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Course Outline

Course Name: Writing 1: Media Writing Fundamentals (MSCP 1000)

Academic Period: 2023 - 2024

Faculty:


Faculty Availability:

Associate Dean:
Moriba Baker
moriba.baker@humber.ca

Schedule Type Code:

Land Acknowledgement

Humber College is located within the traditional and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Known as Adoobiigok [A-doe-bee-goke], the “Place of the Alders” in Michi Saagiig [Mi-Chee Saw-Geeg] language, the region is uniquely situated along Humber River Watershed, which historically provided an integral connection for Anishinaabe [Ah-nish-nah-bay], Haudenosaunee [Hoeden-no-shownee], and Wendat [Wine-Dot] peoples between the Ontario Lakeshore and the Lake Simcoe/Georgian Bay regions. Now home to people of numerous nations, Adoobiigok continues to provide a vital source of interconnection for all.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber (Humber) are leaders in providing a learning, working and living environment that recognizes and values equity, diversity and inclusion in all its programs and services. Humber commits to reflect the diversity of the communities the College serves. Students, faculty, support and administrative staff feel a sense of belonging and have opportunities to be their authentic selves.

Faculty or Department Faculty of Media, Creative Arts, and Design
Program(s)
Digital Communications, Bachelor of (DC411)
Journalism, Bachelor of (22241)
Public Relations, Bachelor of (22221)
Creative and Professional Writing, Bachelor of (CP411)
Course Name: Writing 1: Media Writing Fundamentals (MSCP 1000)
Pre-Requisites none
Co-Requisites none
Pre-Requisites for

MSCP 1002

 

Equates none
Restrictions none
Credit Value 3
Total Course Hours 42
Developed By: Prepared By: Approved by:
Gemma Richardson

Moriba Baker

Moriba Baker

Humber Learning Outcomes (HLOs) in this course.

The HLOs are a cross-institutional learning outcomes strategy aimed at equipping Humber graduates with the employability skills, mindsets, and values they need to succeed in the future of work. To explore all the HLOs, please consult the Humber Learning Outcomes framework.

  • A white tree with roots, branches, and leaves appearing in an orange and green circleEquity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
  • A white beaver appearing in a purple circleSystems Thinking
  • A white turtle appearing in an orange circleIndigenous Ways of Being Knowing and Doing (IWBKD)
  • A white canoe rowing into a red circleCritical Thinking
  • A white howling coyote in a green circleCommunication
  • A white soaring eagle flying into the centre of a blue circleProfessionalism

Course Description

This course prepares students to produce clean, simple writing based on facts, interviews and research with an emphasis on writing to very tight deadlines. Throughout the course CP Style is covered as well as the elements of grammar and sentence structure. Students develop essential communication skills in a multi-media context: textual analysis, critical thinking, and clear writing including correct grammar and punctuation. Students reflect upon their own writing process, examine and practice strategies for thinking, planning, drafting, and revising.

Course Rationale

This course introduces students to the basics required for writing for a wide variety of audiences anchored in principles of syntax, spelling and grammar, with a particular focus on news media (print and online) utilizing The Canadian Press and elements of Indigenous styles of writing.

Program Outcomes Emphasized in this Course

Digital Communications, Bachelor of (DC411)

  1. Present ideas and information accurately and creatively using written, oral, audio-visual and web-based formats.

  2. Manage communication projects effectively, employing a professional attitude towards responsibility, initiative, collaboration, adaptability, accountability and ethical use of resources.

  3. Direct own continuous learning, pursuing opportunities for constant renewal of skills and knowledge.

Journalism, Bachelor of (22241)

  1. Apply professional communication skills to interviewing, reporting, and delivery of news that adheres to industry standards and contributes to the understanding of the topic or situation under investigation.
  2. Comply with and promote adherence to professional and ethical codes of conduct, guidelines and legal requirements.

