Course Title: Write nonfiction material

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2022

Course Code: COMM7371C

Course Title: Write nonfiction material

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209. 

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4405 - Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact: Dzintra Boyd and Sarah Vincent

Course Contact Phone: +61399254269 (Dzintra)

Course Contact Email: pwecoordinators@rmiteduau.onmicrosoft.com


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Melissa Cranenburgh

Email: melissa.cranenburgh@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 70

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

None

Course Description

Writers draw inspiration from what they read, hear, see and experience – using their craft to turn real life to gripping nonfiction works. In this subject you’ll learn how to transform your own life, thoughts and ideas into publishable pieces. You’ll discover the art of journalling, how to draw out angles and pitch ideas, and the storytelling potential of longform nonfiction. This is a fantastic introduction to the art and craft of nonfiction writing.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAWRT406 Write nonfiction material

Element:

1. Determine requirements for nonfiction material

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish requirements of the nonfiction material including topic and elements of composition 1.2 Clarify purpose and required outcomes of the nonfiction material with relevant people 1.3 Identify intended audience and select the most suitable form, publication media 1.4 Develop ideas and concept for the nonfiction topic 1.5 Clarify copyright, intellectual property and regulatory requirements for the nonfiction material 1.6 Identify appropriate language, style, tone and length for the intended audience 1.7 Determine appropriate grammar, spelling and punctuation for the intended audience

Element:

2. Plan and prepare to write nonfiction material

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop timeline for completion of the nonfiction material based on requirements 2.2 Prepare resources needed to produce the required materials 2.3 Plan writing task to reflect the publication media, scope, structure and content of the nonfiction material 2.4 Research and gather information to ensure that the requirements of the writing task will be met

Element:

3. Create draft of nonfiction material

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Use safe work practices including addressing ergonomic requirements when undertaking writing tasks 3.2 Use writing techniques and structural elements appropriate for the publication type to create draft nonfiction material 3.3 Perform basic editing of draft to meet the requirements of the nonfiction material 3.4 Perform basic proofreading of draft to meet the requirements of the nonfiction material 3.5 Check content complies with copyright and intellectual property requirements

Element:

4. Complete the nonfiction material

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Confirm the draft is appropriate for the purpose, publication media and intended audience 4.2 Seek feedback from relevant stakeholders and establish the method by which feedback will be provided 4.3 Discuss and confirm any modifications with relevant people 4.4 Complete agreed modifications and produce final draft within required timelines

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.

You will be able to:

  • analyse nonfiction writing
  • create and maintain a writer’s journal
  • plan and prepare short and extended nonfiction works.


Details of Learning Activities

In this course you learn through:


1. In-class activities:

  • Lectures and demonstrations, which provide the framework for exploring different kinds of technical content
  • teacher directed group activities/projects and collaboration
  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures, clarify course content and practise relevant skills
  • peer teaching and class presentations 
  • group discussion 
  • class exercises 

2. Out-of-class activities:

  • independent project based work during which you will develop the practical skills necessary to create designed content for a range of audiences
  • writing and reading assignments 
  • online and other research 
  • independent study, working through the course requirements as presented in classes, online and through learning materials


Teaching Schedule

"Week" in the first column below refers to the weeks in the delivery of this course, and may not match VE Semester weeks. Please note, course delivery may be subject to change

Week

  

Class Content

Assessment Due

1

 

  

Introduction to Write Nonfiction Material

What’s your story exercise

What is nonfiction?

