Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Professional Writing specialists must have a command of an extensive range of corporate and related genres. Such specialists must also be able to respond authoritatively to technical and stylistic writing questions when such matters arise in the workplace.

Aims

This unit aims to assist you develop the ability to write in two corporate writing genres, and be aware of three other genres. You will develop your knowledge about how language works and be able to use that knowledge in practical writing applications. As a result, you will become confident writers with the competency required for writing consultancy in corporate and professional situations.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Display a practical knowledge of two of these genres: Reports, Brochure Writing, Writing for the Web, Writing Manuals, Speech Writing.
2. Deploy grammar, punctuation, style, paragraphing and layout in producing outstanding corporate documents.
3. Develop highly specialised knowledge about the writing process including ethical matters.
4. Recognise, evaluate, and re-craft writing problems using advanced editing skills.
5. Behave in a manner appropriate to a professional/corporate writer

Content

The unit content includes lectures and tutorials in the first half of the semester cover the fundamentals of language (grammar, punctuation, writing style and clarity. Classes in the second half of semester deal with the dominant corporate writing genres, including manuals, reports, brochures, and speeches.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Although lecture notes are provided on the Blackboard site, you should attend the lectures. Tutorials provide considerable time for you to apply practically the knowledge and skills provided in lectures. Tutorial topics will be provided on the Blackboard site for you to download and bring to class.

PASS (Peer Assisted Support Scheme) sessions may also be available to help you better understand the lecture and tutorial material. If you are experiencing any difficulty with the unit material, you should consult your tutor and/or the unit co-ordinator.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Weight 0%

Assessment name: Test
Description: Read and correct passages of writing that contain errors of grammar and problems of clarity.
Relates to objectives: 2, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Writing Portfolio
Description: The portfolio consists of two pieces, submitted in two tranches: first a report OR the copy for a brochure (subject matter is your own choice), and second, ONE of the following. Writing for the Web; Writing Manuals; Speech Writing.

Part A:
Weight: 15%
Relates to Objectives: 1, 3, 5
Due date: Mid-Semester
Internal or External: Internal
Group or Individual: Individual

Part B:
Weight: 30%
Relates to Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5
Length: 1500-2000 words
Criteria sheets for this item are available on the Blackboard site.
Due date: End Semester
Internal or External: Internal
Group or Individual: Individual
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid to End Semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Proof-read portions of writing
Relates to objectives: 2, 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text

McKenna, B., Thomas, G., Waddell, N. & Barry, M. (2007). Corporate Communication: Effective Techniques for Business. (2nd ed). Melbourne: Thomson-Social Science Press.

KWB106 Blackboard Site

Recommended Readings

AGPS (2002). Style manual for authors, editors and printers. (6th ed). Milton: John Wiley.
American Psychological Association (1994).

Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (5th ed). Washington, DC: APA.

Anderson, P. (1998). Technical Writing: A reader-centred approach. (4th ed.). New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
(2003).

The Chicago manual of style. (15th ed). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Fowler, H. W. (1965). A dictionary of modern English usage. (2nd ed, Revised by Sir Ernest Gowers). Oxford: Clarendon. (no edition later than this one)

Gibaldi, J. (2003). MLA handbook for writers of research papers. (6th ed). New York: MLA.

Fowler, H. R. & Aaron, J. E. (2006). The Little, Brown handbook. (10th ed). New York: Pearson-Longman.

Lukeman, N. (2006). The art of punctuation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Lutz, G. & Stevenson, D. (2005). The Writer's Digest grammar desk reference: The definitive source for clear and correct writing. Cincinnati: Writer's Digest Books.

Strunk, W., Jr. & White, E. B. (1979). The elements of style. (3rd ed). New York: Macmillan Publishing.

Truss, L. (2003). Eats, shoots & leaves: The zero tolerance approach to punctuation. London: Profile.

Wallraff, B. (2004). Your own words. New York: Counterpoint.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Mar-2013