Public Relations, Bachelor of (22221)

  1. Write clear, targeted materials that are appropriate for the intended audience and medium.

  2. Produce visually effective print, graphic and digital communications materials.

Creative and Professional Writing, Bachelor of (CP411)

  1. Identify key structures and characteristics in a variety of creative and professional works applicable to writing proficiency.
  2. Conduct primary and secondary research from credible sources to support authenticity and accuracy in creative and professional writing.
  3. Write creative and professional works suitable for publishing to a wide variety of audiences, publishers, platforms and industries using the full range of principles of rhetoric, syntax, grammar, style, and usage.
  4. Analyze exemplary texts to distinguish effective modes and strategies for application to one’s own writing.
  5. Reflect on work completed in creative and professional writing projects to assess the extent to which one has achieved one’s goals and to apply lessons learned.

Course Learning Method(s)

  • Case Based Learning
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Lecture
  • Inquiry Based Learning

Course Learning Outcomes (CLO)

Learning Outcome Learning Objectives Summative Assessments Formative Assessments
Apply rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure to writing for a range of media.
  • Practice English grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and editing.
  • Grammar workshops
  • Exam
  • Class participation
Review , proofread, edit, revise and write copy from online and print content.
  • Develop editing skills.
  • Quizzes
  • Factual Content Analysis
  • Class participation
Apply rules of attribution and guidelines for using direct quotes.
  • Explain how to attribute ideas to the source using direct and indirect quotations.
  • Quizzes
  • Class participation
Distinguish between academic and professional formatting and style rules when writing for a range of media.
  • Develop professional-writing skills.
  • Exam
  • Class participation
Employ basic editing symbols when reviewing and revising copy.
  • Develop editing skills.
  • Quizzes
  • Exam
  • Class participation
Analyze audiences when writing for a range of media.
  • Develop judgment about focus and content for different audiences.
  • Lead ("lede") and nutgraf exercises
  • Quizzes
  • Class participation
Write simple, accurate content in plain language with specific leads ("ledes").
  • Develop professional-writing skills.
  • Lead ("lede") and nutgraf exercises
  • Profile
  • Fact checking for content creation
  • Class participation
Compose copy as a storyteller for diverse audiences and a wide range of media.
  • Understand the principles and practice of storytelling.
  • Story from factual content
  • Class participation
Demonstrate knowledge of the secondary-research process and tools utilizing institutional/library and open-source resources.
  • Develop research skills.
  • Story from factual content
  • Class participation
Explain the difference between examples of fact and opinion when writing for a range of media.
  • Differentiate between fact and opinion.
  • Exam
  • Class participation
Apply The Canadian Press and elements of Indigenous styles to writing.
  • Explain key elements of The Canadian Press and Indigenous styles of writing rules.
  • Quizzes
  • Class participation
Display the role, responsibilities and rights of a writer when developing a range of content for publication.
  • Explain the role, responsibility and rights of Canadian news reporters.
  • Exam
  • Class participation

Assessment Weighting

Assessment Weight
Analysis
    Factual Content Analysis 15%
In-class Activity
    Class participation Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Quiz
    Quizzes 10%
Writing Assignment
    Profile 10%
    Fact checking for content creation 15%
    Story from factual content 10%
Test
    Exam 20%
    Lead ("lede") and nutgraf exercises Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
    Grammar workshops 20%
Total 100%

Modules of Study

Module Course Learning Outcomes Resources Assessments
What Is Storytelling? Content Structure; Fact Checking; Leads ("ledes"); Context ("nutgraf")
  • Explain the difference between examples of fact and opinion when writing for a range of media.
  • Analyze audiences when writing for a range of media.
  • Write simple, accurate content in plain language with specific leads ("ledes").
  • Apply The Canadian Press and elements of Indigenous styles to writing.
  • Employ basic editing symbols when reviewing and revising copy.
  • Compose copy as a storyteller for diverse audiences and a wide range of media.
  • Display the role, responsibilities and rights of a writer when developing a range of content for publication.
  • Exam
  • Class participation
  • Lead ("lede") and nutgraf exercises
  • Quizzes
Grammar and Writing
  • Apply The Canadian Press and elements of Indigenous styles to writing.
  • Apply rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure to writing for a range of media.

The Canadian Press books, Indigenous writing stylebook and dictionary

  • Class participation
  • Quizzes
Academic vs. Professional Writing
  • Analyze audiences when writing for a range of media.
  • Write simple, accurate content in plain language with specific leads ("ledes").
  • Apply The Canadian Press and elements of Indigenous styles to writing.
  • Apply rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure to writing for a range of media.

