Course Title: Write simple stories
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2021
Course Code: COMM7347C
Course Title: Write simple 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
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
Write Simple 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 Simple Stories delivers the skills, craft and knowledge required to write short stories.
This competency Write Simple Stories (CUFWRT302A) is delivered and assessed with Write Extended Stories (CUFWRT402A).
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 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 5 |
NO CLASS |
||
2 |
Jul 12 |
Introduction to Storytelling. Explanation of course content and overview of assessment. |
Assessment Task 1: Tell a simple story - Oral Timetable TBC |
CUFWRT302 - 1 CUFWRT402 - 1 |
3 |
Jul 19 |
Sourcing: Ordinary Things (The Moth) |
CUFWRT302 - 1, 2 |
|
4 |
Jul 26 |
Sourcing: The Everyday |
CUFWRT302 – 1, 2 |
|
5 |
Aug 2 |
|
Assessment Task 1 begins: Tell a simple story – in class (over 3 weeks) Timetable for Assessment Task 2: Workshopping TBC |
CUFWRT302 – 1, 2, |
6 |
Aug 9 |
Sourcing: Elements Story Structure: Voice, Narrator, Character |
Oral presentations continued Workshop groups distributed |
|
7 |
Aug 16 |
Story workshops Breakdown of Task 2 |
Workshopping discussion for week 7 Final oral presentations |
CUFWRT302 – 1, 2, 3 |
8 |
Aug 23 |
Sourcing: Narrative focus Story Structure: Setting and Pace - Australasian stories Workshops |
Assessment Task 2: Workshopping |
CUFWRT302 |
Mid-semester break: Mon 30 Aug to Friday 3 Sep inclusive |
||||
9 |
Sep 6 |
Story Structure: Conflict Workshops |
Workshopping (continued) for Task 2. |
CUFWRT302 |
10 |
Sep 13 |
Beginnings (how they evolve) |
Assessment Task 2 Due: Write a simple story and reflective statement 500-600 words Workshop groups distributed for weeks 12/13 (beginning draft to your 2000 word story, Assignment 4). A discussion thread link will be distributed. |
|
11 |
Sep 20 |
Sourcing: Dialogue Story Structure: Drafting |
Story Research for Write an extended story Theme: Wonder |
|
12 |
Sep 27 |
Sourcing: Endings Discuss Task Two – Timetable TBC Workshopping |
Workshops begin for 2000 word story Your written detailed feedback is a compulsory part of the assessment. Bring copies of the 'Wonder' story draft for workshopping (this week or next). |
|
13 |
Oct 4 |
|
Assessment Task 3 Due: Create a story plan Final workshops for 'Wonder' story, Bring copies for your group. |
CUFWRT402 - 1, 2, 3 |
14 |
Oct 11 |
Reviewing and editing Workshopping reviews |
Please ensure you have given written feedback to your classmates as annotations on their work and posted these in your group's discussion link. Your feedback is a compulsory part of the assessment. |
|
15 |
Oct 18 |
Course review and social time |
|
|
16 |
Oct 25 |
No scheduled class |
Assessment Task 4 Due: Write an extended story |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
None |
References
Resources are 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 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: Tell a simple story
Due Date: Week 5
Completing this task allows you to demonstrate your ability to present a simple story to a brief; craft a beginning, middle and end; and pay attention to plot, pace and proofreading.
Assessment 2: Write a simple story and reflective statement
Due Date: Week 10
Plan, write, draft and revise a story to a brief and demonstrate your critical thinking as a writer making conscious decisions about their practice.
Assessment 3: Create a Story Plan
Due Date: Week 13
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. Completing this task allows you to demonstrate your understanding of what’s required to prepare for writing a short story for publication to a deadline.
Assessment 4: Write an extended story
Due Date: Week 16
You are required to write a 2000-word fictional story on the topic ‘lose’ but can interpret the topic in any way you wish. Treat this as an opportunity to work with story outside of the parameters imposed by screenwriting formats. Screenwriters need to be excellent storytellers, and this task asks you to write a longer, more complex story than the stories you have written in Assessment Tasks 1 & 2.
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