Course Title: Write simple stories

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: COMM7347C

Course Title: Write simple stories

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting

Course Contact: Penny Johnson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Rachel Matthews

Email: rachel.matthews@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 30

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

Write Simple Stories is taught within the course Storytelling, which is made up of two competencies Write Simple Stories and Write Extended Stories. Strong storytelling is an essential component of screenwriting and the competency Write Simple Stories delivers the skills, craft and knowledge required to write short stories.

This competency Write Simple Stories (CUFWRT302A) is delivered and assessed with Write Extended Stories (CUFWRT402A).
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAWRT302 Write simple stories

Element:

1. Clarify storytelling requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Discuss storytelling briefs, including target audience, format, timelines and delivery platforms, with relevant personnel

1.2 Identify purpose of dialogue, characters, point of view and setting to structure storylines

1.3 Discuss visual and aural storytelling structures that may meet the requirements of briefs with relevant personnel

Element:

2. Prepare to write stories

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Research stories from a range of creative works that may inspire story ideas

2.2 Research subject areas using a variety of information sources

2.3 Experiment with linear and non-linear storyline structures

2.4 Use imagination to develop ideas for characters, plots and settings

2.5 Develop ideas for scenarios, contexts and situations in which characters act, react and resolve

2.6 Select story structure and content that best meets requirements of briefs

2.7 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on proposed story and refine approach as required

Element:

3. Draft stories

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Use a creative writing style appropriate to specified stories

3.2 Use appropriate software tools to draft stories

3.3 Use correct grammar, punctuation and accurate spelling

3.4 Proofread copy to check for spelling, grammatical, typographic and other errors

3.5 Submit draft stories to relevant personnel for feedback and amend as required

3.6 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time

Element:

4. Refine stories

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Evaluate stories in line with agreed criteria

4.2 Check stories comply with laws and codes of practice relevant to broadcasting and publication

4.3 Discuss and confirm additional requirements or modifications to stories with relevant personnel

4.4 Complete necessary amendments within agreed timelines


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will be able to use both linear and non-linear structures to write simple and extended stories. You will build your understanding and overview of the history and importance of storytelling.


Details of Learning Activities

You will learn through:
 
1. In-class activities:

  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussion
  • class exercises
  • reading of excerpts of writings and set texts to provide examples of writing elements
  • workshopping of students’ stories

2. Out-of-class activities:

  • independent project based work
  • writing and reading assignments
  • online and other research
  • independent study


Teaching Schedule

While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week

 

Class Content

Assessment Due

Competency and Elements

1

 

Feb 10

Introduction to Storytelling. Explanation of course content and overview of assessment.

Simple Stories

Task 1 Oral Timetable TBC

CUFWRT302 - 1

CUFWRT402 - 1 
 

2

 

Feb 17

Sourcing: Ordinary Things (The Moth)
Story Structure: Beginnings 

 

CUFWRT302 - 1, 2 

3

 

Feb 24

Sourcing: The Everyday
Story Structure: Characters
Story workshop processes, conventions and ethics

 

CUFWRT302 – 1, 2 

4

 

Mar 2


Story workshops

Write a Simple Story Assessment Task 1 Due: Tell a simple story – in class

Timetable for Assessment Task 2 Workshopping TBC

CUFWRT302 – 1, 2,

5

 

Mar 9

No class: Public Holiday 

 



 

6

 

Mar 16

Story workshops

Breakdown of Task 2

Write a Simple Story, Assessment 2: Workshopping discussion

Final oral presentations

CUFWRT302 – 1, 2, 3 

7

 

Mar 23

Sourcing: Narrative focus

Story Structure: Point of View

Sourcing: Myth 

Story Structure: Climax 

Workshops

Write a Simple Story, Assessment 2: Workshopping

CUFWRT302 
1, 2, 3 
CUFWRT402 - 2, 3, 4 

8

 

Mar 30

Sourcing: Allegory
Story Structure: Endings

Presentation of Write an Extended Story assessment tasks

Write a Simple Story Assessment Task 2 Due: Redrafted Story

CUFWRT302 - 1, 2, 3, 4 

CUFWRT402 -
2, 3 

 

 

Mid-semester break: Monday 6 April to Monday 13 April inclusive    
9 Apr 13 No class: Public Holiday     

10

 

Apr 20

Sourcing: Place 

Story Structure:

EmplacementSourcing: Objects  

Story Structure: Drafting

Story Research for Write Extended Stories

Theme: Lose

 
CUFWRT402 -
1, 2, 3
 
 

11

 

Apr 27

Sourcing: Time

Story Structure: Space

Discuss Task Two – Timetable TBC Workshopping

Write an Extended Story Assessment Task 1 due: Create a story plan


CUFWRT402 -
1, 2, 3

12
 

 

May 4


Workshopping

 

           

CUFWRT402 - 1, 2, 3
             

13

 

May 11

Reviewing and editing

Workshopping 

 


CUFWRT402 - 
1, 2, 3
 

14

 

 

May 18

Course Review and final workshopping

Final class

Write an Extended Story Task 2 due: Workshopped short story 
 
 


CUFWRT402 - 
1, 2, 3
 

15

May 25

 

Semester review

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

References will be available on Canvas


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.


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, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks.


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.

CUFWRT302 Write Simple Stories 

Write Simple Stories is delivered as the first unit in a two-unit cluster sequence in which a number of pieces of writing are produced across both ‘Write Simple Stories' and ‘Write Extended Stories’.

Assessment 1: Tell a simple story

Due Date: Week 4 in class (notes on Canvas; present in class)

You will research, write and present a 3–4 minute (approximately 500–600-word) story in class. Your story must be true, drawn from your own experience, 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. If you choose not to use notes, you must still write a draft to upload via Canvas.

Assessment 2: Write A Simple Story and Reflective Statement

Due Date: Week 8 (submit on Canvas)

You will write a 500–600-word drafted story and a 200-word reflective statement.

For your story of 500–600 words, you will take the kernel of your true story developed for Assessment #1 and, through a series of classroom activities, fictionalise it and present it as a written story in a non-linear mode. You are expected to bring a draft of the story along to class to workshop with others before submission.

CUFWRT402 Write Extended Stories 
Write Extended Stories is delivered as the second unit in a two-unit cluster sequence in which a number of pieces of writing are produced across both ‘Write Simple Stories' and ‘Write Extended stories’.

Assessment 1: Create A Story Plan

Due Date: Week 11 (submit on Canvas)

In this assessment you will research a range of stories and write a story plan in preparation to write a 2000-word short story for a literary journal or magazine. The topic for your story is ‘lose’ but it is up to you to define your audience, purpose, style, tone and structure.

Assessment 2: Write and Workshop a Short Story.

Due Date: Week 14 (submit on Canvas)
In this assessment you will write a 2000-word short story on the topic or theme ‘lose’. The story will be suited to the literary journal or magazine specified in your story plan (Assessment #1). You will also workshop this story with your teacher and the class, so you can redraft the story for final delivery.

Once you have achieved competency for all assessments in a unit of competency, you will receive an overall result. 

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