Course Title: Write extended stories
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2015
Course Code: COMM5911C
Course Title: Write extended stories
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5314 - Diploma of 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
Lorna Hendry
lorna.hendry@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
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
None
Course Description
This course is designed to develop the skills to develop and apply a range of narrative techniques to develop your writing across a range of contexts.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUFWRT402A Write extended stories |
Element: |
1. Analyse extended story writing requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1. Identify the components of a storytelling creative concept, brief or project, including target audience, format, timeline and proposed outcomes |
Element: |
2. Prepare to write extended stories |
Performance Criteria: |
5. Research extended and more complex stories from a range of creative works that may inspire story ideas to meet project requirements |
Element: |
3. Draft extended stories |
Performance Criteria: |
12. Draft extended stories using appropriate structuring, style and language |
Element: |
4. Write final drafts |
Performance Criteria: |
16. Evaluate extended stories in line with relevant criteria |
Learning Outcomes
You will be able to write original projects applying appropriate format and using extended narrative techniques.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will consist of:
- In-class activities including:
- Class discussions
- Class presentations
- Group work
- Writing exercises
- Workshopping
- Out-of-class activities including:
- Research
- Conducting interviews
- Independent project-based work
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Class content | Assessments | |
| 1 | Introduction |
|
|
| 2 |
Narratives in business How businesses use narrative techniques (case study: RM Williams) Writing exercise: finding the ‘story’ in dull copy Interviewing techniques |
Assessment Task 1: Presentation (ongoing Weeks 2-5) |
|
| 3 |
Characterisation Writing distinct characters using description, voice, habits, details, anecdotes Writing exercise Using characterisation in business writing |
||
| 4 | Point of view |
Assessment Task 2: Profile (workshopping) |
|
| 5 | Written vs oral storytelling |
Assessment Task 2: Profile due |
|
| 6 | Stories add value |
||
| 7 |
Narrative structure Different narrative structures Using narrative structure in business writing Analysing structure of newsletter articles Features of a newsletter article |
Assessment Task 3: Newsletter article (outline) |
|
| 8 |
Show, don’t tell Descriptive techniques Using details Using statistics to tell stories Writing exercises |
||
| 9 |
Beginnings, middles and ends Keeping the reader reading – desires, obstacles, suspense, rhythm, pace Writing exercise Workshopping draft newsletter articles |
Assessment Task 3: Newsletter article (workshop) |
|
| 10 | Branding as storytelling Guest speaker: (TBC) |
Assessment Task 3: Newsletter article due |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Students should look at the course Blackboard site every week for ongoing updated information, including required reading to be done in preparation for each class. |
Other Resources
Sugggested resources
Treddinnick, M, The little red writing book, 2006, UNSW Press
Zinsser, W, On writing well: the classic guide to writing non-fiction, 2006, Collins
Grenville, K, The writing book: a practical guide for fiction writers, 2010, Allen & Unwin
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include:
- participation in written exercises, in class and online
- research
- 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 assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all your assessment and once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task 3 (refer to Blackboard for assessment criteria and grading rubric).
Assessment Task 1: Oral presentation
Due date: Weeks 2-5 (14 July - 5 August)
You will present a sample of business writing and lead a discussion on the narrative techniques used.
Assessment Task 2: Profile
Due date: Week 5 (5 August)
You will write a 400-word profile of a staff member or customer for an organisation’s newsletter, annual, report or website.
Assessment Task 3: Newsletter article
Due date: Week 10 (8 September)
You will research and write an 800-word article for an organisation’s newsletter. (graded assessment)
Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
Graded criteria for this assessment can be found on the course Blackboard site.
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Matrixes are available from the Program Administration
Other Information
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio-based exercises, discussion and workshopping. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to achieve competency in this unit.
Feedback
You will receive spoken and written feedback from teachers on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1
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. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you will need to apply for special consideration. Special consideration, appeals and discipline http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. Go to Academic integrity http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n
Work Placement
It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview