Course Title: Produce Writings - Writing for Children
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2011
Course Code: COMM5405
Course Title: Produce Writings - Writing for Children
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: Martine Murray
Email: martine.murray@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 – Writing for Children 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
Produce Writings –Writing for Children supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required to write and market material for young children.
You are introduced to the works of various children’s writers and examine the techniques used in writing picture storybooks, junior novels and other forms of fiction and non-fiction materials for children. You also experiment with a range of approaches and techniques while creating your own body of work.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP552 Produce Writings - Writing for Children |
Element: |
1. Analyse the purpose of the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The purpose of the work is confirmed with relevant parties |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will have gained insight into the process of writing for children. Through research and practice you will be able to develop an initial concept into a written work for children.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course you learn through -
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
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 Starting |
Class Content | Assignments Due | Competency & Elements |
Week 1 7 Feb |
Introduction to the subject. Explanation of the year’s work and assessment. Initial writing exercises. Discussion of drafting and workshopping process. |
VBP 552 Analyse purpose of writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information |
|
Week 2 14 Feb |
Looking at the elements of story. What makes a story work..... Workshopping initial ideas and concepts. |
VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task CUSRAD01A Collect & assess information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR03A Develop concept |
|
Week 3 21 Feb |
Death, anxiety and pooh. Is there any material that is inappropriate. How to find material and how to treat it. |
CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUSRAD01ACollect and assess information |
|
Week 4 28 Feb |
The "what it" Pushing, twisting, enlarging and idea. Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Plan writing task CUSRAD01ACollect and assess information |
|
Week 5 7 Mar |
Writing visually. The illustrated text and picture book. Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Plan writing task CUSRAD01ACollect and assess information |
|
Week 6 14 Mar |
Rhyme, Rhythm and Repetition Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Create writing task |
|
Week 7 21 Mar |
Buddy Books............. Conversations, dialogue and friendship Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Create writing task |
|
Week 8 28 Mar |
Guest Speaker | CUVCOR11A Collect information on own area of work |
|
Week 9 4 Apr |
The everyday and the historical Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Create writing task |
|
Week 10 Apr 11 |
Identity and the emergence of self Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Create writing task |
|
Week 11 18 Apr |
The character as story Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Create writing task |
|
Mid Semester Break | |||
Week 12 2 May |
The others as story Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP552 Create writing task |
|
Week 13 9 May |
A world of characters Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP552 Create writing task | |
Week 14 16 May |
Fables, fairytales and animals Workshopping |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP552 Create writing task |
|
Week 15 23 May |
Whole class workshopping |
SUBMIT PICTURE BOOK TEXTS |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP552 Realise writing task |
Week 16 30 May |
Review of semester and discussion of material covered in Semester 2 |
|
CUSRAD01A Communicate information VBP552 Realise writing task |
Week 17 6 June |
Assessment Week | ||
Semester 2 | |||
Week 1 4 July |
Introduction and discussion of direction and assessment requirements in Semester 2 Looking at Junior Fiction novels and what’s involved. Developing a writing practice. |
Presentations | VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 2 11 July |
Characters who help you plot Real and composite characters Characters your reader can identify with |
Presentations |
VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 3 18 July |
Creating plot – using myths and fables to develop strong story structure. Workshopping |
Presentations |
VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 4 25 July |
Voice – studying voice in a range of children’s novels and finding your own Workshopping |
Presentations | VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 5 1 Aug |
Point of View – how does changing the point of view affect your story? Workshopping |
Presentations |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Plan writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 6 8 Aug |
Dialogue – making it convincing. Workshopping |
Presentations |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Plan writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 7 15 Aug |
Popular fiction Series fiction Workshopping |
Presentations | CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Create writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 8 22 Aug |
Guest Speaker | CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory | |
Week 9 29 Aug |
Non-fiction for children |
Presentations |
CUVCOR03A Develop concept VBP 552 Analyse purpose and investigate scope of writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUSRAD01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 10 5 Sep |
Non-fiction for children Submitting a proposal and writing to a brief Workshopping |
Presentations |
CUVCOR03A Develop concept VBP 552 Analyse purpose and investigate scope of writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUSRAD01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 11 12 Sep |
Short stories for children Workshopping |
Presentations | CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Analyse purpose and investigate scope of writing task CUVCOR11A Apply information CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 12 19 Sep |
Writing from the heart – using your own and other people’s experience to create writing that means something to you and your reader Workshopping |
Presentations | CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Create writing task CUVCOR11A Apply information CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Mid Semester Break | |||
Week 13 10 Oct |
Drafting and re-drafting Writing a synopsis Pitching your idea to a publisher Workshopping |
SUBMIT NON-FICTION ARTICLE Presentations |
CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Create writing task CUVCOR11A Apply information CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 14 17 Oct |
Workshopping and individual consultations to help with last minute problems. | Presentations | CUVCOR03A Develop & communicate concept VBP 552 Realise writing task CUSRAD 01A - Organise & communicate information |
Week 15 24 Oct |
Writing as a business. - Submitting your manuscript - Which publisher? - How to write a covering letter - Contracts Making a living as a writer for Children - Speaking in schools. |
SUBMIT NOVEL |
CUSRAD 01A Collect,assess and organise information |
Week 16 31 Oct |
Melbourne Cup Weekend | ||
Week 17 7 Nov |
Assessment Week |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Any prescribed material will be provided by the teacher |
References
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.
Semester 1.
1. Picture Book Texts.
Two texts suitable for picture books. Submissions includes a dummy for each picture book to demonstrate an understanding of the format. Actual illustrations are not required. Due 23 May (30%)
2.Book Reviews.
A review of a minimum of 15 picture books. As you read each book, post a brief response on blackboard. This works as a starting point for on-line discussion and become a shared resource for the class. (5%)
3. Non-fiction article.
An article suitable for Comet or Explore magazines, following the guidelines put out by the publishers on their website regarding themes, word count, content etc. Due 10 Oct. (10%)
4. Book Reviews.
A review of a minimum of 3 junior novels. As you read each book, post a brief response on blackboard. This works as a starting point for on-line discussion and become a shared resource for the class. (5%)
5. Novel
A short novel of around 4000 words suitable for younger readers. Due 24 October (30%)
6. Class Presentation
A 10 minute class presentation on a subject of your choice. The subject should be related to children’s literature and you need to to let the teacher know the topic you have chosen at least a week before their presentation date is due. You are required to hand in the written notes from their talk with all sources acknowledged. (10%)
7. Class exercises and workshopping. (10%)
Assessment tasks in this unit are graded.
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.
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
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. 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