Module Code - Title:
JM4067
-
PROFESSIONAL WRITING
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module enables students to develop their professional writing skills, with a focus on writing for digital content delivery and new workplace writing genres (e.g. topic-based writing, UX writing, and microcontent). It enables students to develop audience-focussed content for digital media, and emphasises the importance of inclusive writing strategies such as plain language.
Syllabus:
The module focuses on professional writing. It covers: an introduction to professional writing and communication; workplace writing and communication; writing style for professional communication; plain language principles; audience analysis; online content genres (e.g. topic-based writing, UX writing, and microcontent).
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
* Explain principles of professional writing and communication.
* Analyse writing samples.
* Describe approaches to writing style for professional communication.
* Analyse target audiences.
* Describe features of different genres.
* Develop content that is appropriate for the audience.
* Write in an appropriate style for the content's purpose, genre, and audience.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
* Empathise with audiences.
* Appreciate the value of careful and considered professional writing.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught on campus, supported by the UL VLE. Each week, lectures and tutorial activities will engage students in the theory, analysis and practice of writing. In lectures, students will develop their understanding of writing and rhetorical skills (Graduate Attribute: Articulate). They will analyse examples of problematic writing styles (Graduate Attribute: Curious) and they will identify strategies that facilitate readability and understandability (Graduate Attribute: Responsible).They will practice articulating complex ideas in plain language (Graduate Attribute: Articulate). They will apply their understanding of plain language principles to various texts and genres (Graduate Attribute: Agile). Through these activities, they will develop strategies and practices that foster clear, direct, honest, open, and understandable communication (Graduate Attributes: Articulate, Responsible and Courageous).
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Markel, M. and Selber, S. (2022)
Technical Communication (13th ed.)
, Bedford/St. Martin's
Strunk, W. and White, E. B. (1999)
The Elements of Style (4th ed.)
, Pearson
Other Relevant Texts:
Cleary, Y. (2021)
The Profession and Practice of Technical Communication
, Routledge
Baker, M. (2013)
Every Page is Page One
, XML Press
Zinsser, W. (2000)
on Writing Well
, Harper Perennial
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Elaine.Walsh@ul.ie