Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Corporate Writing
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2012
Course Code: COMM5450
Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Corporate Writing
School: 345T Media and Communication
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
Teacher: Penny Johnson
Telephone: 9925 4383
Email: 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
At RMIT, Refine Writing and Editing – Corporate Writing is delivered and assessed along with 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 range of project briefs. You research the work of other writers and apply your findings to your own writing through the development of a concept into a written work or a publishing project.
Course Description
This course Refine Writing and Editing Techniques - Corporate Writing experiments with writing and editing techniques in order to write works that meets the needs of a range of audiences. You develop the craft of professional writing, focusing on business and public relations forms while studying the principles of clear writing and plain English, and the essentials of shaping messages for specific audiences and purposes. This close language work is then applied to business writing, in particular emails, letters, memos, formal reports and business cases. You also learn the techniques of persuasive writing and apply this to speechwriting and copywriting. Copywriting forms you explore include print ads, brochures, newsletters, direct mail, media releases, websites and social media. You learn how writing for the screen differs from print, how writing for the ear differs from the eye, and how layout, typography and visuals can enhance the written message.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Corporate Writing |
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: |
2.1 The criteria for selecting techniques are considered based on results of experimentation |
Element: |
3. Determine and organise resource requirements for work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 The specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches are assessed |
Element: |
4. Plan the writing |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work and to meet agreed timelines |
Element: |
5. Realise writings |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision |
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
• identify barriers to communication
•build a resource bank of writing samples
•critique informative and persuasive writing pieces, including speeches
•interrogate a brief, outline the scope of a task and create a plan and schedule
•research a topic and reference source material using conventional citation styles
•select and sequence information to suit the audience, purpose and form
•write in plain English and the active voice
•apply specific writing techniques to suit the task, such as hedge words and the passive voice
•write in a range of business and public relations forms
•edit and proofread your work to an expected standard
•communicate information effectively via tables, graphs and visuals
•produce documents where the layout and design supports the communication
•work collaboratively with others on a group project.
Details of Learning Activities
Assessment Week - no classes In this course you learn through-
1. In-class activities:
• lectures
• industry speakers
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group work
• discussion
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• workshopping of students’ own projects
2. Out-of-class activities:
• practical exercises
• reading articles and excerpts
• preparing for discussion
• independent research
• writing tasks
• project work.
Teaching Schedule
| Semester 1 | |||
| Week Starting |
Class content | Assessment due dates | Elements |
| Week 1 |
Introduction to the subject The communication process |
CUECOR01B Develop personal time management skills |
|
| Week 2 |
Writing professionally: audience, purpose and form Plain English: words and phrases |
CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUVCOR13A Research history and theory |
|
| Week 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 CUSADM03A Dtermine scope of projects CUECOR01B Develop personal time management skills |
|
| Week 4 |
Putting plain English into practice Communicating in the workplace: business correspondence |
CUVCOR13A Link research to artistic practice CUSADM03A Determine scope of projects CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUSRAD02A Clarify and confirm purpose of research VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas CUECOR01B Develop personal time management skills |
|
| Week 5 |
Writing business letters Analysing letter types: good/neutral news, bad news and persuasive letters Letter layout and formats |
UVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work VBP 553 Plan the writing |
|
| Week 6 |
Labour Day holiday | ||
| Week 7 |
Electronic communication: the culture of email Writing emails and memos |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory |
|
| Week 8 |
Introduction to speechwriting Writing for the ear Ingredients of an effective speech |
Business correspondence assignment | CUVCOR13A Research history and theory CUSADM03A Determine scope of projects |
| Week 9 |
Guest speaker: speech writer Analysing speeches |
CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas CUVCOR04A Generate concept |
|
Mid-semester break |
|||
| Week 10 |
Analysing speeches Feedback on plans |
Speech – plan | CUVCOR13A Research history and theory VBP 553 Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback |
| Week 11 |
Persuasive writing Psychological appeals |
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 . |
