Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Novel
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2012
Course Code: COMM5410
Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Novel
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact : Brendan Lee
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368
Course Contact Email:brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Dr Olga Lorenzo
Email: olga.lorenzo@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 85
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
Enrolment into this course at RMIT requires the completion of Develop Writing and Editing Skills. Produce Writings – Novel or Writing for YA.
The competency, Refine Writing & Editing Techniques -- Novel is taught and assessed alongside the following competencies:
CUVCOR04A - Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse
CUVCOR13A - Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice
CUECOR01B - Manage own work and learning
CUSADM03A - Manage a project
CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
CUSRAD02A - Conduct research
Through the development of these competencies, you gain the skills needed to manage your work and learning while responding to a project brief. You research the work of other writers and publishers and apply your findings to your own project through the development of a concept into a written work.
Course Description
This unit covers the knowledge and skills required to research and experiment with writing and editing techniques while working on a novel. The emphasis in this course is to extend a novel in progress, concentrating on further development of plot, themes, characterisation and dialogue.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Novel |
Element: |
1. Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The potential for new approaches to writing based on the capabilities of techniques already used are evaluated |
Element: |
2. Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1A conceptual vision for writings are developed based on a knowledge and understanding of different writing techniques |
Element: |
3. Determine and organise resource requirements for work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1The specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches are assessed |
Element: |
4. Plan the writing |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1The writing task is planned to reflect the scope, structure and content of the work and to meet agreed timelines |
Element: |
5. Realise writings |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to refine the concept of a novel and revise an early draft, moving the novel towards completion. You will also be able to refine a synopsis.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course, you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
- lectures/informal discussions of novel craft
- teacher directed group activities
- guest lecturers
- analysis/critique of student work
- peer assessment and class presentations
- group discussions
- class exercises
2. Out-of-class activities:
- independent project based work
- online and other research
- writing from life
- reading assignments
Teaching Schedule
| Week |
Class Content | Competency & Elements | |
| Week 1 | Introductions. Explanation of course structure and assessment. Discussion of student and teacher expectations. Writing exercise |
CUSADM03A 1,2 CUVCOR04A 1,2 VBP553 1 |
|
| Week 2 | Introduction to the subject, continued. Explanation of the year’s work and assessment. Initial writing exercises. Texts discussed |
CUVCOR04A – 1,2 CUSADM03A 1,2,3; CUECOR01B – 1,3 CUSRAD02A - 1-4 VBP553 1,2 |
|
| Week 3 | Novel Beginnings, reviewed Workshopping students’ beginnings Discussion of conventional and non-conventional beginnings Writing exercises on beginnings |
VBP553 1,2,3; CUSRAD02A - 1-2 CUSADM03A 1 -4; CUVCOR13A – 1,2 CUVDES05A - 1-5 CUVCOR04A – 1,2 |
|
| Week 4 | Voice and Point of View, reviewed Lesson on point of view and tense in novel writing Writing exercises experimenting with Point of View Workshopping students’ work in class |
VBP553 1,2,3; CUVDES05A -1-5 CUSRAD02A - 1-4 CUECOR01B - 2 CUSADM03A – 1,2 |
|
| Week 5 | Voice and Point of View Discussion of Point of View cont Writing exercises Workshopping |
Notes for all 3-minute presentations on set texts DUE today Monday Mar 5 |
VBP553 1,2,3; |
| Week 6 | Public holiday | ||
