Course Title: Produce Writings - Corporate Writing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

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 course
Exploring the communication process
Assessment Task #1
 
  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
Assessment Task #2
  CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory
CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work
 
Week 4 Putting plain English into practice
Writing business letters
Analysing letter types
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 5  Labour Day holiday
 
   
 
Week 6 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 7 Introduction to speechwriting
Writing for the ear
Ingredients of an effective speech 
Assessment Task #3

 
#2 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
Mid-semester break

(Friday 29 March - Friday 5 April)
 

     
Week 8 Guest speaker: speech writer 
Political speechwriting 
  CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory
CUVCOR11A Apply information to own area of work
CUVCOR03A Develop concept
CUSRAD01A Collect relevant information

Week 9

Structuring speeches
Feedback on plans
 #3 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 10 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 11
 
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 12
 
 Presentation of speeches
 
 #3 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 13
 

Screen vs print: how the medium, influences reading and writing
Lab session: the internet as a functional place
Assessment Task #4
 

  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 14
 
Writing for the Web: planning, structuring and writing
 
  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 15
 

Writing links
Accessability and copyright
Workshopping webpages

  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
 
CVs and covering letters
Introduction to Business XYZ
 
#4 Writing for the Web assignment VBP 552 Create the writing task
VBP 552 Realise the writing task
CUVCOR03A Communicate concept
CUVCOR03A Refine concept
CUSRAD01A Communicate the information
 

Semester break
(10 June - 6 July)

     
Semester 2      
Week 1 Introduction to report writing
Report back on Business XYZ 
Assessment Task #5
 
  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 #5 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
 
 Introduction to copywriting  

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 6
 
 Advertising # 5 Report – final 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 7  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 8 The media release as a publicity tool
Writing media releases
  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: building communities and brands   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

Workshopping copywriting 

  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
 

#7 Social media strategy group project
Project brief and scope
Form groups
 

#1 Resource bank
#6 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 (23 September – 4 October)   
 
    
 
 Week 12 Creating effective presentations: crafting words and choosing visuals
Group work on project
 
 #7 Social media strategy group 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 13
 
Recognising stages of and negotiating group work
Group work on 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 14

 Group work on 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   Presentation of project  #7 Social media strategy group project
– presentation
CUSRAD01A Communicate the information
VBP 552 Realise the writing task
 
 Week 16 
 
No class     


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Corporate Writing Resource Book (available from the RMIT Bookshop)


References

Watson, D., 2004, Death Sentence: The Decay of Public Language, Vintage, Australia

Eunson, B., 2012, Communicating in the 21st Century, John Wiley and Sons, Milton, QLD

Treddinick, M., and Whyte, G., 2010, The Little Black Book of Business Writing, NewSouth Publishing

James, N., 2007, Writing at Work: How to Write Clearly, Effectively and Professionally, Allen & Unwin, Sydney

Zinsser, W., 2006, On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-fiction, Harper Collins

Noonan, P., 1999, On Speaking Well: How to Give a Speech with Style, Substance and Clarity, HarperCollins

Newsom, D., and Haynes, J., 2013, Public Relations Writing : Form and Style, 10th edition, Cengage Learning


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: 16 September

2. Business correspondence (15%)  Due 25 March

Write 5 pieces of correspondence in response to a given scenario.

3. Speech (20%) Due 6 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. Writing for the Web assignment (10%) Due 3 June

Analyse and write web content to a brief.

5. Report (15%) Due 12 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 16 September

Select and analyse 3 different types of copy from your resource bank. Write 2 pieces of copy to build your own portfolio.

7. Social media strategy group project (15%) Due 28 October

As a group, develop a social media strategy 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.

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

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio-based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All students must complete a submission cover sheet for each piece of submitted work.

Plagiarism - RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All students must complete a submission cover sheet for each piece of submitted work.

Plagiarism - RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Copyright
All students have access to the myRMIT copyright shell. The myRMIT copyright shell contains information on copyright, plus also examples on how to use copyright works as part of your projects and assignments.

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. 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 following URL for extensions and special consideration:
www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration/online

Work submitted late without an extension or special consideration will be penalised. See the program website for more details.

Student Progress Committee
This committee promotes the early identification of students who are not achieving acceptable academic performance. The committee provides identified students with assistance and seeks to ensure such students are aware of the range of support services available to them at the University. Student Progress Committee (SPC)

Student Feedback
Students are offered opportunities to provide feedback through a variety of mechanisms including online surveys conducted at the end of each course or semester, student complaints and Student Staff Consultative Committees
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview