Course Title: Produce Writings - Corporate Writing
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2012
Course Code: COMM5398
Course Title: Produce Writings - Corporate Writing
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4171 - Certificate IV in 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
Teacher: Penny Johnson
Telephone: 9925 4383
Email: penny.johnson@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 105
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
At RMIT, Produce Writings – Corporate Writing is delivered and assessed along with the following competencies:
• CUSRAD01A – Collect and organise information
• CUVCOR03A – Develop, refine and communicate concept
• CUVCOR11A – Source information on history and theory and apply to own work
Course Description
Corporate Writing introduces you to the craft of professional writing, focusing on business and public relations forms. You study the principles of clear writing and plain English, and the essentials of shaping messages for specific audiences and purposes. This close language work is then applied to business writing, in particular emails, letters, memos and formal reports. You also learn the techniques of persuasive writing and apply this to speechwriting and copywriting. You learn how writing for the screen differs from print, how writing for the ear differs from the eye, and how layout, typography and visuals can enhance the written message.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP552 Produce Writings - Corporate Writing |
Element: |
1. Analyse the purpose of the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The purpose of the work is confirmed with relevant parties |
Element: |
2. Investigate the scope of the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 The level and scope of the writing task is analysed to determine the length and style of the work |
Element: |
3. Plan the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work |
Element: |
4. Create the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Components of the information required and the form in which the writing will be developed, constructed and presented is resolved |
Element: |
5. Realise the writing task |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 The writing task is appropriate for the media, the context of the brief and the style of the subject matter |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
• identify barriers to communication
• build a resource bank of writing samples
• critique informative and persuasive writing pieces
• interrogate a brief, outline the scope of a task and create a plan and schedule
• research a topic and reference source material using conventional citation styles
• select and sequence information to suit the audience, purpose and form
• write in plain English and the active voice
• apply specific writing techniques to suit the task, such as hedge words and the passive voice
• write in a range of business and public relations forms
• edit and proofread your work to an expected standard
• communicate information effectively via tables, graphs and visuals
• produce documents where the layout and design supports the communication
• work collaboratively with others on a group project.
Details of Learning Activities
Classes are a mixture of lectures, discussion, activities, exercises and group work. You also teach your fellow students by presenting an oral critique and offer feedback to others during workshopping. Some class time in Semester 2 is given over to a collaborative public relations strategy project. Each semester a guest speaker will address the class on an area of expertise.
The Corporate Writing 1 website on Blackboard provides information, resources, activities and web links to support your studies. You are expected to manage your own learning and undertake an appropriate amount of out-of-class independent study and research.
Out-of-class activities include:
• practical exercises
• reading articles and excerpts
• preparing for discussion
• independent research
• writing tasks
• project work.
Teaching Schedule
Semester 1 | |||
Week Starting |
Class content | Assessment due dates | Elements |
Week 1 | Introduction to the subject The communication process |
CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information |
|
Week 2 |
Writing professionally: audience, purpose and form Plain English: words and phrases |
CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work |
|
Week 3 | Plain English: syntax, paragraphs, rhythm and tone, design and layout | CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work |
|
Week 4 | Putting plain English into practice Communicating in the workplace: business correspondence |
CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information |
|
Week 5 | Writing business letters Analysing letter types: good/neutral news, bad news and persuasive letters Letter layout and formats |
VBP 552 Plan the writing task VBP 552 Create the writing task CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess relevant information CUSRAD01A Organise relevant information CUSRAD01A Communicate relevant information |
|
Week 6 | Labour Day holiday | ||
Week 7 | Electronic communication: the culture of email Writing emails and memos |
VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess relevant information CUSRAD01A Organise relevant information CUSRAD01A Communicate relevant information |
|
Week 8 |
Introduction to speechwriting Writing for the ear Ingredients of an effective speech |
Business correspondence assignment | VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information |
Week 9 | Guest speaker: speech writer Analysing speeches |
CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information |
|
Mid-semester break (Thursday 5 April - Wednesday 11 April) |
|||
Week 10 | Analysing speeches Feedback on plans |
Speech – plan | CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information |
Week 11 |
Persuasive writing Psychological appeals |
CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the writing task VBP 552 Create the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information |
|
Week 12 |
Logic and argument Workshopping speeches |
CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the writing task VBP 552 Create the writing task CUVCOR03A Communicate concept CUVCOR03A Refine concept CUSRAD01A Communicate the information |
|
Week 13 |
Presentation of speeches | Speech – delivery | VBP 552 Realise the writing task VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUSRAD01A Communicate the information |
Week 14 |
The media release as a publicity tool Understanding different media markets |
VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigating the scope of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Organise the information |
|
Week 15 |
Writing media releases |
CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the writing task VBP 552 Create the writing task CUSRAD01A Communicate the information |
|
Week 16 |
Workshopping media releases Introduction to Business XYZ |
Media release due 4 June | VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task CUVCOR03A Communicate concept CUVCOR03A Refine concept CUSRAD01A Communicate the information |
Semester break |
|||
Semester 2 | |||
Week 1 | Introduction to report writing Report back on Business XYZ |
VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory |
|
Week 2 | Report writing: structure and conventions | VBP 552 Plan the writing task CUVCOR03A Communicate concept CUVCOR03A Refine concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess the information |
|
Week 3 |
Report writing: research techniques | Report – plan | CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work |
Week 4 |
Referencing styles Using tables, graphs and diagrams |
VBP 552 Create the writing task CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work |
|
Week 5 |
Preparing a business case | VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task |
|
Week 6 |
Introduction to copywriting | Report – final | CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task |
Week 7 | Advertising | CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept |
|
Week 8 | Brochures and flyers | CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Plan the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information |
|
Week 9 | Newsletters | VBP 552 Create the writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR03A Communicate concept CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess the information |
|
Week 10 | Writing for the Web Workshopping |
VBP 552 Create the writing task CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUSRAD01A Communicate the information |
|
Week 11 |
Writing for the Web Workshopping |
Resource bank | VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work CUSRAD01A Communicate the information |
Week 12 | Introduction to PR project Form groups |
Copywriting assignment | VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task VBP 552 Plan the purpose of the writing task CUVCOR03A Develop concept CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory |
Mid-semester break (24 September – 5 October) | |||
Week 13 |
Creating effective presentations: crafting words and visuals Group work on PR project |
PR project –plan |
CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work VBP 552 Create the writing task |
Week 14 | Working in groups |
CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUSRAD01A Communicate the information VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task |
|
Week 15 24 Oct |
Group work on PR project | CUSRAD01A Assess the information CUSRAD01A Organise the information CUSRAD01A Communicate the information VBP 552 Create the writing task VBP 552 Realise the writing task |
|
Week 16 31 Oct |
Presentation of PR project | PR project presentation | CUSRAD01A Communicate the information VBP 552 Realise the writing task |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
You receive course materials in class and online (via Blackboard). |
References
|
Other Resources
You need access to a computer and to the internet for this course.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through writing tasks, assignments, a group project, and participation in class activities and workshopping.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.
1. Resource bank and oral critique (10%)
Compile a resource bank of business and copywriting samples throughout the year. Choose a business document or piece of copywriting and discuss its effectiveness via an oral critique to the class. Delivery date should be negotiated with your teacher in either Semester 1 or 2. Resource bank due: 10 September
2. Business correspondence (15%) Due 26 March
Write 5 pieces of correspondence in response to a given scenario.
3. Speech (20%) Due 7 May
Research and write a 750-word speech on a contemporary issue of your choice. You need to submit a written plan for approval before researching and writing, and you are expected to workshop your speech in class before delivery.
4. Media release assignment (10%) Due 4 June
Write a 350-word media release for associated publicity for your speech. You should also submit an explanatory paragraph explaining your choice of media outlet, its demographic and the purpose of the release.
5. Report (15%) Due 6 August
Research and write a 1500-word business report to a set brief. Before progressing to the research and writing stages, you are expected to submit a detailed plan to your teacher for approval.
6. Copywriting assignment (15%) Due 17 September
Select and analyse 3 different types of copy from your resource bank. Write 2 pieces of copy to build your own portfolio.
7. Public relations group project (15%) Due 29 October
As a group, develop a PR plan for an organisation, either real or simulated. Present a live pitch of around 20 minutes to the class, including visual aids to support your proposal. You should also present a mock-up piece of copywriting.
Grades used in this unit are as follows:
Grades which apply to curriculum-based courses:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are
available through the course contact in program administration
Other Information
Submission of Assessment Tasks
You are required to submit all assessment tasks in hard copy with a completed School of Media and Communication cover sheet. You are expected to keep a copy of all assignments submitted.
Late Submissions
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the course blackboard site for information on late submissions and on applying for an extension.
Feedback
You will receive both spoken and written feedback on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is about the honest presentation of your academic work. Presenting work that fails to acknowledge other people’s work within yours can compromise academic integrity. For further information on academic integrity and plagiarism, please refer to the following URL. http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kkc202lwe1yv
Special Consideration Policy
Please refer to the following URL for information on applying for special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1
Course Overview: Access Course Overview