Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Corporate Writing
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2009
Course Code: COMM5450
Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Corporate Writing
School: 345T Creative Media
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact : Professional Writing and Editing Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368
Course Contact Email:brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Penny Johnson
Building 94, level 2, room 6
23–27 Cardigan Street, South Carlton
9925 4383 (phone); 9925 4362 (fax)
penny.johnson@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
None
Course Description
This course builds on the skills introduced in Produce Writings - Corporate Writing. You develop the craft of professional writing, incorporating different forms and focusing on a range of audiences. You study clear writing, visual communication, business documents, speech and presentation writing, copywriting and writing for the Web. In-class activities and assessment tasks give you practice in applying your learning, and a group assignment prepares you for collaborative projects in the workplace.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Corporate Writing |
Learning Outcomes
Not applicable
Details of Learning Activities
Classes are, in general, a mixture of lectures, discussion, practical exercises, group work and peer tutoring. In workshopping sessions you gain feedback on your writing and critique that of others, and a group assignment prepares you for collaborative projects in the workplace. Industry practitioners also give guest lectures on their area of expertise. You are responsible for managing your learning and undertaking an appropriate amount of out-of-class independent study and research.
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Content | Elements of competencies covered |
| 1 | Introduction to the subject The communication process |
CUECOR01B Develop personal time management skills CUSADM03A Determine scope of projects CUECOR01B Manage own learning CUVDES05A Plan the production of the work |
| 2 | Writing professionally – audience, purpose and form Plain English – language |
CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUSRAD02A Clarify and confirm purpose of research VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas |
| 3 | Plain English – syntax, paragraphs, rhythm and tone, design and layout | CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUSRAD02A Clarify and confirm purpose of research VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas |
| 4 | Putting plain English into practice Introduction to business correspondence |
CUVCOR13A Link research to artistic practice CUSADM03A Determine scope of projects |
| 5 | Writing business letters Analysis of different forms – good/neutral news, bad news, and persuasive letters Layout and format of business letter |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work VBP 553 Plan the writing |
| 6 | Writing memos Electronic communication – the culture of email Using email effectively |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Realise writings |
| 7 | Introduction to speech writing Writing for the ear rather than the eye What makes an effective speech |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUSADM03A Determine scope of projects |
| 8 | Speech writing cont. Analysis of different speeches |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas CUVCOR04A Generate concept |
| 9 | Persuasive writing Propaganda, persuasion and logic |
CUSADM03A Develop a plan for the limited project or section of the larger project CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas CUVCOR04A Generate concept CUVCOR13A Link research to artistic practice |
| 10 | Interviews to discuss progress briefs Workshopping speeches |
CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUVCOR04A Conduct critical discourse CUVCOR04A Adjust and refine concept |
| 11 | Writing summaries and précis Discussion and class exercise |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work VBP 553 Plan the writing VBP 553 Realise writings |
| 12 | Presentation of speeches | VBP 553 Realise writings |
| 13 | Understanding different media markets Choosing the right market |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUVCOR13A Link research to artistic practice CUSRAD02A Clarify and confirm purpose of research CUSRAD02A Identify and access sources of information |
| 14 | Writing media releases | VBP 553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work VBP 553 Plan the writing VBP 553 Realise writings |
| 15 | Writing media releases (cont.) Workshopping assignment |
CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUVCOR04A Conduct critical discourse CUVCOR04A Adjust and refine concept |
| 16 | Professional practice Introduction to report writing |
CUVCOR11A Collect information on history and theory VBP 552 Analyse the purpose of the writing task |
| 17 | Semester review | CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUVCOR13A Link research to artistic practice CUVCOR13A Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback |
Semester 2
| Week | Content |
Elements of competencies covered |
| 1 | Formal report writing | CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings VBP 553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work CUECOR01B Develop personal time management skills CUSADM03A Determine scope of projects CUSADM03A Develop a plan for the limited project or section of the larger project CUECOR01B Develop personal time management skills CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUVDES05A Plan the production of the work |
| 2 | Library session on researching Independent research |
CUSRAD02A Clarify and confirm purpose of research CUSRAD02A Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUVCOR04A Conduct critical discourse CUVCOR04A Adjust and refine concept CUSRAD02A Provide information in appropriate format |
| 3 | Harvard referencing – creating a bibliography Using graphics effectively |
CUSRAD02A Identify and access sources of information CUSRAD02A Analyse research findings |
| 4 | Writing submissions and proposals Workshopping reports and individual consultations |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUVCOR04A Conduct critical discourse CUVCOR04A Adjust and refine concept |
