Students

ENGL390 – Writing for Production and Publication

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor and Teacher
Associate Professor Jane Messer
Contact via jane.messer@mq.edu.au
Lvl 2, Australian Hearing Hub
Best by appointment. Happy to receive emails.
The Quarry supervising editor
Michelle Hamadache
Lvl 2, Australian Hearing Hub
Best by appointment. Happy to receive emails.
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(ENGL233 or MAS202 or MECO210 or MECO211) and (ENGL307 or ENGL332 or MAS314 or MECO310 or MECO311)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is structured around three linked modules that model an industry-relevant writing experience, beginning with a 'brief' or writing stimulus through to final submission of a creative work to the unit's e-journal. In the writing module students demonstrate a high level of independence and build on their prior writing skills. Students nominate to focus on the particular genre of writing chosen for their writing major, either non-fiction, short story, poetry, or script writing, workshopping a creative work in their genre group. Over the course of the semester, one major work is written and contributed to the e-journal, The Quarry. Students have an opportunity to join the small editorial team for that issue.In the second module, pathways to publication/production, the focus is on graduate opportunities. Lecturers and industry professionals discuss their particular industry and professional experiences, with a week given over to identifying each student's skills and attributes relevant to employment in the arts and media industries.These modules prepare students for the final module, writing for publication/production, during which students revise, edit and proof their work for publication in The Quarry.

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:

  • A. Engage with The Quarry journal’s theme, to research, write and revise a final major creative work, meeting the deadlines for workshops, drafts and finished copy.
  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • D. Assess and evaluate a range of content, editorial, funding and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value, demonstrating an understanding of how its contribution to the Australian arts and media industries.
  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

General Assessment Information

It is an assessment requirement of this unit that students participate weekly: missed weeks must be explained with a satisfactory Professional Authority Form (PAF) relating to urgent or serious medical circumstances; or in the case of employment demands, a letter from the employer. 20% of the Participation mark will be deducted from the Participation mark for each absence. A student arriving more than 15 minutes late will be counted as Absent. Written tasks must be completed in-class on the day (except where students have provided the PAF or employer's letter to satisfactorily document their absence.)

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participation 15% No Weekly 1 - 13
Career Development Tasks 5% No 24th August; 5th October
First Draft 15% No Monday 3rd September
Major Creative Work 55% No Monday 8th October
Reflective Statement 10% No Monday 5th November

Participation

Due: Weekly 1 - 13
Weighting: 15%

In-class or online tasks and activities relating to workshops, in-class writing exercises, discussions, industry speaker Q &A, attendance, etc.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • D. Assess and evaluate a range of content, editorial, funding and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value, demonstrating an understanding of how its contribution to the Australian arts and media industries.
  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.

Career Development Tasks

Due: 24th August; 5th October
Weighting: 5%

Biographical Note

Gravatar (Globally Recognized Avatar)

Future Job Advertisement


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • D. Assess and evaluate a range of content, editorial, funding and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value, demonstrating an understanding of how its contribution to the Australian arts and media industries.
  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.

First Draft

Due: Monday 3rd September
Weighting: 15%

First Draft of Major Creative Work


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. Engage with The Quarry journal’s theme, to research, write and revise a final major creative work, meeting the deadlines for workshops, drafts and finished copy.
  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.

Major Creative Work

Due: Monday 8th October
Weighting: 55%

Major Creative Work: 2,500 words of creative nonfiction, short story OR 100 lines of poetry.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. Engage with The Quarry journal’s theme, to research, write and revise a final major creative work, meeting the deadlines for workshops, drafts and finished copy.
  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.

Reflective Statement

Due: Monday 5th November
Weighting: 10%

Reflective statement accompanying digital portfolio.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. Engage with The Quarry journal’s theme, to research, write and revise a final major creative work, meeting the deadlines for workshops, drafts and finished copy.
  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

Delivery and Resources

Room 163 Active Learning Space, 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave, Macquarie University.

Classes begin in Week 1, continuing weekly through to Week 13

Unit Schedule

Week 1 Introduction. Students confirm their genres and begin devising The Quarry theme.

