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 |
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
|||
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 |
|
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 |
#1 Resource bank |
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