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
1.2 The form, media and technique most appropriate to the purpose of the writing task is selected
1.3 The stylistic and cultural context of the writing task is proposed to meet the writing objective

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
2.2 The level of research required to fulfil the agreed outcome to the required style and standard is analysed
2.3 The resources necessary to retrieve or generate the relevant information is determined
2.4 The type and level of information required to suit the context of the writing task is planned

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
3.2 Ideas are organised and developed into an ordered sequence
3.3 All resources required to deliver the writing task are organised
3.4 A timeline for the completion of the writing task that reflects the critical milestones is determined

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
4.2 The intention of the writing task and the characteristics of the audience are reflected in the writing
4.3 Appropriate processes and research are utilised to retrieve the necessary information
4.4 The particular characteristics of the media are analysed to inform the writing in a way that is appropriate for the purpose of the writing
4.5 Relevant information sources are employed to generate and inform the writing task
4.6 Common literary devices and the metaphoric function of language are integrated into the writing task
4.7 Writing task is produced in accordance with writing goals

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
5.2 The language in which the writing task is written is suitable for the intended audience
5.3 The writing task is proofed and edited to the standard required for presentation
5.4 A draft is presented, if required, to the client to confirm that the work is acceptable
5.5 Work is adjusted as required and presented in the agreed manner and timeframe


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
(11 June - 29 June)

     
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
VBP 552 Investigate the scope of the writing task
VBP 552 Plan the purpose of the writing task
CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory
CUSRAD01A Organise the information

 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
 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 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


You are advised to look at the course blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


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