Course Title: Write extended stories
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2022
Course Code: COMM7348C
Course Title: Write extended stories
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Alan Woodruff
Course Contact Phone: +61399254307
Course Contact Email: alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Rachel Matthews
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
Write Extended 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 Extended Stories delivers the skills, craft and knowledge required to write longer stories.
This competency Write Extended Stories (CUFWRT402A) is delivered and assessed with Write Simple Stories (CUFWRT302A).
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAWRT402 Write extended stories |
Element: |
1. Analyse extended story writing requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify components of a storytelling creative concept, brief or project, including target audience, format, timeline and proposed outcomes 1.2 Consider factors such as style, tone and length in relation to the writing purpose 1.3 Decide on appropriate structuring technique for extended story writing task 1.4 Discuss possible visual and aural storytelling structures with relevant personnel, if appropriate |
Element: |
2. Prepare to write extended stories |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Research a range of creative works that may inspire story ideas to meet project requirements 2.2 Use information sources to research subject areas 2.3 Experiment with a range of narrative structures and writing styles and techniques 2.4 Develop extended ideas for characters, plots and settings 2.5 Develop complex scenarios, contexts and situations as required 2.6 Select story structure, style, techniques and content that best meet requirements of project to engage target audience 2.7 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time 2.8 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on proposed stories and refine approach as required |
Element: |
3. Draft extended stories |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Draft extended stories using appropriate structuring, style and language 3.2 Use relevant formatting and presentation techniques 3.3 Proofread draft stories for appropriate grammar, punctuation and spelling 3.4 Confirm content complies with laws and codes of practice relevant to broadcasting and publication 3.5 Submit draft manuscripts to relevant personnel for feedback and amend as required |
Element: |
4. Write final drafts |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Evaluate extended stories in line with relevant criteria 4.2 Discuss and confirm additional requirements or modifications to the story with relevant personnel 4.3 Complete necessary amendments as required within agreed timelines 4.4 Evaluate story writing process and personal performance for improvement |
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
In this course, you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
- lectures
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussion
- class exercises
2. Out-of-class activities:
- independent project based work
- writing and reading assignments
- online and other research
- independent study
Teaching Schedule
Syllabus: Semester 1, 2022
Week |
Class Content |
Assessment Due |
Competency and Elements |
1 Feb 7 |
Introduction to Storytelling. Explanation of course content and overview of assessment. |
Assessment Task 1: Tell a simple story - Oral Timetable TBC - discussion |
CUFWRT302 - 1 CUFWRT402 - 1 |
2 Feb 14 |
Character and voice |
Oral storytelling preparation |
CUFWRT302 - 1, 2 |
3 Feb 21 |
Setting and Pace |
Assessment Task One: Oral storytelling begins (3 minutes) |
CUFWRT302 – 1, 2 |
4 Feb 28 |
|
Assessment Task Two: 500/600 word story/reflective statement - discussion |
CUFWRT302 – 1, 2, |
5 March 7 |
Oral stories (cont.) |
Workshop groups announced for class workshopping (Assessment Task Two) |
|
6 March 14 |
[Note: No class Monday 14 March: Labour Day] |
||
7 March 21 |
Story workshops Giving and receiving feedback |
Assessment Task 2: Class workshopping |
CUFWRT302 – 1, 2, 3 |
8 March 28 |
Beginnings |
Class workshopping (cont) |
CUFWRT302 |
9 April 4 |
Conflict |
|
CUFWRT302 |
10 April 11 |
Dialogue, language and style |
Assessment Task 2 Due: Write a simple story and reflective statement 500-600 words Workshop groups distributed for weeks 12/13 (beginning draft to your 2000 word story, Assignment 4). A discussion thread link will be distributed. |
|
Mid-semester break from Friday 15 April to Monday 25 April inclusive |
Sharing drafts online in discussion groups for 2000 word story. |
||
11 April 25 |
[Note: No class Monday 25 April: Anzac Day] |
Sharing drafts online in discussion groups for 2000 word story. |
|
12 May 2 |
Experimental Writing |
Question Time: Assessment Task 3 Story Plan |
|
13 May 9
|
Sourcing: Endings Workshopping |
Assessment Task 3 Due: Create a story plan Final workshops for 'Wonder' story, Bring copies for your group. |
CUFWRT402 - 1, 2, 3 |
14 May 16 |
Reviewing and editing Workshopping reviews |
Please ensure you have given written feedback to your classmates as annotations on their work and posted these in your group's discussion link. Your feedback is a compulsory part of the assessment. |
|
15 May 23 |
Course review and social time |
Assessment Task 4 Due: Write an extended story |
|
16 May 30 |
No scheduled class |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
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.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
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.
Assessment 1: Tell a simple story
Due Date: Week 5
Completing this task allows you to demonstrate your ability to present a simple story to a brief; craft a beginning, middle and end; and pay attention to plot, pace and proofreading.
Assessment 2: Write a simple story and reflective statement
Due Date: Week 10
Plan, write, draft and revise a story to a brief and demonstrate your critical thinking as a writer making conscious decisions about their practice.
Assessment 3: Create a Story Plan
Due Date: Week 13
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. Completing this task allows you to demonstrate your understanding of what’s required to prepare for writing a short story for publication to a deadline.
Assessment 4: Write an extended story
Due Date: Week 15
You are required to write a 2000-word fictional story on the topic ‘lose’ but can interpret the topic in any way you wish. Treat this as an opportunity to work with story outside of the parameters imposed by screenwriting formats. Screenwriters need to be excellent storytellers, and this task asks you to write a longer, more complex story than the stories you have written in Assessment Tasks 1 & 2.
Once you have achieved competency for all assessments in a unit of competency, you will receive an overall result. If you have not completed an assessment task to a satisfactory standard, you will be given an opportunity to resubmit that task within one week of receiving feedback from your teacher. If the resubmission is deemed unsatisfactory, the matter will be referred to the Program Coordinator.
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