Course Title: Precision Writing for Digital Engagement

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Precision Writing for Digital Engagement

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Lucinda Strahan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 1054

Course Coordinator Email: lucinda.strahan@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9 Level 5

Course Coordinator Availability: Contact Course Coordinator via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

Writing a precise sentence that will cut through to your intended audience is a highly valued skill for digital communicators. In this course you will sharpen your writing skills and learn techniques and tools for maximising reader attention and engagement in digital environments. You will examine principles of readability and how word choice and text interact with algorithms to capture audience attention. You will also explore how to apply tone and voice to target different audiences. You will consider the ethics and possibilities of emerging technologies as tools for professional writing and develop skills for their correct use. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

This course contributes to the following BP354 Bachelor of Professional Communication Program Learning Outcomes: 

  • PLO1: Practise professional communication in diverse contexts while actively contributing to a more sustainable world and engaging with First Nations and globally inclusive perspectives. 
  • PLO3: Employ intellectual agility, knowledge, and skills to develop creative solutions for an unpredictable world and to adapt to professional and personal change.  


Course Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to 

  1. Identify emerging technologies in professional writing practice and discuss their ethical use. 
  2. Identify and apply tools and techniques for precision writing and maximising audience attention in digital environments  
  3. Produce a range of effective written content appropriate to professional digital communication contexts and adapt your writing according to a brief.                             
  4. Critically reflect on your writing practice for digital environments.         


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities including face-to-face workshops, tutorials, group and class discussion, online activities and individual and group research. 


Overview of Learning Resources

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

Digital resources (short introductory videos, reading material, notes and short activities) will be provided on Canvas.  

 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 Communication 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

There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website.


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 Tools Review    
Weighting 25% Individual Assessment 
Addressing course learning outcomes: 1, 2 

Assessment Task 2: Folio of written content 
Weighing 45% Individual. 
Addressing course learning outcomes: 1,2,4.                             

Assessment Task 3: Targeted Writing Project                                           
Weighting 30% Group
Addressing course learning outcomes: 2,3,4 

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 Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.