| Week 7 | Rhythm and Pace Elements of pace examined, including scenes, summary, stretch, ellipsis Writing exercises experimenting with rhythm and pace Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft Workshopping |
VBP553 1,2,3 | |
| Week 8 | Rhythm and Pace Writing exercises experimenting with rhythm Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft Workshopping |
VBP553 1,2,3; CUVCOR04A – 1,2,3 CUECOR01B - 3 |
|
| Week 9 | Editing, redrafting, revising | VBP553 1,2,3; VBP553 1,2,3; |
|
| Week 10 | Show, don’t Tell Discussion of “show, don’t tell” as craft Writing exercises experimenting with “show, don’t tell” Presentations by students on set texts exploring elements of craft Workshopping |
CUVCOR04A -1-2 CUVDES05A – 1-5 |
|
| Week 11 | Show, don’t Tell, continued Writing exercises on “show, don’t tell” cont Presentations by students on set texts discussing elements of craft in novel Workshopping |
VBP 553 1-4; CUSRAD02A – 1-5CUVCOR13A – 1-3 |
|
| Week 12 | Show, don’t Tell, cont. Class presentations continued Workshopping, Writing exercises |
VBP 553 1-4; CUVCOR04A – 1-3 CUECOR01B – 1-3 |
|
| Week 13 | Dialogue Examination of dialogue and character in classic novels Writing exercises to do with dialogue Class presentations Workshoping |
500-word synopsis and 2000-word excerpt DUE TODAY, Monday 12 May |
VBP 553 1-4; CUSRAD02A - 1-4 CUVCOR04A -1-3 |
| Week 14 | Dialogue, cont Writing from life Workshopping presentations |
VBP 553 1-4; CUVCOR04A – 1,2 |
|
| Week 15 | Dialogue Writing exercises to do with dialogue Class presentations Workshoping |
VBP 553 1-4; CUVCOR04A – 1,2 VBP553 -1 CUSADM03A - 4 |
|
| Week 16 | Characterisation Examination of character and techniques for developing character Writing exercises to do with characterisation Class presentations Workshoping |
VBP 553 1-4; CUSRAD02A – 1-3 CUVCOR13A – 1-3 CUECOR01B – 1-3 |
|
| Week 17 | Assessment week -- no classes |
||
| Semester 2 | |||
| Week 1 | Review of Semester 1 and introduction to Semester 2 work | VBP 553 1-4; CUVCOR04A 4 CUSADM03A1-4; CUECOR01B – 1-3 CUSRAD02A - 1-4 |
|
| Week 2 | Place and Atmosphere Discussion of craft Class presentations Writing exercises Workshopping |
VBP 553 1-4; CUSADM03A1-4; CUVCOR04A – 1-3 CUECOR01B – 1-3; |
|
| Week 3 | Outline and synopsis Writing exercises Workshopping |
VBP 553 1-4; CUSADM03A1-4; |
|
| Week 4 | Politics and the Novel Discussion of craft Class presentations Writing exercises Workshopping |
VBP 553 1-4; CUVCOR13A – 1-3 |
|
| Week 5 | Presentations on set text Class presentations Workshopping Writing exercises |
Notes for all 3-minute presentations on set texts DUE in class today, Mon July 30 |
VBP 553 1-4; CUSRAD02A – 1-2 CUVCOR13A – 1-3 |
| Week 6 | Presentations on set text Class presentations Workshopping Writing exercises |
VBP 553 1-4; CUVCOR04A -1-4 CUECOR01B -3; CUVDES05A – 1-5 |
|
| Week 7 | Realism, post-modernism Discussion of craft Class presentations Workshopping Writing exercises |
CUSADM03A 1,2,3; VBP 553 1-4; |
|
| Week 8 | Presentations on set text Form and structure Workshopping Writing exercises |
CUSRAD02A – 1-4 CUVCOR13A – 1-3 VBP 553 1-4; |
|
| Week 9 | Presentations on set text Class presentations Workshopping Writing exercises |
CUVCOR13A – 1-3 VBP 553 1-4; |
|
| Week 10 | Metaphor, symbolism , discussion Class presentations Workshopping Writing exercises |
CUSADM03A 1-4 VBP 553 1-4; |
|
| Week 11 | Metaphor, symbolism Class presentations Workshopping Writing exercises |
VBP 553 1-4; CUVCOR13A – 1-3 CUECOR01B – 1-3 CUSADM03A 1,2,3; |
|
| Week 12 | Characterisation Writing exercises to do with characterisation Class presentations Workshoping |
VBP 553 1-4; CUVCOR13A – 1-3 CUECOR01B – 1-3 CUSADM03A 1,2,3; |
|
| Week 13 |
Endings; Overview of structure Workshopping Writing exercises |
500-word synopsis and 2000-word excerpt DUE today, Mon Oct 8 |
VBP 553 1-4; CUSADM03A 4 CUVCOR04A 3,4 |
| Week 14 | The publishing industry | VBP553 3 CUSADM03A 2; CUVCOR04A 3,4 |
|
| Week 15 |
Agents and the publishing industry Writing in the cold – Ted Solotaroff handout |
CUVCOR13A – 1-3 CUECOR01B – 2,3 VBP553 3 CUVCOR04A 3,4 |
|
| Week 16 | Holiday | ||
| Week 17 | Assessment Week -- no classes |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
For Olga Lorenzo: |
|
Semester 2: |
References
George, E. 2004. Write Away |
9780060560423 |
Other Resources
You will require access to a computer and to the internet
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, workshopping, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your writing project.
Assessment Tasks
Semester 1
1. Workshopping: Workshop 1,500-word novel extract . This work, or a redrafted version, cannot be assessed again in any other assignment.
Roster will follow roll; if a student has agreed to workshop and is not able to attend, it is up to the student to "swap" with another student.
Photocopies of work to be workshopped need to be arranged or brought to class.
DUE DATE: as rostered by teacher (10%)
2. Presentation: A 3-minute presentation (500-word MAXIMUM) on one of the texts set for Semester 1 on a single aspect of craft or a single writing convention. This work must be submitted with appropriate referencing and bibliography.
Note: this is not a book review, a discussion of the themes of the novel or a recounting of the plot. It is a discussion of only one element of craft. The element may be one covered in the teaching schedule above: for example, pace, dialogue or point of view. The presentation should focus on ’what I learned’ about this element of craft while reading this book. Students should take notes while reading, and may need to do independent research on the element of craft.
Students will hand in presentation notes by the due date and must be ready to do the presentation any time after this as per the teacher’s request and/or roster. Complying with time limit and responding to brief is a vital part of the assessment
DUE DATE: Mon March 5 (10%)
3. Synopsis and Novel Excerpt: A maximum 500-word synopsis and a 2000-word excerpt of novel edited to publishable standard.
Presentation as per industry requirements:
Single-sided printing 1-1/2 or double spacing
12-pt type
Numbered pages
Wide margins
1 1/2 to double spacing
Synopsis as per industry requirements
Exact word count to be included
DUE DATE: Mon May 7 (30%)
Semester 2
4. Workshopping: Workshop 1,500-word novel extract. This work, or a redrafted version, cannot be assessed again in any other assignment (i.e No. 6. Novel excerpt and synopsis).
Photocopies of work to be workshopped need to be arranged or brought to class.
Roster will follow roll
DUE DATE: as rostered by teacher (10%)
5. Presentation: A 3-minute presentation (MAXIMUM 500 words) on one of the texts set for Semester 2 on a single aspect of craft or a single writing convention.
Note: this is not a book review, a discussion of the themes of the novel or a recounting of the plot. It is a discussion of only one element of craft. The element may be one covered in the teaching schedule above: for example, pace, dialogue or point of view. The presentation should focus on ’what I learned’ about this element of craft while reading this book. Students should take notes while reading.
Students will hand in presentation notes by the due date and must be ready to do the presentation any time after this as per the teacher’s request and/or roster. Complying with time limit and responding to brief is a vital part of the assessment
DUE DATE: Mon July 30 (10%)
6. Synopsis and Novel Excerpt: A maximum 500-word synopsis and a 2000-word excerpt of novel edited to publishable standard.
Presentation as per industry requirements:
Single-sided printing 1-1/2 or double spacing
12-pt type
Numbered pages
Wide margins
Synopsis as per industry requirement
Exact word count to be included
DUE DATE: Mon October 8 (30%)
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete these pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.
For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
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
Feedback:
You will receive spoken and/or written feedback on your work
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
Late Submissions
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 course blackboard site for information on late submissions and on applying for an extension.
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