Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Writing for young adults

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: COMM5413

Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Writing for young adults

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact : Mr Brendan Lee

Course Contact Phone: 9925 4368

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Ms Clare Renner
Phone: 9925 4047
Email: clare.renner@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 85

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, Refine Writing and Editing –Writing for YA is delivered and assessed along with the following competencies.

•CUVCOR04A - Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse
•CUVCOR13A - Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice
•CUECOR01B - Manage own work and learning
•CUSADM03A - Manage a project
•CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
•CUSRAD02A - Conduct research

Through the development of these competencies, you gain the skills needed to manage your work and learning while responding to a project brief. You research the work of other writers and publishers and apply your findings to your own project through the development of a concept into a written work.

Course Description

This course covers the knowledge and skills required to write for young adults. You analyse and discuss a broad range of fiction and non-fiction writing for this audience while developing a concept for your own project. You also experiment with writing and editing techniques in order to write a work that meets the particular needs of a young adult readership.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Writing for young adults

Element:

1. Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media   

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The potential for new approaches to writing based on the capabilities of techniques already used are evaluated
1.2 New techniques are selected, adapted and introduced for the achievement of different effects
1.3 The capabilities of writing techniques are extended through experimentation to inform practice
1.4 Relevant ideas and approaches from other practitioners are researched, adapted and used with consideration of intellectual property, moral rights and copyright requirements

Element:

2. Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings

Performance Criteria:

2.1 The criteria for selecting techniques are considered based on results of experimentation
2.2 The criteria which are most likely to facilitate the achievement of the conceptual vision are established
2.3 The approach to work which meets established criteria is selected
2.4 The conceptual vision is refined based on on-going experimentation and analysis of writing techniques

Element:

3. Determine and organise resource requirements for work

Performance Criteria:

3.1 The specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches are assessed
3.2 Potential sources of supply of writing resources are researched and accessed
3.3 Constraints that may impact on the development of work are evaluated

Element:

4. Plan the writing

Performance Criteria:

4.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work and to meet agreed timelines
4.2 Ideas are organised and developed into an ordered sequence of scenes
4.3 All resources required to deliver the writing task are organised
4.4 A timeline for the completion of the writing task that reflects the critical milestones is determined

Element:

5. Realise writings                              

Performance Criteria:

Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision
The potential for changes in the use of techniques are evaluated and responded to
The conceptual vision is refined based on on-going experiences with the production of writings
Issues of design and presentation of writings are considered and appropriate actions taken


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will be able to develop a concept into a written work for young adult readership


    Details of Learning Activities

    In this course you learn through-

    1. In-class activities:
    • lectures
    • industry speakers
    • teacher directed group activities/projects
    • peer assessment
      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

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


    Teaching Schedule

     
    Week           		 Class Content                   Assessment       Due Competency and elements 
      Semester 1    
     Wk1
         		  Introduction to the course. Explanation of the year’s work and assessment.

    Discussion of individual project ideas, parameters and resources needed.    		    
    CUSADM03A - Determine scope of projects
    VBP553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work
    CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief
    CUSRAD02A - Clarify and confirm purpose of research
    CUVDES05A - Liaise with others over the brief
    CUVCOR 13A - Research history and theory
     Wk 2
         		  The concept of Young Adulthood - reality or marketing myth.
    Researching your market.

    Beginning! – Developing your concept.
    Character or plot first?
    Initial writing exercises.    		    
    CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief
    CUSADM03A - Determine scope of projects
    CUVDES05A - Liaise with others over the brief
    CUECOR01B - Personal time management skills
    CUSRAD02A - Clarify and confirm purpose of research
    VBP553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work
    CUVCOR 13A - Research history and theory
     Wk 3
         		  
    Who is your protagonist?
    Developing character    		    
    VBP 553 – Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings
    CUVCOR 13A - Research history and theory
    CUVDES05A - Liaise with others over the brief
    CUVCOR04A - Research concept ideas
     Wk 4
         		 Plotting your novel.
    Preparing an outline. Looking at the difference between a synopsis and a chapter outline. Plotting exercises.

         		  Student presentation  CUSADM03A - Develop a plan for the limited project
    VBP 553 - Plan the writing
    VBP553 - Determine and organise resource requirements for work
    CUECOR01B - Develop personal time management skills

