vcc.ca
VCDP 1132: Writing for Designers 1
Effective date
September 2020
Department
Visual Comm Design Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course introduces students to the building blocks of effective writing, from overall writing process techniques to details like word choice and sentence structure. Students will learn to define the intended audience and purpose of a written piece and will practice writing persuasive messages for both business communication and marketing purposes. The course will cover various types of professional writing that are relevant to graphic designers, including creative briefs, email correspondence, oral presentations, resumes, and cover letters. While working through writing projects, students will also learn to identify and correct common writing mistakes.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Communicate clearly and effectively in well-structured language
- Identify the intended audience and purpose of a piece of writing
- Plan a writing project with an outline and bring it through multiple drafts to a final copy
- Plan and deliver a professional presentation
- Write an effective persuasive message
- Produce a detailed creative brief to clearly define a design project
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Interview with department to discuss previous experience
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 42
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, production simulations, problem solving, practical labs and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
30 |
Final project |
|
Assignments |
30 |
Assignments |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
May include in-class exercises, assignments, quizzes/tests, and work-in-progress |
|
Participation |
10 |
Participation and professionalism |
Course topics
- Outlines, drafts, revisions, and proofreading
- Common writing and grammar mistakes
- Professional presentations
- Cover letters and resumes
- Business communication and self-promotion
- Creative briefs
- Persuasive messaging
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.