| 5 | Preparing a business case | CUVDES05A Complete the production of the work CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUVDES05A Develop and refine the design concept CUSADM03A Determine scope of projects CUSADM03A Develop a plan for the limited project or section of the larger project CUSRAD02A Provide information in appropriate format |
| 6 | Introduction to copywriting Guest speaker |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUVDES05A Develop and refine the design concept CUVDES05A Liaise with client CUVDES05A Plan the production of the work CUVDES05A Complete the production of the work |
| 7 | Newsletters | CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings VBP 553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work VBP 553 Plan the writing |
| 8 | Brochures and flyers | CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings VBP 553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work VBP 553 Plan the writing |
| 9 | Writing for the web | CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUVCOR13A Link research to artistic practice CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUVDES05A Develop and refine the design concept CUVDES05A Liaise with client |
| 10 | Writing for the web | CUSRAD02A Identify and access sources of information CUSRAD02A Analyse research findings VBP 553 Realise writings |
| 11 | Forms groups and begin PR Group Project | CUSADM03A Determine scope of projects CUSADM03A Develop a plan for the limited project or section of the larger project CUECOR01B Develop personal time management skills CUECOR01B Manage own learning CUVDES05A Plan the production of the work CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas CUVCOR04A Generate concept |
| 12 | Presenting written information persuasively Consultation and group work Project work |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUVCOR13A Link research to artistic practice CUVDES05A Plan the production of the work VBP 553 Plan the writing CUVCOR04A Conduct critical discourse CUVCOR04A Adjust and refine concept |
| 13 | How to deliver an effective presentation Writing for the ear rather than the eye Project work |
CUVDES05A Complete the production of the work VBP 553 Realise writings CUSADM03A Administer and monitor project CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback |
| 14 | Project work | CUVDES05A Complete the production of the work VBP 553 Realise writings CUSADM03A Administer and monitor project |
| 15 | Presentation of PR assignment | CUVDES05A Complete the production of the work VBP 553 Realise writings |
| 16 | No class – Cup Day |
|
| 17 | Professional practice | CUSADM03A Review project against plan CUVCOR13A Link research to artistic practice CUVCOR13A Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You receive course materials in class and online (via Blackboard).
Overview of Assessment
Assessment includes a series of writing tasks, a group project, participation in class activities and workshopping.
Assessment Tasks
You receive a numerical grade for your overall achievement in VBP552 Refine writing and editing techniques – Corporate Writing. (The other skills-based competencies are assessed as either ’Competent’ or ’Not yet competent’.)
For each assessment task you receive a letter grade and written feedback. The assessment tasks are summarised below but detailed handouts will be given out for each task in class.
Grades
High Distinction HD 80–100%
Distinction DI 70–79%
Credit CR 60–69%
Pass PA 50–59%
Fail NN Less than 50%
Class participation
You are assessed on your participation in class activities and workshopping, and on giving an oral critique of a piece of business writing or copywriting.
Due date
The oral critique is delivered either in Semester 1 or the beginning of Semester 2, on a date negotiated with your teacher.
Percentage weight
10%
Business correspondence
Write 5 pieces of correspondence (two letters, two emails and a memorandum) in response to a given scenario.
Due date
24 March
Percentage weight
10%
Assessment criteria
You are assessed on your ability to:
• select information and structure your correspondence according to your purpose
• write in plain English with correct mechanics
• communicate messages professionally and with tact
• lay out your correspondence clearly: letters in full block format without punctuation, and memorandum and emails according to convention.
Speech
Write a 400-word analysis of a formal speech and write a 750-word speech on a contemporary issue of your choice, as negotiated with your teacher.
The speechwriting task has two components:
1. written progress brief and interview
2. written speech and its delivery.
You are expected to workshop your speech in class.
Due dates
Progress brief and draft speech to workshop – 21 April
Speech – 12 May
Written analysis – 12 May
Percentage weight
15%
Assessment criteria
You are assessed on your ability to:
• identify and analyse the speechwriting techniques used in a formal speech
• write a fluent, coherent analysis
• plan for and reflect on the process of preparing a speech
• frame an appropriate context for your speech, and match language and syntax to your audience, purpose and speaker
• use speech writing techniques
• write for the ear, as shown through delivery
• structure your talk in a logical, cohesive and engaging way
• research a contemporary issue and select appropriate content
• present speech in appropriate format and proofread your work.
Summary assignment
Complete an assignment involving several summary tasks.
Due date
26 May
Percentage weight
7.5%
Assessment criteria
You are assessed on your ability to:
• summarise main arguments and key ideas
• understand the conventions of a written summary
• write clearly, briefly and correctly
• use appropriate layout and signposting techniques and present summaries professionally.
Media release
Write a 350-word media release for associated publicity for your speech. Also write a paragraph explaining why your chose that particular media organisation, describing its demographic and what you hoped to achieve by putting out the release.
Due date
9 June
Percentage weight
7.5%
Assessment criteria
You are assessed on your ability to:
• express a clear and precise message and a news angle that suits your target publication
• use the conventions of an effective media release
• use appropriate language and syntax, and correct mechanics
• understand the purpose of a media release and the role of the target media organisation in reaching a wider audience.
