Course Title: Write content for a range of media
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2024
Course Code: COMM7374C
Course Title: Write content for a range of media
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: dzintra.boyd@rmit.edu.au and sarah.vincent@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Sarah Vincent
Nominal Hours: 40
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
Content writing is a fast-growing, exciting field with endless possibilities. In this course you will learn how to write creative, engaging and effective content across a range of media, social media, styles and forms. Find out how to hook users, work with analytics and refine agile writing skills ranging from hot takes to UX basics – creating content that’s accessible and built for user needs. This course will give you the confidence to take on new and emerging industry trends, keeping you relevant in a shifting media landscape.
This course is titled Content Writing and comprises two competencies, which are co-delivered and co-assessed:
- CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media
- CUAWRT407 Develop content for publication.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media |
Element: |
1. Prepare to write content |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify production requirements for content with relevant personnel 1.2 Identify purpose of content and publishing medium that may affect the way content will be written 1.3 Identify text-based content that may be incorporated and referenced, and organise copyright clearances as required 1.4 Cross-check with additional sources to find information where there are perceived gaps in text-based content 1.5 Analyse available data to identify needs and perspectives of target users and audience 1.6 Generate a range of ideas relevant to content purpose and target audience 1.7 Evaluate and select most appropriate content ideas and writing styles in consultation with relevant personnel |
Element: |
2. Draft content |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Classify, structure and sequence content so it is easy to read or navigate 2.2 Draft content using writing and communication principles 2.3 Draft content using writing techniques appropriate to content purpose 2.4 Refine and redraft content to meet creative requirements 2.5 Check content complies with laws and codes of practice relevant to broadcasting and publication 2.6 Provide captions or descriptions for media assets as required 2.7 Apply presentation techniques to enhance readability 2.8 Proofread content and conduct readability tests if appropriate 2.9 Submit final draft to relevant personnel for consideration and review, where appropriate 2.10 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time |
Element: |
3. Finalise content |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Incorporate feedback from relevant personnel into final content, where appropriate 3.2 Submit content by agreed deadline according to organisational procedures 3.3 Save and archive content according to enterprise procedures 3.4 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on content and writing process and note areas for improvement, where appropriate |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge of:
- writing, structuring and formatting effective and engaging content across a range of styles and media
- creating content relevant for a specified audience, tone and purpose using relevant software
- basic editing techniques, relevant media law and codes of practice, and workplace safety.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
- lectures
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussion
- class exercises
2. Out-of-class activities:
- independent project based work
- writing and reading assignments
- online and other research
- independent study
Teaching Schedule
Week 1 |
Introduction to digital content Health and safety and ergonomics of computer use Writing and editing processes Assessment 1 briefing
|
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content
1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development |
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Week 2 |
How reading onscreen differs from print Principles and techniques of digital content writing (including headings, word choice, sentence length, frontloading, hanging lists) Writing for interactivity and accessibility |
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content CUAWRT407 Develop content for publication 1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content
5. Plan content development |
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Week 3 |
Targeting audiences and user personas Using analytical data Relevant media laws |
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CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content
1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development |
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Week 4 |
Using visual and audio-visual content Software |
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content
1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development |
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Week 5 |
Assessment 2 briefing Major writing forms online: listicles, how-to articles, first-person pieces, opinion articles (hot takes), reviews, Q&As, infographics etc |
Assessment 1: Know your content DUE
Assessment 2 – Part 1: User Persona DUE
|
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content
1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development |
|
Week 6 |
Content-focused website design and UX writing Adapting content for the web: rolling corporate content |
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content
1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development |
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Week 7 |
Audio-visual material: audio posts, vlogs, visual media, writing scripts |
|
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content
1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development |
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Mid-semester break from Friday 29 March to Friday 5 April inclusive |
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Week 8 |
Developing and working with a style guide |
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CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content 1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development
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Week 9 |
Developing and working with a style guide (cont'd) |
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Week 10 |
User-testing – workshopping class |
Assessment 2: Part 2 – Plan and draft content DUE |
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 2. Draft content 1. Determine requirements of content development task 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development |
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Week 11 |
More on analytics Basic coding for a simple CMS |
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Week 12 |
Assessment 3 briefing Different social media platforms: features, audiences and purposes
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Assessment 2: Part 3 – Finalise and post content DUE |
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 1. Prepare to write content 2. Draft content 3. Finalise content
2. Develop and refine concept for content 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development 6. Complete content |
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Week 13 |
Developing a social media strategy, developing posts and using a management system |
CUAWRT301 Write content for a range of media 1. Prepare to write content 2. Draft content 3. Finalise content
2. Develop and refine concept for content 3. Research and determine appropriate writing techniques for content 5. Plan content development 6. Complete content |
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Week 14 |
Showcase |
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Week 15 |
Semester review |
Assessment 3: Managing the socials DUE |
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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 1: Know your content
Due: Week 5
This assessment is a short-answer knowledge assessment designed to assess your knowledge of writing content for a range of media, in particular writing digital content.
Assessment 2: Creating content
Due: Part 1: Week 5; Part 2: Week 10; Part 3: Week 12
This assessment will allow you to design, draft, test and create content across a range of writing styles and media, with a strong focus on audience, tone and purpose. You will be getting hands on experience, creating user-focussed content for the class website.
Assessment 3: Managing the socials
Due: Week 15
In this task you will create a social media strategy for two marketing campaigns, write each of the planned posts, and schedule them as required.
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