Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Communications and Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Community Writing

• Unit Code

  WRT3212

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

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Description

This unit explores the concept, function, and potential of Community Writing by considering some of its social and political implications as well as the roles of significant cultural groups and organisations. Students acquire skills and knowledge that will help them to act as resource persons for other writers. By participating in various practical activities, such as presenting writing workshops, producing a class anthology, and undertaking research/work experience, they practise several kinds of writing (e.g. poetry, fiction, publicity flyers, letters, articles, reports, speeches) and gain experience working as part of a team in the service of others.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded WRT3112, WRT4112

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Act as a resource person in the on-going activities of a writers' centre.
2. Conduct writing workshops in the community.
3. Organise public writing events such as readings, writing competitions, book launches.
4. Research, write, and edit community publications such as newsletters, anthologies, local history monographs, grant applications, and media releases.
5. Submit work for publication that adheres to a style guide and meets publication deadlines.
6. Work as part of a team to produce a publication.

Unit Content

1. Planning, research, peer editing, proofreading, and other activities associated with production of the class anthology.
2. Production of a folio of writing.
3. Readings on community and community writing.
4. Relevant theoretical issues, such as equity, wellbeing and sustainability.
5. Research for writing, including observation, interviewing, visits to libraries or archives, and work experience (e.g. with community groups and organisations).
6. Teamwork and organisational skills.
7. Writing for a range of purposes.
8. Writing workshops on a range of topics.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Workshops. Research and work experience involving community groups or organisations.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Anderson, B. (2005). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. (3rd ed.). London: Verso.
• Bauman, Z. (2001). Communities: Seeking safety in an insecure world. Cambridge: Polity.
• Collins, P.S. (2001). Community writing: Researching social issues through composition. Routledge.
• Crowley, S. & Stancliff, M. (2007). Critical situations: A rhetoric for writing in communities. Longman.
• Deans, T. (2000). Writing partnerships: Service learning in composition. Urbana: Illinois.
• Style Manual. (2002). (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
• Kanter, J. (2007). Performing loss: Rebuilding community through theater and writing. Southern Illinois University Press.
• Manderson, L. (Ed.) (2005). Rethinking wellbeing. Perth: API Network.
• Petelin, R., & Durham, M. (1994). The professional writing guide: Writing well and knowing why. Melbourne: Longman Professional.
• Ryder, P.M. (2011). Rhetorics for community action: Public writing and writing publics. Lexington Books.
• Singleton, J., & Luckhurst, M. (2000). The creative writing handbook. (2nd ed.). N.Y.: Palgrave.
• Grabill, J.T. (2007). Writing community change: Designing technologies for citizen action. Creskill, NJ: Hampton Press.

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