Course Title: Write extended stories
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2018
Course Code: COMM5911C
Course Title: Write extended stories
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5314 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact: Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925-4815
Course Contact Email: mctafe@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Anna Snoekstra
anna.snoekstra@rmit.edu.au
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
This course is designed to develop the skills to develop and apply a range of narrative techniques to develop your writing across a range of contexts.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUFWRT402A Write extended stories |
Element: |
1. Analyse extended story writing requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
|
Element: |
2. Prepare to write extended stories |
Performance Criteria: |
|
Element: |
3. Draft extended stories |
Performance Criteria: |
|
Element: |
4. Write final drafts |
Performance Criteria: |
|
Learning Outcomes
You will be able to write original projects applying appropriate format and using extended narrative techniques.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will consist of:
- In-class activities including:
- Class discussions
- Class presentations
- Group work
- Writing exercises
- Workshopping
- Out-of-class activities including:
- Research
- Conducting interviews
- Independent project-based work
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Class content |
Assessments |
Week 1 17 and 18 July |
Getting started ·Introduction to course ·Assessment outline Personal introductions via small-group storytelling Four types of writing Elements of narrative How do businesses use stories How to find and tell a story Introduction of AT 1: Storytelling |
|
Week 2 24 and 25 July |
Storytelling Case study: The Moth Classic three-act structure Beginnings, middles and ends What to leave in and what to take out Overcoming nerves about public speaking Workshop story ideas Activity: Finding your story |
|
Week 3 31 July and 1 August |
People matter Writing distinct characters using description, voice, habits, details, anecdotes Characterisation in business writing Group storytelling session (AT 1 delivery) Introduction of AT 2: Character profile |
Assessment Task 1: Storytelling (group 1 – in class) |
Week 4 7 and 8 August |
Looking at the world Interviewing techniques Choosing and using direct quotes Point of view: first, second and third person narratives Observational techniques Writing exercise: character description Group storytelling session (AT 1 delivery) |
Assessment Task 1: Storytelling (group 2 – in class) |
Week 5 14 and 15 August |
Making stories interesting Keeping the reader reading – desires, obstacles, suspense, rhythm, pace Different narrative structures Workshopping etiquette Guest speaker: (TBC) Workshopping AT 2: Character profile |
Assessment Task 2: Character profile (draft) |
Tuesday 21 August |
Excursion to The Moth story slam 'Business' event |
|
Week 6 27 and 28 August |
Show, don’t tell Descriptive techniques Using details Writing exercise: observation and description Introduction of AT 3: Short story |
Assessment Task 2: Character profile (due Sunday 2 September) |
Week 7 3 and 4 September |
Stories for newsletters/blogs/social media Basic structure Analysing good stories Coming up with ideas Stories add value Significant Objects project Writing exercise: personal object |
Assessment Task 3: Short story (outline) – due Sunday 8 September |
Week 8 10 and 11 September |
Putting stories to work How businesses use stories Writing exercise: finding the ‘story’ Guest speaker: (TBC) Feedback on AT 3 outlines |
|
Mid-semester break: 27 to 28 September |
||
Week 9 2 and 3 October |
Loving language Evocative language Word choices Strong verbs Applying narrative techniques to fiction/memoir/creative non-fiction Workshoppings session 1 AT 3: Short story |
Assessment Task 3: Short story (workshop – in class) |
Week 10 9 and 10 October |
Stories have power Importance of storytelling in our personal lives and our society Workshopping session 2 AT 3: Short story |
Assessment Task 3: Short story (workshop – in class) Submit by Sunday 14 October |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Your teacher will supply you with any other resources either in class or via the Canvas site.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include:
- participation in written exercises, in class and online
- research
- the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all your assessment and once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for your overall achievement over the semester.
Assessment Task 1: Storytelling
Due date: Weeks 3 or 4 (in class, 31 July/1 August or 7/8 August)
You will present a 3-4-minute story in class. Your story must be true, from your own life, and told in a compelling way with a clear beginning, middle and end. You may read from a script, use notes or deliver it without prompts.
Assessment Task 2: Character profile
Due date: Week 6 (Sunday 2 September)
You will write a 250-word character profile of a subject of your choice using techniques including description, direct quotes, observation of habits, anecdotes, etc. You must have a draft to workshop in class in Week 5 (14/15 August.
Assessment Task 3: Short story
Due date: Sunday 14 October
You will research and write a 800-1200 word story in a genre/style of your own choice. You could write a newsletter article or blog post, a fictional short story or a creative non-fiction piece. Your story should demonstrate the use of some storytelling techniques. You must submit an outline of your story by Sunday 8 September. You must have a draft to workshop in class in Weeks 9 and/or 10 (2/3 October and 9/10 October).
Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for your overall achievement over the semester (the graded rubric will be available on Canvas). Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Matrixes are available from the Program Administration.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.
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.
Assessment Feedback
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the 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.
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview