Course Title: Write simple stories

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: COMM7347C

Course Title: Write simple stories

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4405 - Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact: Dzintra Boyd

Course Contact Phone: +61399254269

Course Contact Email: pwecoordinators@rmiteduau.onmicrosoft.com


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teachers:

Teacher: Anne-Marie Peard

Email: anne-marie.peard2@rmit.edu.au

Teacher: April Chaplin

Email: april.chaplin@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

Copywriting is the art of writing persuasively for business and communications. In this course you will explore a broad range of copywriting, from advertising and marketing to corporate writing copy. You will learn how to tailor messages for specific audiences and purposes, and craft language for maximum impact. You will learn techniques for structuring copy, writing headlines, and identifying features and benefits. You will explore the interplay between text and visuals to best select images and audio-visual material for persuasive purposes. You will also learn how to work to a client’s brief and within a specified style or brand, and learn the art of storytelling in creative and business contexts.

This course is titled Writing Copy and comprises two competencies, which are co-delivered and co-assessed:

  • CUAWRT302 Write simple stories
  • BSBMKG555 Write persuasive copy


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
  • practise the essential elements of effective online marketing.
  • analyse and evaluate a creative brief
  • produce persuasive copy with high impact


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

Please note: course delivery may be subject to change. Please attend classes and consult Canvas and your teacher for updates.

Week

Topics & Activities

Assessment

1

Storytelling for copywriters

2

Telling a brand’s story

3

Folio work and workshopping

4

Crafting a sales page

5

Create mockups for clients

Assessment 1 due

6

Folio work and workshopping

7

Class activity: Who are you?

Mid-semester break: Monday September 1 to 7 inclusive

8

The Customer Journey

9

Write Digital Ad Copy

Assessment 2 due

10

Workshopping

11

Product Descriptions

12

Email marketing strategy part 1

13

Email marketing strategy part 2

14

Workshopping

15

No class - work on assessments

Assessment 3 due


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. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include participation in class exercises, oral presentations and practical writing tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided.


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: Knowledge assessment

Due: Week 5

This assessment is a short-answer knowledge assessment designed to assess your knowledge of Writing Persuasive Copy.

Assessment 2: Structured copywriting

Due: Week 9

There are 3 parts to this task:

Part 1: Plan

Part 2: Draft

Part 3: Revise

You are to produce a 1-page A4 advertisement for a magazine or newspaper advertising a travel/holiday destination to a specific target audience. The purpose of this exercise is for you to explore the fundamentals of writing persuasive copy for a specific audience and purpose.

Assessment 3: Copywriting Folio

Due: Week 15

Prepare a folio of 3–5 pieces of copywriting. The samples should show evidence of research, planning, drafting and revision to produce polished copy for the target audience and purpose. The folio should be suitable to demonstrate your range and ability to a potential employer or client.

The folio must include one piece of copy from each of the following three categories:

  • Category 1 (Stories that sell): Choose either a brand story or an about page.
  • Category 2 (Persuasive copy): Choose either a customer email, product description or sales page.
  • Category 3 (Script): Write a short script for either a TikTok video, radio advert or product demonstration/educational video.
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
SEC: Stopped Engagement in Course


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