    Wk 5    		  Who’s telling your story? Exploration of voice and viewpoint  Student presentation  VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings
     Wk 6
         		  Creating the setting Student presentation   VBP 553 - Plan the writing
    CUVCOR04A - Research concept ideas
    CUSADM03A - Develop a plan for the limited project
     Wk 7
         		  The plot thickens....
    Old story - new design. Exploring different design techniques.    		  Student presentation  CUVCOR04A - Research concept ideas
    Provide information in appropriate format
    CUECOR01B - Develop personal time management skills
    Wk 8 All class workshopping Student presentation CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
    CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
      Mid Semester Break
    April 5 - 11 (inclusive)    		    
     Wk 9
         		  Mood, Emotion, Atmosphere.
    Guiding the reader’s feelings and responses.    		  Student presentation  CUVCOR 13A Researc history and theory
    CUVCOR 13A – Link research to artistic practice
    VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings
     Wk 10
         		  Structure - yes you do need it. Story arcs.  Student presentation  UVCOR04A - Adjust and refine concept
    VBP553 - Plan the writing
    CUSADM03A - monitor project
     Wk 11
         		  Telling your story - managing exposition  Student presentation  VBP553 - Plan the writing
    CUVCOR 13A Research history and theory
    CUVCOR 13A – Link research to artistic practice
     Wk 12
         		  Using dialogue - speaking naturally.  Student presentation  VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media
     Wk 13
         		  Writing a synopsis - what is your novel really about?
    Exploring theme.    		  Student presentation  CUVCOR04A - Adjust and refine concept
    VBP553 - Plan the writing
    CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief
     Wk 14
         		  Whole class workshopping  All students to bring material to workshop  CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
    CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
     Wk 15
         		  Keeping it real - or not? Using our own and other people’s experience. Assessment 1 8,000 words of YA novel and synopsis due  VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media
     Wk 16
         		  Industry Speaker  Student presentation  CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
    CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information
     Wk 17
    June 9    		  Assessment Week -no classes    
      SEMESTER 2     
    Wk 1
         		  Stuck in the middle?
    Recapturing early excitement and fulfilling promise
    Conflict, opposition and suspense.    		  Student presentation  CUSADM03A - monitor project
    CUECOR01B - Manage own learning
     
    Wk 2 Character development
    Secondary characters - what are they doing?    		 Student presentation VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media
    Wk 3
         		  Managing interior monologues  Student presentation  VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media
    Wk 4
         		  YA genre fiction - what’s around?
    The popularity of speculative fiction    		  Student presentation  CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information
    CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice
    Wk 5
         		  Reviewing YA fiction  Student presentation  
    Week 4 CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
    CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
    CUVDES05A - Liaise with client
    Wk 6  Whole class workshopping  Student presentation  CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
    CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
    CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
     Wk 7
         		  Show - don’t tell or Show and tell?  Student presentation  CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice VBP553 Realise writings
    Wk 8
         		  Non-fiction for YA  Student presentation  CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
    CUECOR01B - Manage own learning
    Wk 9
         		  Popular of literary fiction? How popular do you want to be?  Assessment 4

    Viewpoint article due    		  CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice VBP553 - Realise writings
    Wk 10
         		 Descriptive writing – Can your readers cope?  Student presentation  CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
    CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information
    VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media
    CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
    CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
    CUECOR01B - Manage own learning
    Wk 11  Short stories / Picture books / Graphic Novels for Young Adults  Student presentation  CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice
    VBP 553 - Plan the writing
    Wk 12
         		  Whole class workshopping  All students to bring material to workshop  CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
    CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
    CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
      Mid Semester Break
    Sep 24 to Oct 5 (inclusive)    		    
    Wk 13
         		  The drafting process
    • How many drafts?
    • Editing and polishing - When is enough really enough?
    Chapter outlines – do they help?    		  Student presentation  CUSADM03A - Review project against plan
    VBP553 - Realise writings
     Wk 14
         		  Submitting your manuscript
    Which publisher?
    How to write a covering letter
    Contracts
    Workshopping and individual consultations to help with last minute problems    		 Assessment 5  8,000 words of YA novel and chapter outline due  CUVDES05A - Complete the production of the work
    VBP553 - Realise writings
    CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
     Wk 15
         		  Industry speaker  Student presentation  CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
    CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information
    Wk 16  Guest Publisher    CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
    CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information
     Wk 17
         		  Assessment Week- no classes    


    Learning Resources

    Prescribed Texts

    Any prescribed reading material is provided in class


    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.

      1. Novel Manuscript (1)
      First 8,000 words of a novel suitable for a Young Adult readership and a synopsis of a YA novel. Due May 24. (35%)

      2. Oral Presentation
      Choose a YA novel that has in some way influenced your own writing and present a 10 minute paper, discussing the aspects of the novel that have informed your YA project. To be given on an agreed week. (10%)

      3. Book Review
      Review a minimum of 8 YA novels this year. As you read each book, post a brief response to it on blackboard. This works as a starting point for on-line discussion and become a shared resource for the class. (5%)

      4. Article for Viewpoint
      Choose an aspect of YA writing that interests you and write a proposal and the first 250 words of an article suitable for submitting to Viewpoint, The Hornbook or other publication specialising in YA writing.
      The article should reflect the requirements of the journal and its readership. Due August 30. (5%)

      5. Novel Manuscript (2)
      A further 8,000 words of the YA novel and a chapter outline Due Oct 18. (35%)

      6. Workshopping
      Workshopping of class exercises and projects throughout the year. (10%)


      Grades used in this course are as follows:

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

      For further details on these assessment tasks and the grading system and 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 Assessment Tasks
      You are required to 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.

      Late Submissions
      If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension before that due date.
      Please refer to the course blackboard site for information on late submissions and on applying for an extension.

      Feedback
      You will receive both spoken and written feedback on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

      Academic Integrity
      Academic Integrity is about the honest presentation of your academic work. Presenting work that fails to acknowledge other people’s work within yours can compromise academic integrity. For further information on academic integrity and plagiarism, please refer to the following URL. http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kkc202lwe1yv

      Special Consideration Policy
      Please refer to the following URL for information on applying for special consideration:
      http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1

      Course Overview: Access Course Overview