VCDP 1134: Writing for Designers
Effective date
January 2023
Department
Visual Comm Design Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course introduces students to the writing skills that are critical specifically for designers. Students will learn to analyze the intended audience, purpose, and message of a piece of writing and will practice using outlines, drafts, revisions, and proofreading to create well-structured and clear communication. The course will cover the types of communication that designers practice in the industry, from emails and presentations to self-promotional content and creative briefs. Throughout all types of communication, students will also learn to use inclusive language.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze the intended audience, purpose, and message of a piece of writing
- Plan a piece of writing with an outline and bring it through multiple drafts to a final copy
- Communicate clearly and effectively in well-structured language
- Use principles of business and professional communication to write emails and presentations
- Write persuasive and engaging self-promotional content for portfolios, proposals, cover letters, and social media
- Produce a detailed creative brief to clearly define a design project
- Use inclusive language in written and oral communication
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
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 42
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)
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
- Audience and purpose
- Outlines, drafts, revisions, and proofreading
- Professional presentations
- Business communication and self-promotion
- Creative briefs
- Persuasive messaging
- Writing for self-promotion
- Inclusive language
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.