This course provides public sector workers with an applied understanding of the underlying structures and mechanisms of written English, so that they may write more simply, clearly and effectively at work, and so be more fully and properly understood.
Topics include:
- the purpose of writing
- the grammar of words and sentences
- which grammar elements are most important in effective writing
- sentence style and variety
- the elements of bureaucratic language
- alternatives to jargon, cliches and pretentious language
- ways to write more concisely.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On completing this course, students should be able to:
- appreciate the importance of good written communication skills in government
- write with a clear purpose
- understand the function of words, phrases and clauses
- analyse and discuss sentence structures
- recognise the grammar of bureaucratic language
- write with more clarity and conciseness
- build good rapport with readers
- provide better quality information to decision makers
- make better use of style guides and other writing advice
- better advise staff on how to improve written communication.
Indicative Assessment
Weekly exercises (in-class or homework) based on class learning 5 x 8% 40%
Correction/improvement exercises based on authentic writing samples from students' individual workplaces (min. 500 words each ) 40%
Class attendance and participation 10%
Online discussion group participation 10%
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
One 3-hour session per week for 5 weeks, plus homework exercises and online discussion group participation.
3 - 6pm Fridays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 May 2009 (Venues TBA)
Prescribed Texts
A workbook and course notes are provided to each student at no extra charge.Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 3 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $1302 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $2073 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
