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

  Independent Project

• Unit Code

  WRT5130

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

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Description

Practical experience in either an applied or theoretical field forms the core of this independent project unit. Students will identify and propose a professional writing or editing project that will utilise and extend their generic and specialist skills, and have recognisable value to their professional development. This will generally, but not always, involve practical experience in a professional workplace, negotiation and collaboration with an industry partner and work on-site. Students prepare a proposal which must be approved before the project is commenced. A supervisor will be allocated to oversee each students progress.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Meet contemporary editorial and publication standards and criteria.
2. Operate independently to meet deadlines.
3. Plan, research and implement an approved professional project or placement.
4. Reflect and report on the implementation and outcomes of their project.
5. Write a professional proposal, identifying ways in which their professional skills may be utilised and extended in a professional workplace or through the completion of a substantial project.

Unit Content

1. Completion of a substantial project that meets professional submission standards or a professional work placement which may involve production of a research report.
2. Implementation of approved project activities, or the successful negotiation of an appropriate practicum placement.
3. Preparation of a detailed proposal, including objectives, content, methodology, deadlines and evaluation procedures.
4. Reflection on the independent project or placement experience and submission of a written evaluation.

Additional Learning Experience Information

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. Independent research and writing. Reflection on learning experience. The scope and form of the project or placement will be agreed upon by the student practicum coordinator and, where relevant, the agency/organisation prior to the commencement of the work. Where a student undertakes a placement, it will be carried out at times convenient to the agency/organisation and the student and will be supervised primarily by the organisation. Note: Students may be required to attend one or more group meetings organised by the unit coordinator and are encouraged to liaise with their supervisors on a regular basis.

Assessment

GS2 GRADING SCHEMA 2 Used for performance and/or practical based 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

• Bell, J.S. (2008). Revision and self-editing. (2nd ed.). OH: F& W Publications.
• Burchfield, R.W. (Ed.). (2004). New Fowler's modern English usage. (rev. 3rd ed.). Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
• Carter, D., & Galligan, A. (2007). Making books: Contemporary Australian publishing. St Lucia, Australia: UQP.
• Cope, B., & Phillips, A. (2006). The future of the book in the digital age. Oxford, United Kingdom: Chandos Publishing.
• Tredinnick, M. (2006). The little red writing book. Sydney, Australia: NSW Press.
• MacKenzie, J. (2004). The editor's companion. Melbourne, Australia; Cambridge University Press.
• Smart, R. ( Ed.). (2008). An introduction to Australian book publishing. (rev. 4th ed.). Ultimo, Australia; Australian Publishers Association.
• Spender, L. (2004). Between the lines: A legal guide for writers and illustrators. Strawberry Hills, Australia: Keesing Press.
• Thompson, J.B. (2012). Merchants of culture: The publishing business in the twenty-first century. (2nd ed.). Cambridge, United Kingdom: Pollity Press.
• Einsohn, A. (2006). The copy editor's handbook. A guidebook for book publishing and corporate communications. (2nd ed.). Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

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