Course Title: Write extended stories

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2024

Course Code: COMM7348C

Course Title: Write extended stories

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.

 

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6180 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting

Course Contact: Alan Woodruff

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4307

Course Contact Email: alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Dr 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. Strong storytelling is an essential component of screenwriting and the competency Write Extended Stories delivers the skills, craft and knowledge required.

This course addresses the following unit of competency: CUAWRT402 Write Extended Stories


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 CUAWRT402 Write extended stories Date this document was generated: 19 October 2022 Approved Page 3 of 5 © Commonwealth of Australia, 2022 PwC's Skills for Australia ELEMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA extended stories 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 extended stories, and 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 to review discussions/lectures 
  • analysis/critique of students’ writings


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

1

Feb 12

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

Discussion re Oral Storytelling sessions

Discussion re Assessment One - 500 to 600 word story and 500 word reflection editing choices (personal experience, place or person of significance)

 

2

Feb 19

Character and voice

Oral Stories begin:

(3 minute presentations)

3

Feb 26

Setting and Pace

Oral Stories (cont.)

(3 minute presentations)

 

4

March 4

Oral stories (cont.)

 

Oral Stories (cont.)

(3 minute presentations)

 

5

March 11

 Labour Day Holiday - no class

Discussion board workshopping available online for Assessment One drafts

Class workshop groups announced 

6

March 18

Story workshops

Giving and receiving feedback

Class workshopping sessions 

7

March 25 

 

 

Giving and receiving feedback

 

 

Online critiques of Assessment One drafts via discussion board

Assessment Task 1 due March 31

(500-600 word story and 200 word editing choices statement)

 

Mid-semester break:

March 29 - April 5

inclusive

 

8

April 8

Beginnings

Looking at Assessment Task 2 - Story Plan template task

 

9

April 15

Conflict 

 

Workshop groups distributed for weeks 10/11/12 (draft of Assessment Task 3 - (2000 word story using the theme 'Wonder')

10

April 22

Dialogue, language and style 

Class workshops begin for 'Wonder' story Assessment Four

11

April 29

 Point of View

Class workshops cont. for 'Wonder' story Assessment Three. Bring five copies. 

12

May 6

Experimental Writing

Assessment Task 2 due May 12  (Story Plan template)

Class workshops cont. for 'Wonder' story Assessment Three. Bring five copies. Feedback is compulsory. 

13

May 13

Endings

 

Final workshops for 'Wonder' story, Bring five copies. Feedback to classmates compulsory. 

14

May 20

Reviewing and editing

Course review and social time

 

Please ensure you have given written feedback to your classmates as annotations on their work.

15

May 27

No class

Assessment Task 3 Parts A & B due June 2 - 2000 word story based on theme 'Wonder'

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


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 is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include participation in class exercises, oral presentations and practical writing tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided.

 


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 and Write a Story Draft and Final Copy, due Week 7

Completing this Oral to Written Storytelling task allows you to demonstrate your ability to present a simple story verbally to a brief; craft a beginning, middle and end; and pay attention to plot, pace and proofreading. 

You will research, write and present a 3–4-minute oral 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 use notes or deliver it without prompts. If you choose not to use notes, you must still write a draft to upload via Canvas. 

You will also complete a 500–600 word written version of the same story, after spending time workshopping early drafts with classmates. Further, you will complete a 200-word accompanying statement reflecting on writing choices and ergonomic practices. 

Assessment 2: Create a Story Plan, due Week 12

You will research a range of stories and write a story plan in preparation to write a 2000-word extended story for a literary journal or magazine. Completing this task allows you to demonstrate your understanding of what’s required to prepare for writing an extended story for publication to a deadline. 

The topic for your story is ‘Wonder’ but it is up to you to define your audience, purpose, style, tone and structure. The story plan is designed to encapsulate your understanding of the brief, your research to date and your timeline for writing the story.

Assessment 3: Write an Extended Story, Parts A & B, due Week 15

Completing this task allows you to demonstrate your ability to write more complex stories, and draft and revise them according to feedback and conventions of grammar, punctuation and spelling. 

Part A – Draft Extended Story  

You will complete a draft of your 2000-word story, that will be submitted in Canvas with the final edited version. This draft will be critiqued in various learning spaces such as class discussion, group critiques, online forums and with your teacher. 

You must take feedback from your peers or assessor and provide evidence – this may include annotations of documents within online forums and exchanging written commentary in class.  

Part B - Final Extended Story 

You are required to write a 2000-word fictional story on the prompt ‘Wonder’ 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. 

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