Course Title: Write simple stories

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

Course Code: COMM7347C

Course Title: Write simple stories

Important Information:

None

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4405 - Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact: Penny Johnson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4383

Course Contact Email: penny.johnson@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Rachel Matthews

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

Learn the art of storytelling in creative and business contexts. In this course you will examine the basic elements of a simple story, as well as linear and non-linear ways of structuring your narrative. You will explore different forms – micro-fiction, flash fiction and simple scripts – for different purposes and platforms.

 


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 have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.

You will be able to:

  • write simple stories for a wide range of media
  • use linear and non-linear structures in storylines.

 


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

In Semester 2, 2021, classes will begin in Week 2 of the VE Semester. "Weeks" in the first column below refers to the weeks in the delivery of this course, not VE Semester weeks.

Week

 

Class Content

Assessment Due


1

(VE Week 2)

July 12

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

The Moth: Discussion

Tell a simple story - Oral Timetable TBC


2

(VE Week 3)

July 19

Sourcing:

Ordinary life - extraordinary moments


Oral Stories begin

Discussion - assessments

Guidance for Task One: Short Answer Knowledge questions

Guidance for Task Two: Portfolio 


3

(VE Week 4)

July 26

Sourcing: Aspects of craft 

Folios (Diversity as a writer)

Presentations conclude

Workshopping Review


4

(VE Week 5)

Aug 2

Aspects of craft

Feedback

Group workshops for Assignment Two

Check your discussion thread via your group number

Assessment Task One Due: Short Answer Knowledge questions


5

(VE Week 6)

August 9

Folio work in class



6

(VE Week 7)

August 16

Class review



Assessment Task 2 Due: Folio


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 is ongoing throughout the course and will include a range of practical and theory components. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on Canvas.

This is a Vocational Education and Training qualification and is assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard required 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.

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 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 Task 1: Knowledge Assessment

Due: Week 4 (8 Aug)

This assessment is a short-answer knowledge assessment designed to assess your knowledge in writing short stories.

Assessment Task 2: Short Story Portfolio

Due: Week 6 (22 Aug)

To complete this assessment task, you must examine a scenario provided and create a portfolio of works which include:

a. Write a research report on organising work including timeline for completion of pieces

b. Write a cartoon or a script for a teenage audience conveying a health message

c. Write a piece of micro-fiction (50–100 words) that can be projected at Federation Square

d. Write an original 300-500 word story for a literary magazine dedicated to short form writing.

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