Course Title: Writing Creative Nonfiction

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Writing Creative Nonfiction

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2453

City Campus

Undergraduate

345T Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019

COMM2453

City Campus

Undergraduate

375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2020

COMM2453

City Campus

Undergraduate

515T Creative Industries

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 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

In this course you are introduced to different forms of non-fiction writing, including essays, reviews, biography and memoir. You explore the differences between writing fiction and nonfiction and learn the skills and techniques necessary to write in a variety of styles. Through developing your own non-fiction writing, you learn about concept development, researching content, understanding your readership and identifying markets for your work.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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

1. Develop a concept suitable for a work of non-fiction

2. Employ appropriate research methods

3. Analyse and explain a variety of non-fiction genres and styles

4. Write non-fiction works that illustrate a variety of genres and styles

5. Define the readership for your non-fiction work and identify a market.


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are: 

  • lectures, which provide the framework for developing your skills in non-fiction writing
  • class exercises and activities designed to clarify course content and practise relevant skills
  • writing workshops to assist development of appropriate techniques with feedback from peers and teacher
  • independent research and 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 http://rmit.libguides.com/wcprp. 

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: Writing and reflection (20%)
You will write a short piece and reflect on an aspect of craft.

Aligned course learning outcomes: 2, 3

Assessment Task 2: Profile (35%)
You will write a 1200-word profile for a specific audience and market.

Aligned course learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5

Assessment Task 3: Essay (45%)
You will write a 1500-word essay for a specific audience and market.

Aligned course learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5