Course Title: The Craft of Writing and Editing

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: The Craft of Writing and Editing

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2719

City Campus

Postgraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Angela Meyer

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4314

Course Coordinator Email: angela.meyer2@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 5

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for an appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In an increasingly convergent media landscape, writing and editing are essential skills for all professionals working in any media and communication industry. In this course you will extend and hone your writing and editing skills to a professional standard. You will explore the relationship between writing and editing and how these roles are evolving within contemporary writing and publishing practice for both electronic and print delivery. Within a framework that encompasses technological change and globalisation, you will be introduced to and apply all aspects of copyediting and proofreading across a diverse range of written communication.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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

  • Critically analyse and address the future directions – opportunities and challenges – for writing and publishing.
  • Employ appropriate technical skills and theoretical knowledge to solve problems associated with the writing and publishing industries.
  • Critically reflect on your own work to demonstrate autonomy, good judgement and ethical responsibility.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Discuss the theoretical and practical role of editing in the collation and curation of content within the field of writing and publishing.
  2. Investigate the dynamic and impact between technological change and editorial and writing practices.
  3. Critically analyse the role and application of grammar and punctuation in written communication, including contemporary media.
  4. Apply knowledge, principles and skills in copyediting and proofreading to a diverse range of traditional and contemporary texts.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as studios, project work, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, individual and group activities.


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 Writing and Publishing students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/media-and-communication.

The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/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 may include presentations, projects and may be done individually and in teams.
 
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment in this course is assignment-based with a blend of written, oral and visual delivery. The following assessments address various stated program and course learning outcomes. [Each individual assessment is linked to the above Course Learning Outcomes.]

1. An Early Skills-Based Assessment Task (10%) [Individual; CLO 4]

2. Copyediting Assignment (40%) [Individual; CLO 3, 4]

3. Copyediting and Proofreading Assignment (40%) [Individual; CLO 3, 4]

4. Presentation and Reflection (10%) [Individual; CLO 1, 2, 3, 4]