57034 Professional Writing Project

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Writing and Contemporary Cultures
Credit points: 12 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 57033c Writing Seminar

Handbook description

This subject is designed for students who have substantial experience in writing and are ready to work independently. Working under the supervision of an appropriate member of staff, students devise, research, draft and revise to a high standard a substantial (15,000 words or equivalent) work of professional writing. The writing may be in any appropriate genre, depending on the viability of the proposed project and the availability of appropriate supervision.

Subject objectives/outcomes

The professional project requires students to synthesise the knowledge and skills that they have brought to and developed in the course of the MA in Professional Writing. The completion of a substantial work of professional writing is the capstone of the course, and demonstrates the students' ability to work professionally and independently.

On completion of this subject students are expected to:

Demonstrate high level skills in developing and completing a major written project in a selected genre,
Initiate, plan and complete their project, and to respond to critical feedback throughout the process, conduct and research necessary to their work, re-write and edit their work.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject contributes to the graduate profile by developing skills related to the initiation and completion of an individual writing project.

Teaching and learning strategies

Individual, collaborative, and one-to-one supervised learning are all part of the strategies employed in this subject.

Content

Students are required to submit a project proposal, with details of reading and research (where appropriate) for approval before they embark on a Professional Writing Project. The details of the proposal will be finalised in consultation with an appropriate academic supervisor. Depending on the nature of the project, groups of students may form writing groups who meet regularly to discuss and assist the development of each other's work. Each student meets with the supervisor for one-to-one discussions of the work-in-progress and, where appropriate, the related readings.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Outline of proposed writing project

Objectives	a, b
Value	5%
Due	Week 1-2
Task	To finalise an outline of the proposed writing project which has been discussed with supervisor and co-students and to plan a project timetable.
Assessment criteria	Each outline must incorporate information about the proposed writing project, genre, style, outcomes, expected research and time lines.

Assessment item 2: Major Writing Project

Objectives	a, b
Value	95%
Due	Week 14
Task	To complete a major writing project to a high standard under supervision.
Assessment criteria	Each project must meet the criteria agreed at the beginning of the process and approved by the supervisor.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. You are expected to initiate, attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in all scheduled meetings or classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Indicative references

Texts are proposed by students in applying for this subject, and a reading list agreed with the supervisor depending on the individual project.