Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

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

  Professional Writing

• Unit Code

  WRT5110

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

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Description

This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare and submit applications and tenders for the delivery of research, educational or other services. It also provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake various kinds of professional report writing from initiation to publication.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Competently complete a tender application that addresses the selection criteria and fulfils all other necessary requirements (including the provision of financial information).
2. Demonstrate analytical and organisational skills necessary to identify requirements and collate information for the preparation, completion and lodgement of applications, submissions and tenders.
3. Design reports that meet specified requirements.
4. Evaluate a document written in reply to a call for submission or tender.
5. Identify sources, conduct research and collate data as a basis for a report.
6. Plan and write professional reports using appropriate stylistic conventions, visual aids, punctuation, grammar and register.
7. Review and edit draft reports or other professional documents and prepare them for publication.

Unit Content

1. Analysis of, and written response to, calls for applications, submissions and tenders.
2. Choosing appropriate content and report structure.
3. Document design, formatting, visual aids and presentation.
4. Preparing a report for publication.
5. Project management and organisational skills for completing competitive applications.
6. Research techniques, data collection and methodologies.
7. Tender evaluation and post tender negotiations.
8. The context of applications, submissions and tenders in todays market.
9. The review process.
10. Writing capability statements, letters of intent and replies to selection criteria.
11. Writing for the appropriate readership (grammar, punctuation, tone, register, style).

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit is delivered online using the University's Blackboard (LMS) and other Internet-based technologies where appropriate. Students will require access to a computer, scanner, video/audio recording device and speakers of a standard typically used in online learning environments.

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

• Bowden, J. (2008). Writing a report: How to prepare, write and present really effective reports. (8th ed.). Oxford, United Kingdom: How To Books.
• Collins, S. (Ed.). (2003). The Foundation Center's guide to winning proposals. New York, NY: The Foundation Center.
• Ebel, H.F., Bliefort, C., & Russey, W.E. (2004). The art of scientific writing. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag.
• Flann, E., & Hill, B. (2004). The Australian editing handbook. (2nd. ed.). Milton, Australia: John Wiley & Sons Australia.
• Watson, D. (2003). Death sentence: The decay of public language. Sydney, Australia: Random House.
• Marsen, S. (2007). Professional writing: The complete guide for business, industry and IT. (2nd ed.). London, United Kingdom: Palgrave.
• Spender, L. (2004). Between the lines: A legal guide for writers and illustrators. Strawberry Hills, Australia: Keesing Press.
• Style manual for authors, editors and printers. (6th ed.). Milton, Australia: Wiley & Sons.
• Surma, A. (2005). Public and professional writing: Ethics, imagination and rhetoric. Houndmills, United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Geever, J.C. (2004). The Foundation Center's guide to proposal writing. NY: The Foundation Center.

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