Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Myths and Symbols

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2011

Course Code: COMM5423

Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Myths and Symbols

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact : 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 Ania Walwicz
Phone: 03 99254525
Email: ania.walwicz@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 Techiques - Myths and Symbols 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 range of project briefs. You research the work of other writers  and apply your findings to your own writing through the development of a concept into a written work.

Course Description

Refine Writing and Editing Techniques - Myths and Symbols covers the knowledge and skills required to research and experiment with writing and editing techniques. The course develops an awareness of the symbolism and mythology used in story telling. In this course, you study literature, folklore, mythology and religious mythology as seen by writers, academics and psychologists. You examine the ways in which archetypes reoccur in the narratives of contemporary texts and apply your findings to your own writing.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Myths and Symbols

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:

3.1The specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches are assessed
3.2Potential sources of supply of writing resources are researched and accessed
3.3Constraints 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 unit you will have gained insight into the ways in which myths and symbols inform our story telling today and apply your findings to your own writing.


Details of Learning Activities

In this course you learn through -

In-class activities:
• classroom-based lectures
• creative writing exercises
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• class readings
• workshopping of students’ own projects


Out-of-class activities:
• independent writing and reading
• 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 Competencies and Elements
SEMESTER 1  
Week 1
7/02/11
Introduction
Introduction to the area of mythology and symbolic meaning and interpretation
An outline of the subject area and the aims and activities of the class
CUSADM03A - Determine scope of projects
VBP553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work
CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief
Week 2
14/02/11
Joseph Campbell
• looking at the video films of an interview with Joseph Campbell, “The Power of Myth”
• a broad outline of the study of mythology and symbolism
• reflections on the area and its context
CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief
CUSADM03A - Determine scope of projects
CUECOR01B - Personal time management skills
CUSRAD02A - Clarify and confirm purpose of
research
Week 3
21/02/11
Joseph Campbell
• continuing with viewing of “The Power of Myth”
• discussion and reflection of the ideas presented
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
Week 4
28/02/11
Classical mythology
• introduction and reflection on the mythology of ancient Greece
• reading myths and talking about their meaning and context
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings / Plan the writing
Week 5
07/03/11
Classical mythology
• further readings of handouts about about myth
• discussion about the use of myth in literature and everyday experience
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
Week 6
14/03/11
The fairytale
• looking at our relationship with fairytale material
• fairytale form and its mythological and psychological content
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings
Week 7
21/03/11
Psychology and mythology-Sigmund Freud
• the work of Sigmund Freud, his writing and his use of mythology
• the use of myth and symbol in psychoanalysis
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings
CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
Week 8
28/03/11
Carl Jung
• the ideas of Carl Jung and his relationship with mythology
• the symbolic and mythological field that forms our psychic experience
CUVCOR04A - Research concept ideas
Provide information in appropriate format
CUECOR01B - Develop personal time management skills
Week 9
04/04/11
The dream
• the dream diary
• the analysis of the dream and what it reveals to us
CUVCOR 13A Researc history and theory
CUVCOR 13A – Link research to artistic practice
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings
Week 10
11/04/11
Nordic Mythology
• reading Nordic myths
• reflection of the relationship of mythology to cultural background, location and context
CUVCOR04A - Adjust and refine concept
VBP553 - Plan the writing
CUSADM03A - monitor project
Week 11
18/04/11
Contemporary mythology
• the mythological construct of current media
• our modern myths & heroes
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings
VBP553 - Plan the writing
  Mid Semester Break: 21/04/11 – 27/04/11  
Week 12
02/05/11
Cinema and mythology
• viewing of a film and its mythological & symbolic content
• reflecting on the mythology of cinema
VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media
Week 13
09/05/11
Excursion
• organising a class outing to a place or event relevant to our study
• location will depend on current events in Melbourne
CUVCOR04A - Adjust and refine concept
VBP553 - Plan the writing
CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief
Week 14
16/05/11
Mythology and art
• looking at the relationship of mythology and symbolic meaning in visual art
• the way art draws upon myth for its inspiration and content
CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
Week 15
23/05/11
Mythology and literature
• examining the way literary works contain myth
• the symbolic meanings within literature
VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media
Week 16
30/05/11
Comic books and animation
• looking at the current mythology of the internet
• the modern mythology of artificial constructs
CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information
Week 17 Assessment week  
  Semester break Monday 20 June to Friday 1 July
SEMESTER 2  
 Week 1
4 July
 Egyptian mythology
• looking at handouts showing Egyptian myths and artifacts
• discussing the themes and motifs of Egyptian mythology
 CUSADM03A - Monitor project
CUECOR01B - Manage own learning
VBP553 - Realise writings
 Week 2
11 July
 Asian mythology
• examining Asian myths
• discussing the myths and how these can become a basis for writing
 VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media
 Week 3
18 July
 Celtic mythology
• looking at Celtic myth
• considering how we can base writing on mythological text
 CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice
 Week 4
25 July
 Magic
• reading about the Voodoo tradition
• transformative function of mythology
 CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
CUVDES05A - Liaise with client
 Week 5
1 Aug
 Fortelling the future
• the use of astrology, the tarot, numerology and random events as portents of the future
• mythological ideas of destiny and fate
 CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
 Week 6
8 Aug
 Comparative religions
• religious thought and its relationship to mythology
• writing and religious experienc
 CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice VBP553 Realise writings
 Week 7
15 Aug
 Excursion
• a class outing to a place or event relevant to our studies - the location will depend on the current events in Melbourne
 CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
CUECOR01B - Manage own learning
 Week 8
22 Aug
 The vampire myth
• looking at the vampire myth in literature, cinema and current culture
• the vampire story
 CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice
VBP553 - Realise writings
 Week 9
29 Aug
 The mythology of love
• examining the way the myth of love features in literature
• the psychological construct of love
 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
 Week 10
5 Sep
 The mythology of the body
• the body as containment of mythology
• the writing about the body
 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
 Week 11
12 Sep
 Witchcraft
• the mythology of witchcraft
• the social construct of the witch
 CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice
VBP 553 - Plan the writing
 Week 12
19 Sep
 History and mythology
• the enactment of myth in the process of history
• the way history is constructed as a myth
 CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse
CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback
CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
   Mid Semester Break: 26/09/11 – 07/10/11  
 Week 13
10 Oct
 Politics and mythology
• examination of current events and their relationship to mythology
• the enactment of myth in the process of politics
 CUSADM03A - Review project against plan
VBP553 - Realise writings
 Week 14
17 Oct
 Lord of the Rings
• viewing “Lord of the Rings”
• discussion about the mythological themes used in the work
 CUVDES05A - Complete the production of the work
VBP553 - Realise writings
CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
 Week 15
24 Oct
 The Harry Potter phenomenon
• examining “Harry Potter” as text and cinematic image
• the use of mythology in writing
 CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information
 Week 16
31 Oct
 Australian mythology
• looking at the mythological themes that exist in historical myths and within our current era
• Aboriginal art and its narrative
 CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice
CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information
 Week 17  Assessment review  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

All prescribed material will be 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

Semester 1
1. Class presentation
Class talk on an area of individual interest in mythology. (10%) Due on date to be arranged with the teacher.

2. Written Work
A 2000 word essay or creative writing piece related to the research done for the previous assignment ( 35%) Due week beginning May 16

3. Workshopping
Workshopping your writing from draft to finished piece (5%)

Semester 2

4. Class Presentation
A discussion of a myth or folktale that you feel has a particular relevance for a contemporary readership.  (10%) Due on date to be arranged with the teacher.

5. Written Work
A 2000 word essay or creative writing piece related to an aspect of mythology. (35%) Due week beginning October 24

6. Workshopping
Workshopping your writing from draft to finished piece (5%)


Grades used in this unit are as follows:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail


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 by 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 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