Course Title: Produce Writings - Novel

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

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

Course Coordinator : Dr Olga Lorenzo
Phone: 9925 4058
Email: olga.lorenzo@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


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

 Introduction. Explanation of course structure and assessment. Overview of story conventions

    VBP 552 1,2,3;
CUSRAD01A 1-4;
CUVCOR03A 1
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 2
 

 Show, don’t tell as a basic tenet of fiction
Workshopping

    VBP 552 1, 2, 3
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A1,2
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 3
 

 Pace as a basic element of voice
Workshopping

    VBP 552 3,4
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 4
 

 Scene as an element of pace
Workshopping

    VBP 552 1,2,3,4
CUVCOR03A 1
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 5
 

Point of view
Workshopping
No class Monday - Labour Day holiday

 

  Assessment Task 1: Presentation notes  VBP 552 2,3
CUVCOR03A 1
 Week 6
 

Understanding limited, omniscient, multiple points of view 
Workshopping                                          
 

    VBP 552 2,3
CUVCOR03A 1
 Week 7
 		  Elements of voice, including tense
Workshopping		    VBP 552 1-4
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 8
 

 Story and structure
Workshopping

 Assessment Task 2: 800-word excerpt from your novel  VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 9
 		  Other exponents of structure
Workshopping		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2
 Week 10
 		 Character arcs
Workshopping		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 11
 

Blurb versus synopsis 
Workshopping

    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A, 12, 3
 Week 12
 

Introduction to dialogue
Workshopping

  Assessment Task 3: 1200-word novel excerpt and blurb  VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
 Week 13
 		 Dialogue and pace
Workshopping		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4;
CUVCOR03A
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 14
 

Writing genre 
Workshopping

    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
 Week 15
 		 The publishing industry
Pitching, blurbs, agents 
Workshopping		    VBP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1, 2, 3
CUVCOR03A 2,3
 Week 16
 

 Assessment of manuscripts - no class

    BP 552 1-5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 17
 		  Assessment Week - no class
 		    
   Semester 2    
 Week 1
 		  Exploring different approaches to narrative   VBP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3;
CUVCOR11A 1,2  
 Week 2
 		  Crafting a fictional work
Ethics and publication
Workshopping		    VBP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 3
 

 Fictionalising real people
Legal constraints
Workshopping

    VBP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2,3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 4
 

 Pace and the narrative voice in a longer work
Workshopping

 Assessment Task 4: Presentation notes
 		  BP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4;
CUVCOR03A
CUVCOR11A
 Week 5
 		 Point of view in longer narratives
Workshopping		    VBP 552 3,4,5
CUVCOR03A 1,2,3
 Week 6
9 Aug

Researching techniques for fictional works
Workshopping

    VBP 552 3,4,5
CUVCOR03A 2,3
 Week 7
 

The story arc: beginnings in the narrative
Workshopping

    VBP 552 3,4,
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 2, 3
CUVCOR11A
Week 8
 

The narrative middle: upping the stakes; tension and narrative
Workshgopping

  Assessment Task 5:
1000-word novel excerpt		  VBP 552 1,2,3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1, 2, 3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 9
 

 Endings in narrative: who are your readers and what do they expect?
Workshopping

    VBP 552 1,2,3
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 10
 		  Metaphor and literary devices
Workshopping		    VBP 552 4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 11
 

Landscape and place
Workshopping

    VBP 552 1,2,3,4,5
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 12
 		  Desire and conflict as the engine of narrative
Workshopping		  Assessment Task 6: 1500-word novel excerpt  VBP 552 3,4,5
CUSRAD01A
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 13
 		 Revision, revision, revision: self-editing
Workshopping		    VBP 552 3,4
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
CUVCOR11A 1,2
 Week 14
 

Characterisation
Workshopping

    VBP 552 2
CUSRAD01A;
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 15
 

Completing the novel: sustaining the writing practice
Workshopping

    VBP 552 2
CUSRAD01A 1-4
CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3
 Week 16 No class due to Cup Day holidays    
 Week 17  Assessment Week - no classes
 		    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed texts will be advised in the first class.


