Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Short Story
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2011
Course Code: COMM5412
Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Short Story
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact : Professional Writing and Editing Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368
Course Contact Email:Brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Ms Ania Walwicz
Phone: 03 99254525
Email: ania.walwicz@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 85
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
At RMIT, Refine writing and editing – Short Story is delivered and assessed along with the following competencies.
CUVCOR04A - Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse
CUVCOR13A - Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice
CUECOR01B - Manage own work and learning
CUSADM03A - Manage a project
CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
CUSRAD02A - Conduct Research
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Through the development of these competencies, you gain the skills needed to manage your work and learning while responding to a range of project briefs. You research the work of other writers and apply your findings to your own writing through the development of a concept into a completed work.
Course Description
In this course you explore the short story format through reading, textual analysis, class discussion and through exploring approaches to creative writing. You analyse and discuss the works of many different short story writers and experiment with a range of approaches, techniques and modes of writing while creating your own body of work.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Short Story |
Element: |
1. Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1The potential for new approaches to writing based on the capabilities of techniques already used are evaluated |
Element: |
2. Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1A conceptual vision for writings are developed based on a knowledge and understanding of different writing techniques |
Element: |
3. Determine and organise resource requirements for work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1The specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches are assessed |
Element: |
4. Plan the writing |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work and to meet agreed timelines |
Element: |
5. Realise writings |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to develop a concept into a short story.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course you learn through -
In-class activities:
• classroom-based lectures
• creative writing exercises
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• class readings
• workshopping of students’ own projects
Out-of-class activities:
• independent writing and reading
• online and other research
• independent study
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Week Starting | Class Content | Competencies and Elements |
SEMESTER 1 | ||
Week 1 7/02/11 |
Introduction fo course. Discussion of content and assessment requirements, -Reading published work done by the students -Discussion and reflection on the work studied |
CUSADM03A - Determine scope of projects VBP553 Determine and organise resource requirements for work CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief |
Week 2 14/02/11 |
-Simple Narrative -Examining explicit forms of narrative -Looking at minimal means of construction |
CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief CUSADM03A - Determine scope of projects CUECOR01B - Personal time management skills CUSRAD02A - Clarify and confirm purpose of research |
Week 3 21/02/11 |
Complex narrative -Reading complicated storytelling -Examining devious modes of writing |
VBP 553 – Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings CUVCOR 13A - Research history and theory CUVDES05A - Liaise with others over the brief CUVCOR04A - Research concept ideas |
Week 4 28/02/11 |
-Intimate storytelling -Material that develops a close contact with the reader -Evocative writing & how it is achieved |
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings / Plan the writing |
Week 5 07/03/11 |
American tradition -Examining a tradition and mode -Reflecting on the elements & modes and their application |
CUSADM03A - Develop a plan for the limited project VBP 553 - Plan the writing VBP553 - Determine and organise resource requirements for work CUECOR01B - Develop personal time management skills |
Week 6 14/03/11 |
-Southern Gothic -Exaggeration and its effects in narrative - Altered states in storytelling |
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings |
Week 7 21/03/11 |
Story from “NewYorker” -Contemporary material -Reflection on approaches and their application |
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback |
Week 8 28/03/11 |
Reference to science -Current works dealing with ecology -Investigative, provocative writing |
CUVCOR04A - Research concept ideas Provide information in appropriate format CUECOR01B - Develop personal time management skills |
Week 9 04/04/11 |
Essay form as story -The use of essay format in literary production -Reflective thought as storytelling |
CUVCOR 13A Researc history and theory CUVCOR 13A – Link research to artistic practice VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings |
Week 10 11/04/11 |
-Microfiction -New literary formats - Brief stories and their context |
CUVCOR04A - Adjust and refine concept VBP553 - Plan the writing CUSADM03A - monitor project |
Week 11 18/04/11 |
-Microfiction -New literary formats - Brief stories and their context |
VBP553 - Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings VBP553 - Plan the writing |
Mid Semester Break: 21/04/11 – 27/04/11 | ||
Week 12 02/05/11 |
English short story -Storytelling and cultural tradition -Reflection on approaches and tactics |
VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Week 13 09/05/11 |
-European tradition -Historical influence on literary work -Retrospective revival of modes of storytelling |
CUVCOR04A - Adjust and refine concept VBP553 - Plan the writing CUVCOR04A – Interpret the brief |
Week 14 16/05/11 |
-South American story -Reflection on convoluted text - Use of dream material |
CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback |
Week 15 23/05/11 |
Italian short story -Theatrical storytelling -Dramatic approaches |
VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Week 16 30/05/11 |
Workshshopping of student work | CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information |
Week 17 | Assessment week | |
Semester break Monday 20 June to Friday 1 July | ||
SEMESTER 2 | ||
Week 1 4 July |
Expressive storytelling -Emotive instigation of literature -Examination of strategies of empathy & identification |
CUSADM03A - Monitor project CUECOR01B - Manage own learning VBP553 - Realise writings |
Week 2 11 July |
Recent literary magazines -Contemporaneous material --Reflection on content, form, fashion |
VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Week 3 18 July |
Popular short story -What makes literature desirable? - Discussion of reception of literature in society |
CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice |
Week 4 25 July |
Recent short story publications -Observing and reflecting upon recent literature - Noting approaches and directions of the work |
CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief CUVDES05A - Liaise with client |
Week 5 1 Aug |
Short story and film -Looking at material that lead to film -Story translated into the cinematic image |
CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief |
Week 6 8 Aug |
Wokshopping of student work | CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice VBP553 Realise writings |
Week 7 15 Aug |
Compilation of short stories -Observing short story publications -Group anthologies , individual works, themes |
CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief CUECOR01B - Manage own learning |
Week 8 22 Aug |
Character in short story -The creation of singular personage within the short story form -Idea for direct and indirect construction of character |
CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice VBP553 - Realise writings |
Week 9 29 Aug |
Storytelling as record -Looking at story as testimony, oral history, revelation -How can we construct such forms |
CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Week 10 5 Sep |
Contemporary history -How is history recorded in current stories -Hiow can we write about the historical process |
CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information VBP553 - Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUECOR01B - Manage own learning |
Week 11 12 Sep |
Exploration of setting -Placing storytelling within a particular environment - Placing a story within an exciting context |
CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information CUVCOR13A - Link research to artistic practice VBP 553 - Plan the writing |
Week 12 19 Sep |
Entertaining the reader -Questions of what the reader longs for -Escape, transformation , placation and how can we provide that |
CUVCOR04A - Conduct critical discourse CUECOR01B - Receive and act constructively on personal feedback CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief |
Mid Semester Break: 26/09/11 – 07/10/11 | ||
Week 13 10 Oct |
Short story as newspaper publication -Use of literary form as feature writing -Our views and observations |
CUSADM03A - Review project against plan VBP553 - Realise writings |
Week 14 17 Oct |
Animal stories -The literary tradition of writing about animals - Indirect, symbolic meanings , the use of the animal As a metaphor |
CUVDES05A - Complete the production of the work VBP553 - Realise writings CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice |
Week 15 24 Oct |
Erotic writing -Examining the tradition of erotic writing in historical context -Considering the elements of erotic story |
CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information |
Week 16 31 Oct |
Workshopping of student work | CUVCOR13A - Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice CUSRAD02A - Identify and access sources of information |
Week 17 | Assessment review |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
All prescribed material will be provided in class. |
References
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
You require access to a computer and to the internet for this course
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
Semester 1
1. Short Story 1
Short Story of 2,500 words (can comprise smaller works in sum 2,500 words) Due March 31 (20%)
2. Short Story 2
Short Story of 2,500 words (can comprise smaller works in sum 2,500 words) Due May 19 (20%)
3. Workshopping
Workshopping your writing from draft to finished piece (5%)
Semester 2
4. Class Presentation
Ten minute class presentation on a short story of your choice, explaining which aspects of the story have informed your own writing. Due on date to be arranged with the teacher. (10%)
5. Short Story 3
Short Story of 2,500 words (can comprise smaller works in sum 2,500 words) Due August 11 (20%)
6. Short Story 4
Short Story of 2,500 words (can comprise smaller works in sum 2,500 words) Due September 29 (20%)
7. Workshopping
Workshopping your writing from draft to finished piece (5%)
Grades used in this unit are as follows:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Feedback:
You will receive spoken and/or written feedback by teacher on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Late Submissions
Please refer to the course blackboard site for policy information on late submissions and plagiarism
Plagiarism
RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1;
Course Overview: Access Course Overview