Public Writing

• • Introduction and unit overview .
  • What is 'public' writing? Habermas and the public sphere, 'spin doctoring', 'Public' or 'publics'?
  • Writing as communication: communication theories and contexts; information and knowledge
  • Writers and writing; process, publics and purposes
  • Speeches and presentation: the power of rhetoric
  • Statements of value: writing mission and vision statements
  • Social Media
  • Option A (Public Relations) or B (Journalism)
  • Option A (Public Relations) or B (Journalism)
  • Option A (Public Relations) or B (Journalism)
  • What is news?
  • Feature article
  • Review

• Study resources

  • Instructional methods

    • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
    • Online assignment submission
    • Standard Media
    • Web links

  • Online materials

    • Resources and Links
    • Printable format materials

Equivalent subjects

You cannot enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

• GRF-COMM130
• GRF-COM130

You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:

• GRF-COM120-Visual Culture
• GRF-COMM120
• GRF-COM110-Introducing Communication Studies
• GRF-COMM110

Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s)

Special requirements

No special requirements

In this subject you gain writing experience with different forms of professional writing, such as speech, mission and vision statements, a social media plan, and a crisis or issues communication strategy. Public Writing familiarises you with history and theories of public writing and with techniques for writing for specific audiences. This subject develops your practical skills in contemporary professional writing in formats that are used in today's communication roles. Topics covered include: professional writing, communication theories, crisis or issues communication strategy, writing for organisations, social media planning and journalism. For the major assessment, students choose between journalism and public relations modules as areas of specialisation. 

• 3 short writing tasks (45%)
• 3 discussion board posts (15%)
• plan, essay or news article (40%)