Course Title: Produce Writings - Novel
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2012
Course Code: COMM5401
Course Title: Produce Writings - Novel
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
Course Coordinator : Dr Olga Lorenzo
Phone: 9925 4058 (Mon pm only)
Email: olga.lorenzo@rmit.edu.au
Email: fran.cusworth@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
The competency Produce Writings – Novel VBP552 is delivered and assessed alongside the following competencies:
CUVCOR03A: Develop, refine and communicate concept for own work
CUVCOR11A: Source information on history and theory and apply to own work
CUSRAD01A: collect and organise information
Course Description
Produce Writings – Novel supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for developing the first draft of a novel. You originate a concept early in first semester and then refine this concept while learning the basic conventions of novel writing.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP552 Produce Writings - Novel |
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 have gained insight into the process of writing a novel. Through research and practical application of theory, you will be able to develop the concept for a novel, create and refine a synopsis and begin the first draft of a manuscript.
Details of Learning Activities
In-class activities:
• lectures
• industry speakers
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• reading of excerpts of writings and set texts to provide examples of writing elements
• workshopping of students’ own projects
• analysis/critique of writings of students’ choice
Out-of-class activities:
• independent project based work
• writing and reading assignments
• online and other research
• independent study
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Week | Class Content | Assignments Due | Competency & Elements |
Week 1 |
Introduction to subject. Explanation of course structure and Writing exercise |
VBP 552 1,2,3; CUSRAD01A 1-4; CUVCOR03A 1 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 2 |
IDEAS Where they come from. Finding your inspiration. Workshopping |
VBP 552 1, 2, 3 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A1,2 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 3 |
BEGINNINGS |
VBP 552 3,4 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 4 |
CHARACTER Writing exercises experimenting with character |
VBP 552 1,2,3,4 CUVCOR03A 1 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 5 |
POINT OF VIEW Writing exercises on pov work-shopping |
Notes for all 4-minute presentations on set texts DUE today | VBP 552 2,3 CUVCOR03A 1 |
Week 6 |
MEMORY Exercises experimenting with memory |
VBP 552 2,3 CUVCOR03A 1 |
|
Week 7 |
VOICE AND TENSE Other elements of voice examined Writing exercises Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft Work-shopping |
VBP 552 1-4 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 8 |
SMELL Writing exercises experimenting with smell Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft |
VBP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 9 |
STORY / PLOT Writing exercise Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft Work-shopping |
VBP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2 |
|
Week 10 |
DEATH Exercise on writing about death Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft Work-shopping |
VBP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 11 |
FIGHTING fears and procrastination about writing. Goal setting, time management, online tools. Writing exercise |
VBP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A, 12, 3 |
|
Week 12 |
Author visit Class presentations continued |
VBP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 2,3 |
|
Week 13 |
DIALOGUE Examination of dialogue and character in classic novels Writing exercises to do with dialogue Class presentations Work-shopping |
500-word synopsis and 2000-word excerpt DUE today | VBP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1-4; CUVCOR03A CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
Week 14 |
Editor visit Writing exercises to do with dialogue |
VBP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 2,3 |
|
Week 15 |
HUMOUR Writing exercises Class presentations Work-shopping |
VBP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1, 2, 3 CUVCOR03A 2,3 |
|
Week 16 |
PACE and time lines - moving things along. When to linger, when to run. Class presentations |
BP 552 1-5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 2,3 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 17 |
Assessment Week - no classes |
||
Semester 2 | |||
Week 1 |
PLACE - Creating sense of place Review of Semester 1 and introduction to Semester 2 work |
VBP 552 3,4,5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3; CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 2 |
FOOD - Writing about Discussion of craft Writing exercises Work-shopping |
VBP 552 3,4,5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 2,3 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 3 |
STRUCTURE Writing exercises |
VBP 552 3,4,5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 2,3 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 4 |
LOVE AND SEX - writing about Class presentations |
BP 552 3,4,5 CUSRAD01A 1-4; CUVCOR03A CUVCOR11A |
|
Week 5 |
THE ’SHOW DON’T TELL DICTUM: When you have to tell; the unreliable narrator and subjectivity in the novel Presentations on set text Class presentations Work-shopping Writing exercises |
All 4-minute presentation notes due today | VBP 552 3,4,5 CUVCOR03A 1,2,3 |
Week 6 9 Aug |
CHARACTER REVISITED Presentations on set text |
VBP 552 3,4,5 CUVCOR03A 2,3 |
|
Week 7 |
STORY ARCS Discussion of craft |
VBP 552 3,4, CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 2, 3 CUVCOR11A |
|
Week 8 |
CHILDHOOD - writing about |
VBP 552 1,2,3,4,5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1, 2, 3 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 9 |
Publisher visit Presentations on set text |
VBP 552 1,2,3 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3 |
|
Week 10 |
CHARACTER ARCS Class presentations Work-shopping |
VBP 552 4,5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
|
Week 11 |
REVISION and proof-reading. Drafts. Class presentations |
VBP 552 1,2,3,4,5 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3 |
|
Week 12 |
TENSION, raising the stakes Presentations on set text Work-shopping Writing exercise |
VBP 552 3,4,5 CUSRAD01A CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3 |
|
Week 13 |
RESEARCH Work-shopping |
500-word synopsis and 2000-word excerpt DUE today | VBP 552 3,4 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3 CUVCOR11A 1,2 |
Week 14 |
Author visit workshopping |
VBP 552 2 CUSRAD01A; CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3 |
|
Week 15 |
ENDINGS, The publishing industry and Breakup |
VBP 552 2 CUSRAD01A 1-4 CUVCOR03A 1,2, 3 |
|
Week 16 | Public Holiday | ||
Week 17 | Assessment Week - no classes |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Brown, H., 2010, The Good Daughter, Penguin |
References
George, E., 2004. Write Away — (ISBN 9780060560423) |
Other Resources
You require 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 and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks.
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.
Semester 1
Assessment 1: Workshop 1,500-word novel extract. Date for workshopping to be assigned by teacher. Photocopies of extract to be workshopped need to be arranged beforehand or brought to class. This work has to be separate from the Synopis and Novel Excerpt to be submitted at the end of the semester. (10%)
Assessment 2: Presentation. Notes due week beginning March 5. A 4-minute presentation on one of the texts set for Semester 1 on a single aspect of craft or a single writing convention. You hand in presentation notes by the due date and give presentation on date negotiated with the teacher. Complying with time limit and responding to brief is a vital part of the assessment. (10%)
Assessment 3: Synopsis and Novel Excerpt. Due week beginning May 7. A maximum 500-word synopsis and a 2,000-word excerpt of novel edited to publishable standard. Word count to be included and presentation as per industry requirements. (30%)
Semester 2
Assessment 4: Workshop 1,500-word novel extract. Date for workshopping to be assigned by teacher. Photocopies of extract to be workshopped need to be arranged beforehand or brought to class. This work has to be separate from the Synopis and Novel Excerpt to be submitted at the end of the semester. - (10%)
Assessment 5: Presentation. Notes due week beginning July 30. You hand in presentation notes by the due date and give presentation on date negotiated with the teacher. Complying with time limit and responding to brief is a vital part of the assessment.(10%)
Assessment 6. Synopsis and Novel Excerpt due week beginning October 15. A maximum 500-word synopsis and a 2,000-word excerpt of novel edited to publishable standard. Word count to be included and presentation as per industry requirements. (30%)
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
For further information on the criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
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 before that due date.
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