Week 2 The Quarry: Theme Finalized. Quarry production issues discussed—editorial team confirmed. Bio notes due/written and workshopped. Student headshots provided/due.

Week 3 Writing Workshop 1 Applied writing exercises in-class & writing workshop

Week 4 Writing Workshop 2 Applied writing exercises in-class & writing workshop

Week 5 Writing Workshop 03 Applied writing exercises in-class & writing workshop Draft Major Creative Work due

Week 6 Writing Workshop 04 Applied writing exercises in-class & writing workshop. Paired activity on workshop drafts.

Week 7 Writing Workshop 05 Applied writing exercises in-class & writing workshop —editorial group representative to workshop for structure, theme and formatting adherence.

Week 8 Industry Practice. Industry Talk 1and career development workshop. We discuss some of the key ‘take-outs’ from our Arts studies - can creativity be taught and taking our learning into our careers.

Week 9 Pathways to Publication The Quarry Editorial group begin their formal editing of the Major Creative Works at the end of this week. Applied writing exercises in-class. Major Creative Work Due

Week 10 Industry Practice. Industry Talk 2, and Q&A. Pitching Your Work Exercise.

Week 11 Industry Practice. Career Development.  MQ. Editorial group report on progress with The Quarry so far.

Week 12 Industry Practice. Industry Talk 3, and Q&A.  Editorial group showcases The Quarry: students are asked to proof their final, posted works.

Week 13 The Quarry is LAUNCHED. Celebration. We recap some of the key ‘take-outs’ from our professional guests and The Quarry experience. Student readings from The Quarry.

The schedule may be changed depending on speaker availability, etc.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, 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.

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 improve your marks and take control of your study.

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

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.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A. Engage with The Quarry journal’s theme, to research, write and revise a final major creative work, meeting the deadlines for workshops, drafts and finished copy.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • First Draft
  • Major Creative Work
  • Reflective Statement

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • D. Assess and evaluate a range of content, editorial, funding and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value, demonstrating an understanding of how its contribution to the Australian arts and media industries.
  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Career Development Tasks
  • First Draft
  • Major Creative Work
  • Reflective Statement

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

Assessment task

  • Reflective Statement

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A. Engage with The Quarry journal’s theme, to research, write and revise a final major creative work, meeting the deadlines for workshops, drafts and finished copy.
  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • First Draft
  • Major Creative Work
  • Reflective Statement

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A. Engage with The Quarry journal’s theme, to research, write and revise a final major creative work, meeting the deadlines for workshops, drafts and finished copy.
  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • D. Assess and evaluate a range of content, editorial, funding and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value, demonstrating an understanding of how its contribution to the Australian arts and media industries.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Career Development Tasks
  • First Draft
  • Major Creative Work
  • Reflective Statement

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A. Engage with The Quarry journal’s theme, to research, write and revise a final major creative work, meeting the deadlines for workshops, drafts and finished copy.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • First Draft
  • Major Creative Work
  • Reflective Statement

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Career Development Tasks
  • First Draft
  • Major Creative Work
  • Reflective Statement

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • B. Compose a complete creative written work that demonstrates capacity creative use of language, concept and structure relevant to the genre and audience.
  • C. Practice the capabilities required of a graduate submitting their work to a journal, pitch or writing competition.
  • D. Assess and evaluate a range of content, editorial, funding and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value, demonstrating an understanding of how its contribution to the Australian arts and media industries.
  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.
  • F. Investigate and document the attributes and skills usual to arts and media industry employment, identifying your current skills alongside the future skills and attributes still to be developed for a career in these sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Career Development Tasks
  • First Draft
  • Major Creative Work
  • Reflective Statement

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • D. Assess and evaluate a range of content, editorial, funding and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value, demonstrating an understanding of how its contribution to the Australian arts and media industries.
  • E. Participate in class activities, reflecting and discussing the issues raised in debates about the arts and media industries, identifying the different philosophical and empirical perspectives raised.