Skip to content
Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

307004 v.4 Professional Writing and Publishing Double Degree Major


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


There is an increasing national and international demand for skilled professionals in writing and publishing. Employers in the private and public sectors need people who have the knowledge and flexibility to research, write and publish materials ranging from simple briefing notes to complex reports, dynamic feature articles, speeches, promotions and non-fiction books. This double degree major teaches students professional research and writing techniques across a wide variety of forms, and practical techniques and industry issues in writing and publishing. Skills development and diversity are fostered through the study and practice of a range of different professional writing forms, including feature articles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, travel writing, creative non-fiction, promotional writing and e-zines, as well as the principles of print and electronic publishing, concept development, scheduling, copy and structural editing.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts and principles in professional writing and publishing

2. integrate theory and creative practice in the production and analysis of professional writing texts; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative modes of professional communication

3. access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information, and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in professional writing and publishing

4. effectively communicate ideas to a range of audiences, across a variety of media, genres, and purposes

5. use and evaluate a range of appropriate technologies to access resources, communicate effectively, and develop writing and research skills

6. use and reflect on disciplinary skills and knowledge to develop autonomous learning, and apply these insights to writing in a range of different professional contexts

7. acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on professional writing and publishing

8. recognise and value the diversity of cultural knowledge and practices, taking care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner

9. work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative, creative and ethical professional writing that is appropriate to a variety of professional and cultural contexts


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
301017 v.8   Introduction to Writing 110 3.0 25.0
311922 v.2   Academic and Professional Communications 100 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
301018 v.6   Writing, Rhetoric and Persuasion 121 3.0 25.0
311924 v.1   Narrating Selves 101 3.0 25.0
  OR  
311923 v.1   Making Meanings 103 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 1
308584 v.4   Writing, Editing and Publishing 211 3.0 25.0
301019 v.6   Writing the Zeitgeist 210 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 2
301020 v.6   Writing, Deception and Authenticity 220 3.0 25.0
314094 v.1   Writing Magazine Features 221 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 1
301022 v.4   Writing and Research for Professional Contexts 311 3.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
7354 v.8   Writing Genre Fiction 320 3.0 25.0
  OR  
10087 v.6   Travel Writing 320 3.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 1
308583 v.4   Writing Creative Non-Fiction 310 3.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 2
311895 v.1   Writing Humour 321 3.0 25.0
  OR  
312122 v.2   Professional Writing Placement 323 3.0 25.0
  OR  
311894 v.1   Writing the Past 320 3.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.