. You hand in presentation notes by the due date and have to be ready to present after this at any time determined by the teacher. Complying with time limit and responding to brief is a vital part of the assessment.
3. Synopsis and Novel Excerpt (30%) Due week beginning May 9. A maximum 500-word synopsis and a 2,000-word excerpt of novel edited to publishable standard. Word count to be included and presentation as per industry requirements:
- Single-sided printing
- 12-pt type
- Numbered pages
- Wide margins

- Synopsis as per industry requirements

Semester 2

4.. Workshop 1,500-word novel extract - (10%) Date for workshopping to be assigned by teacher. Photocopies of extract to be workshopped need to be arranged beforehand or brought to class. This work has to be separate from the Synopis and Novel Excerpt to be submitted at the end of the semester.
5. Presentation – (10%) Notes due week beginning Aug 1. A 4-minute presentation on one of the texts set for Semester 1 on a single aspect of craft or a single writing convention. You hand in presentation notes by the due date and have to be ready to present after this at any time determined by the teacher. Complying with time limit and responding to brief is a vital part of the assessment.
6. Synopsis and Novel Excerpt (30%) Due week beginning October 10. A maximum 500-word synopsis and a 2,000-word excerpt of novel edited to publishable standard. Word count to be included and presentation as per industry requirements:
- Single-sided printing
- 12-pt type
- Numbered pages
- Wide margins

- Synopsis as per industry requirements


80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail

For further information on the criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.


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

Feedback:
You will receive spoken and/or written feedback from your teacher on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

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

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 on or 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