Workplace health and safety

Introduction to assessment 1

  

2

 

  

Overview of major nonfiction writing styles and media forms

Analysing nonfiction material

Keeping a writer’s journal

Introduction to Assessment 2

Assessment 2 Part 1: journal writing exercise

  

3

 

  

Mining for story ideas

How to pitch a story

Assessment 2: Part 2: pitch writing exercise

 

 Assessment 2: Part 1 Journal writing exercise due

4

 

  

Observational writing

Adapting a piece from your journal

Introduction to Assessment 3

Assessment 1: Part 1 – Analyse nonfiction material report

Assessment 1: Part 2 – Knowledge assessment due

Assessment 2: Part 2 – Pitch due

5

 

  

Reporting and interviewing

Recording and transcribing interviews

 

 Assessment 3: Part 1 – Submission consultation email due

6

 

  

 

Longform narrative nonfiction: feature writing / Creative essays / Storytelling podcasts

 

 

 Assessment 2: Part 3 – 600-word draft due

7

 

 

  

Longform narrative nonfiction: feature writing / Creative essays / Storytelling podcasts

 

 Assessment 3: Part 2 – Longform plan due

8

 

  

Longform narrative nonfiction: feature writing / Creative essays / Storytelling podcasts

 

  

 

  

Mid-semester break:  Monday 29 August to Friday 2 September inclusive

  

9

 

  

 

Other nonfiction styles

 

 

  

10

 

 

  

Workshopping class

 

 Assessment 3: Part 3 – Longform draft due

11

 

  

 

 

Reviewing your work: what to leave in and what to leave out

How to edit for publication

 

 

12

 

 

  

 

 Class consultation session and work session

 Assessment 2: Part 4 –
Full journal and final 600 word draft due

13

 

 

  

The changing industry: what is the future of nonfiction

The lifespan of a fact: what happens when the truth is up for grabs?

  

14

 

  

Course overview and feedback

 

 

 Assessment 3: Part 4 – Final longform piece due


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

You will require access to a computer and to the internet for this course. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The Learning Lab
 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and will include a range of practical and theory components. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on Canvas.

This is a Vocational Education and Training qualification and is assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard required in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

Assessment Task 1: Analyse Nonfiction Material & Knowledge Assessment

Part 1 – Analyse nonfiction material report

Due: Week 4

This assessment will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the various forms and text types of nonfiction material and writing techniques and styles.

Part 2 – Knowledge Assessment

Due: Week 4

Your teacher will provide you with a link to an online knowledge assessment. Your task is to answer all questions as concisely as possible.

Assessment Task 2: Maintain a Writer's Journal

Part 1 – Journal writing exercise

Due: Week 3   You are tasked with writing a journal (minimum 4000 words, including the final draft of a 600-word piece of nonfiction).

Part 2 – Pitch

Due: Week 4

Prepare a plan for your nonfiction piece (600 words) and pitch it to your teacher.

Part 3 – 600-word draft

Due: Week 6

Produce a draft of your nonfiction piece (600 words) using Microsoft Word.

Part 4 – Full journal and final 600 word draft

Due: Week 12

Based on the feedback received from your teacher, modify the draft and produce the final version within the required timelines.

Assessment Task 3: Plan and Prepare Nonfiction Material

Part 1 – Submission consultation email

Due: Week 5   Black Bear Publishing is planning to publish an anthology of new short nonfiction and have advertised for contributions. Your assessor will provide you with the Call for Submissions and the Black Bear style guide   Part 2 – Longform plan

Due: Week 7

Prepare a plan for your nonfiction piece.

Part 3 – Longform draft

Due: Week 7

Produce a draft of your nonfiction piece using Microsoft Word. Workshop your draft in class and respond to suggestions..

Part 4 – Final longform piece

Due: Week 14

Prepare your submission, to demonstrate your ability to write nonfiction material in a range of forms and to use basic editing and proofreading skills to refine work.

To complete this assessment task, you must examine a scenario provided and create a portfolio of works which include:

Once you have achieved competency for all assessments in a unit of competency, you will receive an overall result. If you have not completed an assessment task to a satisfactory standard, you will be given an opportunity to resubmit that task within one week of receiving feedback from your teacher. If the resubmission is deemed unsatisfactory, the matter will be referred to the Program Coordinator.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Information about your studies
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Assessment
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.  

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview