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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:
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
Digital Communications, Bachelor of (DC411)
Present ideas and information accurately and creatively using written, oral, audio-visual and web-based formats.
Manage communication projects effectively, employing a professional attitude towards responsibility, initiative, collaboration, adaptability, accountability and ethical use of resources.
Direct own continuous learning, pursuing opportunities for constant renewal of skills and knowledge.
Journalism, Bachelor of (22241)
Public Relations, Bachelor of (22221)
Write clear, targeted materials that are appropriate for the intended audience and medium.
Produce visually effective print, graphic and digital communications materials.
Creative and Professional Writing, Bachelor of (CP411)
| Learning Outcome | Learning Objectives | Summative Assessments | Formative Assessments |
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| Apply rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure to writing for a range of media. |
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| Review , proofread, edit, revise and write copy from online and print content. |
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| Apply rules of attribution and guidelines for using direct quotes. |
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| Distinguish between academic and professional formatting and style rules when writing for a range of media. |
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| Employ basic editing symbols when reviewing and revising copy. |
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| Analyze audiences when writing for a range of media. |
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| Write simple, accurate content in plain language with specific leads ("ledes"). |
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| Compose copy as a storyteller for diverse audiences and a wide range of media. |
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| Demonstrate knowledge of the secondary-research process and tools utilizing institutional/library and open-source resources. |
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| Explain the difference between examples of fact and opinion when writing for a range of media. |
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| Apply The Canadian Press and elements of Indigenous styles to writing. |
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| Display the role, responsibilities and rights of a writer when developing a range of content for publication. |
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| 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% |
| Module | Course Learning Outcomes | Resources | Assessments |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Is Storytelling? Content Structure; Fact Checking; Leads ("ledes"); Context ("nutgraf") |
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| Grammar and Writing |
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The Canadian Press books, Indigenous writing stylebook and dictionary |
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| Academic vs. Professional Writing |
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The Canadian Press books, Indigenous writing stylebook and dictionary |
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| Conducting Secondary Research (Current and Archival Sources) |
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The Canadian Press books, Indigenous writing stylebook and dictionary; Humber College library resources |
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| Analyzing Interviews through Secondary Sources: Attribution and Quotations |
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The Canadian Press books, Indigenous writing stylebook and dictionary |
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| Ethical Responsibilities of Communication Professionals |
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The Canadian Press books and Indigenous writing stylebook |
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| Title | ISBN |
|---|---|
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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. |
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McCarten, J. (2021). The Canadian Press stylebook: A guide for writers and editors (19th ed.). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: The Canadian Press. |
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McCarten, J. (Ed.). (2022). The Canadian Press caps and spelling (23rd ed.). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: The Canadian Press. |
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Younging, G. (2018). Elements of Indigenous style. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Brush Education. |
| Title | ISBN |
|---|---|
Strunk (Jr), W., & White, E.B. (2009). The elements of style (50th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc. |
Course material costs can be found through the Humber Bookstore.
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.
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.
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.
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:
North Campus: (416) 675-6622 X5090
Lakeshore Campus: (416) 675-6622 X3331
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.
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 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.