Advanced Writing

Subject 100-312 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour seminar each week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Completion of 100 points in Media and Communications including 100-105 Writng Journalism or 100-205 Writing Journalism .
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Sean Cubitt
email: sean.cubitt@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject provides students with the skills to write at an advanced journalistic level. Lectures will present students with techniques that will enhance skills in interviewing, news judgement, narrative technique, researching, framing ideas, developing contacts and using off the record information. Students will also deal with issues of fairness and objectivity, plagiarism, libel and codes of conduct. On completion of this subject, students will have developed advanced skills in feature writing.
Objectives:
  • be able to develop practical knowledge of different journalistic writing styles;
  • have gained a critical understanding of interviewing, the role of sources and researching;
  • have become aware of ethical and legal issues in contemporary journalism;
  • have acquired high level skills in feature writing.
Assessment: A news exercise of 1000 words 20% (due early in semester), a major news feature of 2500 words 60% (due at the end of semester), a seminar presentation of 500 words 10% and participation in seminars 10%. Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment. Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without a formal extension and special consideration will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
  • The Art and Craft of Feature Writing (W Blundell) Plume 1988
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to effectively research and write extended length journalistic stories;
  • have gained an understanding of the practical implications of on-going debates over journalistic conduct in relation to their own writings;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the mass media and other forms of communication in contemporary society.
Notes: This subject is only available to third year students enrolled in the BA (Media and Communications), BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Commerce, BA (Media and Communications)/ Bachelor of Laws.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) and Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communication) & Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Media and Communications

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