Introduction to Media Writing (MECM10006)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject aims to enhance students’ writing in general by introducing them to the fundamental skills used by professional writers within the Media and Communications industries. Through a workshop format, students will work on their own news stories in order to enhance their mastery of written communication. Students will be made familiar with strategies for planning, editing and revising their work, as well as that of others. Students will also become familiar with various styles and contexts of media writing and develop an introductory understanding of the various writing skills required to communicate effectively to mass audiences. In addition, through the lecture format, students will be introduced to ways of viewing media prose critically by way of theoretical considerations such as rhetoric, the relationship between print media and democracy and between journalism and public relations, editorial constraints, and audience analysis. Introduction to Media Writing is theoretically complementary to Media and Society (MECM10003), and also functions as preparation for those students who may wish to go on to Writing Journalism (MECM30010) in third year.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who complete this subject will:
- be able to evaluate the rhetorical effectiveness of a range of different examples of media writing;
- be able to demonstrate in their own work competence in producing a general prose style appropriate for media communication across a range of prose genres;
- understand, at an introductory level, theoretical considerations such as rhetoric, the relationship between print media and democracy, the ethics and practice of public relations, and audience analysis;
- be able to incorporate in the execution of their writing some evidence of a basic awareness of audience, and of theoretical considerations of print media.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students will gain the following generic skills:
- be familiar with planning, editing and revising their own and others’ writing in order to enhance and develop written communication skills;
- able to prepare, present and discuss their own ideas in both oral and written mode, and in conformity with the conventions of academic oral
- presentation; and
- able to participate constructively in discussion and group activities.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A total of 2,000 words comprising three mass-media articles targeted at current media forms such as newspapers, student publications and magazines 50% (due in week 3, 4 and 8);
- Participation in tutorial workshops (10%), throughout semester
- A total of 1,500 words comprising three redrafted media articles (30%), due in the examination period
- A pitch for each of the six pieces (500 words), 10%
- This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 36 hours: a 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour tutorial per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022