Course Title: Writing Fiction - Story and Structure

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Writing Fiction - Story and Structure

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2452

City Campus

Undergraduate

345T Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2019

COMM2452

City Campus

Undergraduate

375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2020

COMM2452

City Campus

Undergraduate

515T Creative Industries

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024,
Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Dzintra Boyd and Sarah Vincent

Course Coordinator Phone: +61399254269 (Dzintra)

Course Coordinator Email: pwecoordinators@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course focuses on the craft of fiction writing and introduces you to a range of forms and structures that arc over different fictional genres. Through workshopping your own writing and by reading a variety of fictional works you explore some of the major theories around storytelling, including: What is a story in the Western tradition? What makes a story engaging? What makes it a story? You learn about conventions particular to different forms of fiction while considering elements common to all: plot and character development, voice, point of view and the importance of narrative tempo. Through this, you gain insight into what makes a successful story from the point of view of both the writer and the editor.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • identify and employ writing and editing techniques; principles and practice of communication and writing for different audiences; emerging digital media and trends and developments in the publishing industry
  • acquire and apply the skills to write works of fiction and nonfiction, edit professionally, create digital content, design print and web-based products, develop and manage writing and editing projects
  • apply and creatively adapt theoretical and technical knowledge and skills to reflect the needs and expectations of varied readerships and markets.


Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • explore the concept of ‘story’ and what makes a story engaging to readers
  • identify the elements of fiction writing
  • analyse and apply accepted storytelling conventions
  • explore the ways in which fictional narratives are constructed and employed
  • examine the concept of narrative voice
  • develop a critical awareness of your own writing
  • consider your writing from the point of view of the reader.


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

  • lectures, which provide the framework for exploring the elements of fiction writing
  • completion of class exercises designed to clarify course content and practise relevant skills
  • writing workshops to assist development of writing techniques with feedback from peers and teacher
  • independent study, working through the course requirements as presented in classes, online and through learning materials.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.


A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The University Library has extensive resources for Professional Writing and Editing students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies https://rmit.libguides.com/writing-editing

The Library provides guides on academic referencing https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/study/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Reading as writer - a presentation (20%)

Aligned course learning outcomes: 3, 4, 6, 7

Assessment Task 2: Write Fiction (30%)
Aligned course learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment Task 3: Major fiction writing (50%)
Aligned course learning outcomes: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7