Course Title: Conduct research

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2007

Course Code: GEDU5192C

Course Title: Conduct research

School: 345T Creative Media

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact : Professional Writing and Editing Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Clare Renner – program coordinator
Tel. 9925 4047

Nominal Hours: 35

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

This course is taught with the Refine Writing and Editing Techniques specialisation courses.                            

Course Description

This course covers the skills and knowledge required to research the information needed to support written work. 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUSRAD02A Conduct research

Element:

•    Analyse research findings

Performance Criteria:

Analyse and interpret data
Identify key issues for further research or for discussion with appropriate personnel
Develop conclusions and recommendations (if required)

Element:

•    Clarify and confirm purpose of research

Performance Criteria:

Clarify and confirm the areas and elements to be researched and agree on the deadlines for reporting
Clarify the research brief and confirm in sufficient detail with relevant personnel to allow appropriate research to continue
Use appropriate research and data gathering techniques and procedures so that materials and sources of information are identified within time constraints
Check that the materials identified are in an appropriate format for the purpose and technical capabilities required
Discuss research ideas fully and constructively with relevant personnel, and identify any implications for the research brief
Reach agreement with the relevant personnel on the format, style and structure of materials best for the purpose
Identify potential difficulties in meeting the brief and draw to the attention of relevant personnel promptly

Element:

•    Identify and access sources of information 

Performance Criteria:

Identify appropriate sources of information and potential contributors relevant to the research brief
Establish contact with a sufficiently wide and varied range of sources to optimise information gathering
When specialist knowledge is required, identify potential sources of information and advice
Agree on the use of specialist sources and make arrangements for appropriate contracts to be issued (where required)
Approach relevant sources promptly and in a way most likely to elicit the required information
Maintain accurate and comprehensive records and details of information sources
Adjust contact information when requirements of the research brief change and keep records up to date
Establish and maintain a file of all relevant documentation and correspondence in a format which allows ease of access and reporting

Element:

•    Provide information in appropriate format                            

Performance Criteria:

Organise information in logical and clear structure and in a format appropriate for the purpose and present information to appropriate personnel
Meet deadlines for provision of materials as specified by the brief
Ensure accuracy and currency of information supplied


Learning Outcomes


Not applicable


Details of Learning Activities

1.    Lectures
2.    Presentations
3.    Guest speakers
4.    Workshopping, self-criticism of written work, providing oral critiques of others’ work

This competency is taught within the four second-year writing specialisations that students must complete to qualify for the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing.


Teaching Schedule

See chosen writing specialisation course outlines for teaching schedule.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

    * Suggested reading material will be provided in class by teacher.
    * Handouts provided in class by teacher
    * Internet access to the RMIT library
    * Published material through RMIT Library, community libraries, video libraries and other sources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment includes short exercises and demonstration of this competency within a chosen Writing Specialisation.


Assessment Tasks

This competency is assessed within the four second-year writing specialisations that students must complete to qualify for the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing. See writing specialisation course outlines for assessment details.


Assessment Matrix

Not applicable

Course Overview: Access Course Overview