Course Title: Write non-fiction
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: COMM7306
Course Title: Write non-fiction
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5314 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact: Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925-4815
Course Contact Email: mctafe@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Michelle Deans
michelle.deans@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
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
This course is designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to write non-fiction copy for different audiences in a range of contexts, including popular media. You will learn about the process of copywriting from generating concepts through to planning and refining your writing.
This is the designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course for C5314 Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing. This course includes a WIL experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20276 Write non-fiction |
Element: |
1. Develop a concept suitable for a work of non-fiction |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Concept is explored with regard to purpose, desired outcome and understanding of the market 1.2 Possible constraints are identified and examined to determine feasibility of concept 1.3 Audience is determined and potential markets are researched 1.4 Discussion of concept is initiated with industry colleagues and specialists in the field, and feedback is sought 1.5 Proposal for development of non-fiction work is developed |
Element: |
2. Clarify project requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Research requirements for the work of non-fiction are identified 2.2 Developmental stages for the work are formulated 2.3 A timeline for the completion of the work is agreed with commissioning agents or editors if applicable 2.4 Social, ethical and environmental impacts of the approaches/concepts are considered 2.5 Potential copyright issues are considered and explored 2.5 Resource requirements to complete project are identified |
Element: |
3. Plan writing |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Format of work is decided on after research and experimentation and in consultation with relevant personnel 3.1 Structure of work is determined 3.2 Outline of the work is developed 3.3 Style and tone appropriate to the audience are considered |
Element: |
4. Develop draft |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Non-fiction narrative is developed with consideration given to the nature and format of the project 4.2 Concept is re-evaluated and refined as necessary 4.3 Draft is reviewed and evaluated against purpose and desired outcome 4.4 Additional requirements or modifications are made in consultation with relevant personnel 4.5 Amendments are made to writings are required 4.6 Draft is checked using appropriate editing techniques |
Learning Outcomes
You will be able to develop works of non-fiction in different formats from concept to written draft.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course you learn through the following:
1. In-class activities:
• lectorials
• exercises and activities
• group discussion
• writing workshops
• industry speakers
2. Out-of-class activities:
• independent study
• online and other research
• independent tasks writing to a brief
Teaching Schedule
Note: the schedule below may change depending on teacher and guest speaker availability.
Week |
|
Topics & Activities | Assessment |
| 1 | 12 February |
Lecture 1: Introduction to Copywriting Class activity: Travel writing exercise. |
|
| 2 | 19 February |
Lecture 2: Audience & the art of persuasion Class activities: |
Present relevant Reference File example (Asst 2) |
| 3 | 26 February |
Lecture 3: Structuring copy & writing headlines Class activities: |
Present relevant Reference File example (Asst 2) Submit: Asst 1 (travel press ad) Sunday 3 March |
| 4 | 5 March |
Lecture 4: The language of copywriting Class activities: |
Present relevant Reference File example (Asst 2)
|
| 5 | 12 March |
Lecture 5: Writing advertising copy Class activities: |
Present relevant Reference File example (Asst 2)
|
| 6 | 19 March |
Lecture 6: Flyers, postcards & brochures Class activities: |
|
| 7 | 26 March |
Lecture 7: Direct mail & email marketing Class activities: |
Present relevant Reference File example (Asst 2) |
| 8 | 2 April |
Lecture 8: Newsletters Class activities: |
Present relevant Reference File example (Ass 2) |
| 9 | 9 April |
Lecture 9: News stories and profiles Class activities: |
Present relevant Reference File example (Asst 2) |
| 10 | 16 April |
Lecture 10: Bios, taglines & mission statements Class activities: Bio and profile writing Workshopping In class: Sign off reference files (Asst 2) |
In Class: Sign off reference files (Asst 2) |
Mid Semester Break: 19–26 April | |||
| 11 | 30 April |
Workshopping & polishing folio pieces. Q&A: Any topics not covered In class: Review folio progress (Asst 3) |
|
| 12 | 7 May |
Lecture 11 (online prior to class): Presenting to clients Class: Present a piece from your folio (copywriter/client roleplaying). This is the final class for this course. |
Submit Asst 3 (Folio) Due Sunday 12 May |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Any prescribed reading material is provided in class |
References
You are advised to look at the course Canvas site for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
You require access to a computer and the internet for this course. Other materials will be provided in class.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include:
- analysis of media format and context
- presentation of concepts and draft copy
- examples of final concepts and copy
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive written feedback on all assessments (refer to Canvas for assessment criteria and more detailed assessment briefs).
Assessment 1 – Structured copywriting exercise (Due Week 3, 3 March)
Through a series of class-based activities, you will explore the fundamentals of writing persuasive copy to a brief for a specific audience and action.
Assessment 2 – Resource bank (Due Weeks 2–10, 12 February – 16 April)
Collect a minimum of 8–10 pieces of diverse copy for a resource bank (or 'swipe file'), and assess against a series of questions. Prepare to discuss at least 5 of these pieces in an in-class discussion.
Assessment 3 – Copywriting folio (Due Week 12, 5 May)
Submit a folio of at least 3 drafted pieces of diverse copy.
Once you have demonstrated competency, your final assessment will be graded (refer to Canvas for grading rubric).
Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:
CHD – Competent with High Distinction
CDI – Competent with Distinction
CC – Competent with Credit
CAG – Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC – Not Yet Competent
DNS – Did Not Submit for Assessment
Grading criteria for this assessment can be found on the course Blackboard site.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. The assessment matrix for this course can be found on Canvas or from your teacher.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.
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.
Assessment Feedback
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the 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.
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.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview