Course Title: Write extended stories

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: COMM7348C

Course Title: Write extended stories

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting

Course Contact: Penny Johnson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher:

Rachel Matthews

rachel.matthews@rmit.edu.au

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

Week

 

Class Content

Assessment Due

Competency and Elements

1

 

Jul 6

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

Simple Stories

Task 1 Oral Timetable TBC

CUFWRT302 - 1

CUFWRT402 - 1 
 

2

 

Jul 13

Sourcing: Ordinary Things (The Moth)
Story Structure: Beginnings 

 

CUFWRT302 - 1, 2 

3

 

Jul 20

Sourcing: The Everyday
Story Structure: Characters
Story workshop processes, conventions and ethics

 

CUFWRT302 – 1, 2 

4

 

Jul 27


Story workshops

Write a Simple Story Assessment Task 1 Due: Tell a simple story – in class

Timetable for Assessment Task 2 Workshopping TBC

CUFWRT302 – 1, 2,

5

 

Aug 3

Story workshops

 



 

6

 

Aug 10

Story workshops

Breakdown of Task 2

Write a Simple Story, Assessment 2: Workshopping discussion

Final oral presentations

CUFWRT302 – 1, 2, 3 

7

 

Aug 17

Sourcing: Narrative focus

Story Structure: Point of View

Sourcing: Myth 

Story Structure: Climax 

Workshops

Write a Simple Story, Assessment 2: Workshopping

CUFWRT302 
1, 2, 3 
CUFWRT402 - 2, 3, 4 

8

 

Aug 24

Sourcing: Allegory
Story Structure: Endings

Presentation of Write an Extended Story assessment tasks

 

CUFWRT302 - 1, 2, 3, 4 

CUFWRT402 -
2, 3 

 

 

Mid-semester break: Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September inclusive    
9 Sep 7 No class: Public Holiday  Write a Simple Story Assessment Task 2 Due: Redrafted Story  

10

 

Sep 14

Sourcing: Place 

Story Structure:

EmplacementSourcing: Objects  

Story Structure: Drafting

Story Research for Write Extended Stories

Theme: Lose

 
CUFWRT402 -
1, 2, 3
 
 

11

 

Sep 21

Sourcing: Time

Story Structure: Space

Discuss Task Two – Timetable TBC Workshopping

 


CUFWRT402 -
1, 2, 3

12
 

 

Sep 28


Workshopping

Write an Extended Story Assessment Task 1 due: Create a story plan

           

CUFWRT402 - 1, 2, 3
             

13

 

Oct 5

Reviewing and editing

Workshopping 

 


CUFWRT402 - 
1, 2, 3
 

14

 

 

Oct 12

Course Review and final workshopping

Final class


 


CUFWRT402 - 
1, 2, 3
 

15

Oct 19

 

No scheduled class

 

Write an Extended Story Task 2 due: Workshopped short story 
 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

Resources available in Canvas.


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 sataisfactory 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.

CUFWRT302 Write Simple Stories 

Write Simple Stories is delivered as the first unit in a two-unit cluster sequence in which a number of pieces of writing are produced across both ‘Write Simple Stories' and ‘Write Extended Stories’.

Assessment 1: Tell a simple story

Due Date: Week 4 in class (notes on Canvas; present in class: 27 July)

You will research, write and present a 3–4 minute (approximately 500–600-word) story in class. Your story must be true, drawn from your own experience, and told in a compelling way with a clear beginning, middle and end. You may read from a script, use notes or deliver it without prompts. If you choose not to use notes, you must still write a draft to upload via Canvas.

Assessment 2: Write A Simple Story and Reflective Statement

Due Date: Week 8 (submit on Canvas: 7 Sep)

You will write a 500–600-word drafted story and a 200-word reflective statement.

For your story of 500–600 words, you will take the kernel of your true story developed for Assessment #1 and, through a series of classroom activities, fictionalise it and present it as a written story in a non-linear mode. You are expected to bring a draft of the story along to class to workshop with others before submission.

CUFWRT402 Write Extended Stories

Write Extended Stories is delivered as the second unit in a two-unit cluster sequence in which a number of pieces of writing are produced across both ‘Write Simple Stories' and ‘Write Extended Stories’.

Assessment 1: Create A Story Plan

Due Date: Week 12 (submit on Canvas: 28 Sep)

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. The topic for your story is ‘lose’ but it is up to you to define your audience, purpose, style, tone and structure.

Assessment 2: Write and Workshop a Short Story

Due Date: Week 15 (submit on Canvas: 19 Oct)

 

In this assessment you will write a 2000-word short story on the topic or theme ‘lose’. The story will be suited to the literary journal or magazine specified in your story plan (Assessment #1). You will also workshop this story with your teacher and the class, so you can redraft the story for final delivery.

 

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