Report
Research and write a 1500-word business report to a set brief.
Due date
Plan – 14 July
Final report – 11 August
Percentage weight
15%
Assessment criteria
You are assessed on your ability to:
• structure your report according to the brief, and organise your ideas logically under hierarchical headings and within each section
• understand the purpose and form of the following components: letter of transmittal, executive summary, introduction, body, conclusion and recommendations
• research the set topic and select relevant information
• write in plain English with correct mechanics and an appropriate style and tone
• acknowledge sources of information, using the author–date referencing system for in-text citations and bibliography/reference list
• present your report professionally, using decimal notation for headings, conventional pagination, use and labelling of graphics, and overall effective design, layout and typography.
Business case
Write a 500-word business case.
Due date
18 September
Percentage weight
7.5%
Assessment criteria
You will be assessed on your ability to:
• provide a clear statement of the situation and a proposed solution
• identify and analyse costs and benefits
• outline a detailed implementation strategy
• structure information in a clear and logical way
• select suitable information to show visually and to present graphs and/or charts effectively
• write concisely and in plain English, with correct mechanics and a positive but dispassionate style and tone
• present your business case professionally, using effective design, layout and typography
Copywriting assignment
Collect and analyse 3 different types of copy and write 2 pieces of copy to build your portfolio.
Due date
15 September
Percentage weight
12.5%
Assessment criteria
You are assessed on your ability to:
• select examples of successful copywriting and identify why they work
• understand the form and conventions of two different kinds of copywriting
• use language to achieve your purpose
• use visuals/design to achieve your purpose
• edit and proofread your copy carefully.
Public relations group project
A simulated project where you and your team develop a communication strategy for an organisation. The project has two components:
1. Written communication strategy
Prepare a professionally presented report summarising your communication strategy. Word length: around 2000 words.
2. Presentation
Present a live pitch of around 20 minutes, including visual aids to support your proposal. You should also present a mock-up advertisement or brochure.
Due date
27 October
Percentage weight
15%
Assessment criteria
You are assessed as a group on your ability to:
• frame an appropriate context for your communication strategy
• identify/develop the following in both pitch and report: PR goals and objectives, key messages of the campaign, selected target audience(s), strategies and tactics, situational analysis, schedule, budget and plans for evaluation
• write your pitch for the ear and to engage and persuade your audience
• structure your presentation in a logical and cohesive way
• select suitable information to show visually and present graphs/charts effectively in both pitch and report
• write your report in plain English with correct mechanics and an appropriate and consistent style and tone
• structure your report according to the brief, organising ideas logically under hierarchical headings and within each section
• present your report professionally, using appropriate layout and signposting techniques
• use language and visuals/design in your piece of copywriting to achieve your purpose
• understand the form and conventions of the kind of copy chosen
• edit and proofread your copy carefully.
Late submission
If you are unable to complete your assessment project, assignment or essay by the due date, you can apply for an extension. If you are seeking an extension of up to 7 calendar days, please apply to your teacher who will let you know whether your request has been granted. Application for Extension forms are available from the Distributed Learning System (DLS) or from the Creative Media Office. The application must be submitted by email or in person, before the official due date together with supporting evidence such as a medical certificate.
If you are seeking an extension of longer than 7 calendar days, or if you are seeking an extension for a test or lab-based assessment, you will need to apply to the University for Special Consideration.
If you submit late work without an approved extension, 5% of the total marks for that piece of assessment will be deducted each week (or part of a week) it is late.
Assessment Matrix
Not applicable
Other Information
Submission of written material
• You must keep a copy of all assignments submitted.
• All assessment tasks must be submitted with the School of Creative Media cover sheet.
• Submitting substantially the same work to meet the requirements of any other subject requires the written permission of the supervising teacher.
• All work should be submitted in hard copy by the due date. Submissions by fax, by email or on disk are not acceptable.
• If seeking an extension, please contact your teacher prior to the due date.
• Marks will be deducted for late submissions without approved extensions.
Academic administrative procedures
• You are expected to attend all classes, as teachers cannot provide catch-up tuition.
• If you are unable to attend a class, it is your responsibility to collect any handouts and to catch up on work missed.
• For information about appealing assessment decisions, and about learning and support services (Disability Liaison Unit, Study and Learning Centre and library services) refer to the RMIT website and the Student Handbook/Diary.
• For information about Recognition for Prior Learning and credit transfers, please refer to the Student Handbook for procedures or liaise with the PWE Administration Officer, Brendan Lee, on 9925 4368.
• Any work submitted must be your own and any resources used must be cited properly.
• RMIT regulations prohibit plagiarism in any form. (For more information see RMIT’s Policy on Plagiarism on the website.)
Private appointments
Your teacher will be available for individual appointments during the last half hour of class.
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