References

George, E., 2004. Write Away — (ISBN 9780060560423)
Further suggested reading will be given to you by your teacher.


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.  

Semester 1

Assessment Task 1: Analysis and presentation (12.5%)
A detailed analysis of a narrative technique employed in one of the suggested texts examining ways in which it might inform your novel. You will write a presentation of 600-800 words (3 to 5 minutes - please include your word count) using appropriate overheads or PowerPoint displays and/or photocopies to illustrate your argument to your audience.
Part A: (10%) The written analysis for your presentation. Due Week 4 (commencing 4 March).
Part B: (2.5%) The presentation to the class. Due on a date negotiated by your teacher.
Your written analysis should be correctly formatted with references as appropriate and bibliography. You may accompany your presentation with appropriate overheads, and should pass around photocopies if using a page of text for discussion.
 
Assessment Task 2: 800-word novel excerpt (12.5%)
Due: Week 8 (commencing 8 April)
An 800-word excerpt of your novel.
Present this work according to industry requirements:

  • singtle-sided printing
  • 1.5 or double space lines
  • indented paragraphs with no extra space between them
  • wide margins
  • 12-point type
  • pages numbered

Assessment Task 3: 1200-word novel excerpt and blurb (25%)
Due: Week 12 (commencing 6 May)
You are required to submit a maximum 200-word blurb and a 1200-word edited excerpt of your novel.

Present this work according to industry requirements:

  • single-sided printing
  • 1.5 or double space lines
  • indented paragraphs with no extra space between them
  • wide margins
  • 12-point type
  • pages numbered
  • blurb as per industry standard (to be discussed in class)
     

Please note: this work cannot be the same excerpt (or a revised version) as any work previosuly presented in this course.

Semester 2

Assessment Task 4: Analysis and presentation (12.5%)
A detailed analysis of a narrative technique employed in one of the suggested texts examining ways in which it might inform your novel. You will write a presentation of 600-800 words (3 to 5 minutes - please include your word count) using appropriate overheads or PowerPoint displays and/or photocopies to illustrate your argument to your audience.
Part A: (10%) The written analysis for your presentation. Due Week 4 (commencing 29 July).
Part B: (2.5%) The presentation to the class. Due on a date negotiated by your teacher.
Your written analysis should be correctly formatted with references as appropriate and bibliography. You may accompany your presentation with appropriate overheads, and should pass around photocopies if using a page of text for discussion.

Assessment Task 5: 1000-word novel excerpt (12.5%)
Due: Week 8 (commencing 26 August)
An 800-word excerpt of your novel.
Present this work according to industry requirements:

  • single-sided printing
  • 1.5 or double space lines
  • indented paragraphs with no extra space between them
  • wide margins
  • 12-point type
  • pages numbered

Please note: this work cannot be the same excerpt (or a revised version) as any work previosuly presented in this course.

Assessment Task 6: 1500-word novel excerpt (25%)
Due: Week 12 (commencing 7 October)
You are required to submit a 1500-word edited excerpt of your novel.

Present this work according to industry requirements:

  • single-sided printing
  • 1.5 or double space lines
  • indented paragraphs with no extra space between them
  • wide margins
  • 12-point type
  • pages numbered
  • blurb as per industry standard (to be discussed in class)

Please note: this work cannot be the same excerpt (or a revised version) as any work previosuly presented in this course

 

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

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All students must complete a submission cover sheet for each piece of submitted work.

Plagiarism - RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Copyright
All students have access to the myRMIT copyright shell. The myRMIT copyright shell contains information on copyright, plus also examples on how to use copyright works as part of your projects and assignments.

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:
www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration/online

Work submitted late without an extension or special consideration will be penalised. See the program website for more details.

Student Progress Committee
This committee promotes the early identification of students who are not achieving acceptable academic performance. The committee provides identified students with assistance and seeks to ensure such students are aware of the range of support services available to them at the University. Student Progress Committee (SPC)

Student Feedback
Students are offered opportunities to provide feedback through a variety of mechanisms including online surveys conducted at the end of each course or semester, student complaints and Student Staff Consultative Committees
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview