Students
MMCC8043 – Writing the Real
2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Bridget Griffen-Foley
Contact via b.foley@mq.edu.au
10HA room 148
Refer to iLearn
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MMediaComm or MCrInd
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit explores the fields of literary journalism and creative non-fiction, both as practice and as subject of enquiry. It combines analysis with the development of the students' own writing projects. It will consider a range of established and emerging modes including the non-fiction graphic novel, the magazine feature, the memoir, the essay and science/technology writing. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: research and analyse the diverse range of methodologies and creative techniques informing production processes of literary non-fiction writing.
- ULO2: synthesize and expand practical knowledge of non-fiction writing.
- ULO3: analyse and evaluate the theories and contemporary debates in the field of literary non-fiction.
- ULO4: demonstrate ethical conduct in relation to contemporary non-fiction writing.
General Assessment Information
Assessment standards in this unit align with the University's grade descriptors, available at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and- procedures/policies/assessment
Examples of relevant and related assessment tasks will be made available on iLearn and will be discussed in seminars.
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline.
Methods of Feedback:
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Informal: comments from convenor during seminars; through the announcement function in iLearn; interactions with peers during seminar activities; personal reflections on learning during the course.
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Individual: in email communication with individual students where comments are made by the tutor in response to questions related to course activities and assessments; individual consultations (by phone, Zoom or face-to-face).
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Formal: general comment and in-text comments attached to assignments marked in Turnitin; rubrics; reflections from peers; in-class comments from convenor in regards to assessments; marks are made available through the Gradebook function in iLearn.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing exercises | 20% | No | Ongoing |
| Research Report and Portfolio | 30% | No | 18.00, 19/4/21 |
| Major project | 50% | No | 18.00, 4/6/21 |
Writing exercises
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%
Produce short written pieces to develop writing and conceptual skills. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- research and analyse the diverse range of methodologies and creative techniques informing production processes of literary non-fiction writing.
- synthesize and expand practical knowledge of non-fiction writing.
Research Report and Portfolio
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 18.00, 19/4/21
Weighting: 30%
A report that summarises how the research will be used in the creative work. A portfolio that showcases the range of research undertaken for the creative work. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- research and analyse the diverse range of methodologies and creative techniques informing production processes of literary non-fiction writing.
- demonstrate ethical conduct in relation to contemporary non-fiction writing.
Major project
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 18.00, 4/6/21
Weighting: 50%
Produce a work of creative non-fiction writing. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- research and analyse the diverse range of methodologies and creative techniques informing production processes of literary non-fiction writing.
- synthesize and expand practical knowledge of non-fiction writing.
- analyse and evaluate the theories and contemporary debates in the field of literary non-fiction.
- demonstrate ethical conduct in relation to contemporary non-fiction writing.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Seminars commence in Week 2.
Refer to iLearn for details about assigned readings and resources. Required readings are accessible via the university library/Leganto or the internet.
Unit Schedule
2-hour seminars commence in Week 2.
A detailed unit schedule will be available on iLearn.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook