Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Myths and Symbols
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2012
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Element: |
5. Realise writings |
Performance Criteria: |
Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision |
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 |
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 CUSRAD02A - Clarify and confirm purpose of research CUECOR01B - Personal time management skills |
Week 2 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Contemporary mythology • the mythological construct of current media • our modern myths & heroes |
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings VBP553 - Plan the writing |
Week 12 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Week16 |
Comic books & 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 CUSRADO2A-Identify and access sources of information |
Week 17 | Assessment Week - no classes | |
SEMESTER 2 | ||
Week 1 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Comparative religions • religious thought and its relationship to mythology • writing and religious experienc |
CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice VBP553 Realise writings |
Week 7 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Week 13 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 Week - no classes |
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 22/5/2012.
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 non-fiction essay or creative writing piece related to an aspect of mythology. (35%) Due23/10/2012.
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
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