The Canadian Press books, Indigenous writing stylebook and dictionary

  • Exam
  • Class participation
Conducting Secondary Research (Current and Archival Sources)
  • Analyze audiences when writing for a range of media.
  • Compose copy as a storyteller for diverse audiences and a wide range of media.

The Canadian Press books, Indigenous writing stylebook and dictionary; Humber College library resources

  • Class participation
  • Quizzes
Analyzing Interviews through Secondary Sources: Attribution and Quotations
  • Apply rules of attribution and guidelines for using direct quotes.
  • Review , proofread, edit, revise and write copy from online and print content.
  • Display the role, responsibilities and rights of a writer when developing a range of content for publication.

The Canadian Press books, Indigenous writing stylebook and dictionary

  • Class participation
  • Quizzes
Ethical Responsibilities of Communication Professionals
  • Display the role, responsibilities and rights of a writer when developing a range of content for publication.

The Canadian Press books and Indigenous writing stylebook

  • Exam
  • Class participation

Required Resources

Title ISBN

Barber, K. (Ed.). (2005). Canadian Oxford dictionary (2nd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario, Canada: Oxford University Press.

Alternative: An online version of the most recent edition of the Canadian Oxford dictionary. American or British dictionaries are not acceptable.  

McCarten, J. (2021). The Canadian Press stylebook: A guide for writers and editors (19th ed.). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: The Canadian Press.

McCarten, J. (Ed.). (2022). The Canadian Press caps and spelling (23rd ed.). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: The Canadian Press.

Younging, G. (2018). Elements of Indigenous style. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Brush Education. 

Supplemental Resources

Title ISBN

Strunk (Jr), W., & White, E.B. (2009). The elements of style (50th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.

Resource(s):

Course material costs can be found through the Humber Bookstore.

Additional Tools and Equipment

  • Laptop or desktop computer with hard-drive and USB-file backup
  • Download and use Microsoft Word for all assignments.
  • Camera equipment

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby candidates may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior learning includes the knowledge competencies and skills acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside of post-secondary education. Candidates may have their prior learning evaluated against the course learning outcomes as defined in the course outline.

To find out if this course is eligible for PLAR, and how this learning would be assessed, please contact the Program Coordinator for more details.

Academic Regulations

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of the College Academic Regulations. The Academic Regulations apply to all applicants to Humber and all current students enrolled in any program or course offered by Humber, in any location. Information about academic appeals is found in the Academic Regulations.  

Anti-Discrimination Statement

At Humber College, all forms of discrimination and harassment are prohibited. Students and employees have the right to study, live and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. If you need assistance on concerns related to discrimination and harassment, please contact the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion or the Office of Student Conduct.

Accessible Learning Services

Humber strives to create a welcoming environment for all students where equity, diversity and inclusion are paramount. Accessible Learning Services facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating academic accommodations and services.  Staff in Accessible Learning Services are available by appointment to assess specific needs, provide referrals and arrange appropriate accommodations. If you require academic accommodations, contact:

Accessible Learning Services

North Campus: (416) 675-6622 X5090

Lakeshore Campus: (416) 675-6622 X3331 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is essentially honesty in all academic endeavors. Academic integrity requires that students avoid all forms of academic misconduct or dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating on tests or exams or any misrepresentation of academic accomplishment.

Disclaimer

While every effort is made by the professor/faculty to cover all material listed in the outline, the order, content, and/or evaluation may change in the event of special circumstances (e.g. time constraints due to inclement weather, sickness, college closure, technology/equipment problems or changes, etc.). In any such case, students will be given appropriate notification in writing, with approval from the Senior Dean (or designate) of the Faculty.

Copyright

Copyright is the exclusive legal right given to a creator to reproduce, publish, sell or distribute his/her work. All members of the Humber community are required to comply with Canadian copyright law which governs the reproduction, use and distribution of copyrighted materials. This means that the copying, use and distribution of copyright- protected materials, regardless of format, is subject to certain limits and restrictions. For example, photocopying or scanning an entire textbook is not allowed, nor is distributing a scanned book.

See the Humber Libraries website for additional information regarding copyright and for details on allowable limits.


Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning • 2023/2024.