|
| Week 12 |
Logic and argument Workshopping speeches |
CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUVCOR04A Conduct critical discourse CUVCOR04A Adjust and refine concept |
|
| Week 13 |
Presentation of speeches | Speech – analysis and delivery | VBP 553 Realise writings |
| Week 14 |
The media release as a publicity tool Understanding different media markets |
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 |
|
| Week 15 |
Writing media releases |
VBP 553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work VBP 553 Plan the writing VBP 553 Realise writings |
|
| Week 16 |
Workshopping media releases Introduction to Business XYZ |
Media release due 4 June | CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUVCOR04A Conduct critical discourse CUVCOR04A Adjust and refine concept |
| Week 17 | Assessment week - no classes | ||
| Semester break (Monday 11 June – Friday 29 June) | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
| Week 1 |
Introduction to report writing Report back on Business XYZ |
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 |
|
| Week 2 |
Report writing: structure and conventions | CUSRAD02A Clarify and confirm purpose of research CUSRAD02A Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR04A Research concept ideas CUVDES05A Interpret the brief CUVCOR04A Conduct critical discourse CUVCOR04A Adjust and refine concept CUSRAD02A Provide information in appropriate format VBP 553 Plan the writing |
|
| Week 3 |
Report writing: research techniques | Report – plan | CUSRAD02A Identify and access sources of information CUSRAD02A Analyse research findings CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback |
| Week 4 | Referencing styles Using tables, graphs and diagrams |
CUSRAD02A Identify and access sources of information CUSRAD02A Analyse research findings VBP 553 Realise writings |
|
| Week 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 |
|
| Week 6 | Introduction to copywriting | Report – final |
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 |
| Week 7 |
Advertising | 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 |
|
| Week 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 |
|
| Week 9 |
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 |
|
| Week 10 |
Writing for the Web Workshopping |
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 |
|
| Week 11 |
Writing for the Web Workshopping |
Resource bank | CUSRAD02A Identify and access sources of information CUSRAD02A Analyse research findings VBP 553 Realise writings |
| Week 12 |
Introduction to PR project Form groups |
Copywriting assignment | |
| Mid-semester break (24 September – 5 October) | |||
| Week 13 |
Creating effective presentations: crafting words and visuals Group work on PR project |
PR project – plan Resource bank |
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 |
| Week 14 |
Working in groups Group work on PR project |
CUVDES05A Complete the production of the work VBP 553 Realise writings CUSADM03A Administer and monitor project CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback |
|
| Week 15 | Group work on PR project | CUVDES05A Complete the production of the work VBP 553 Realise writings CUSADM03A Administer and monitor project CUECOR01B Receive and act constructively on personal feedback |
|
| Week 16 | Presentation of PR project | PR project presentation | CUVDES05A Complete the production of the work VBP 553 Realise writings |
| Week 17 | Assessment week - no classes |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
You receive course materials in class and online (via Blackboard). |
References
|
Other Resources
You need 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 of course content is assessed through writing tasks, assignments, a group project, and participation in class activities and workshopping.
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.
1. Resource bank and oral critique (10%)
Compile a resource bank of business and copywriting samples throughout the year. Choose a business document or piece of copywriting and discuss its effectiveness via an oral critique to the class. Delivery date for oral critique should be negotiated with your teacher in either Semester 1 or 2. Resource bank due: 10 September.
2. Business correspondence (15%) Due 26 March
Write 5 pieces of correspondence in response to a given scenario.
3. Speechwriting assignment (20%) Due 7 May
Write a 400-word analysis of a formal speech, and research and write a 750-word speech on a contemporary issue of your choice. You need to submit a written plan for approval before researching and writing, and you are expected to workshop your speech in class before delivery.
4. Media release assignment (10%) Due 4 June
Write a 350-word media release for associated publicity for your speech. You should also submit an explanatory paragraph explaining your choice of media outlet, its demographic and the purpose of the release.
5. Report (15%) Due 6 August
Research and write a 1500-word business report to a set brief. Before progressing to the research and writing stages, you are expected to submit a detailed plan to your teacher for approval.
6. Copywriting assignment (15%) Due 17 September
Select and analyse 3 different types of copy from your resource bank. Write 3 pieces of copy to build your own portfolio.
7. Public relations group project (15%) Due 29 October
As a group, develop a PR plan for an organisation, either real or simulated. Present a live pitch of around 20 minutes to the class, including visual aids to support your proposal. You should also present a mock-up piece of copywriting.
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
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