CYB112 Communication and Composition
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CYB112 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | CWB101 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,124 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $996 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,668 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | CYB112 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | CWB101 |
| Coordinator: | Glen Thomas | gj.thomas@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Writing is an essential skill that you will need to succeed in your university program, as researching, composing, analysing, and forming a persuasive argument are fundamental to all assessment tasks. This unit introduces you to the conventions and practices of academic and evidence-based writing and will train you to interpret and analyse information to form a logical and persuasive argument. This unit confronts how digital technology shapes the form and practice of written communication today to build your information/digital literacies and research/evaluation skills. This unit will equip you with the necessary academic and factual writing skills to complete your assessment at a high standard throughout your course of study.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Write and edit documents that adhere to the conventions of academic writing
- Critically interpret and analyse a range of texts in different genres and media
- Structure and synthesise information to form an academic argument
- Evaluate the quality of information and evidence
- Reflect upon your own writing, study, learning skills and practices
Content
The unit’s content covers:
- the basis of academic writing (description, narration, exposition, structure, analysis, argument)
- the impact and implications of digital technology on written communication
- clear writing, and grammatically correct writing
- conventions for factual writing/journalism skills
- critical, creative and analytical thinking
- research skills
- methods of academic referencing.
Learning Approaches
This unit is taught using a mix of lectures, tutorials and self-learning. Lectures will survey a key element of written communication each week, which will then be discussed and applied in tutorials. Set readings and exercises each week will guide your learning, and introduce you to various forms of written communication and discourse.
You will be expected to complete any prescribed self-study, including readings out of class, and in preparation for subsequent classes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback on your performance in this unit will be provided to you in various ways, including:
- Feedback on formative tasks completed in tutorials
- Advice delivered through Canvas communications
- Feedback and support from peers in your tutorial
- Criteria sheets and additional comments on summative assessment tasks
Feedback from teaching staff on your assessment and draft assessment
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessment items for this unit. The Annotated Bibliography allows you to demonstrate your research and analytical skills in preparation for the Research Essay. The Portfolio allows you to demonstrate the development of your skills and proficiency as a writer across a series of tasks.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Annotated Bibliography
You will compile an annotated bibliography to analyse and evaluate sources of research. This assessment task will prepare you for the research essay assessment task.
You may use Generative AI tools to help you in the editing and compilation of this assessment item.
10% of the assessment will include a critical reflection on the suitability and quality of AI input into the annotations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Portfolio
The Writing Portfolio will consist of a series of tasks and/or responses to assigned readings, activities, and other unit material. Your portfolio will also include a critical reflection and self-reflection on your writing proficiency.
The assessment will be submitted in three batches to allow ongoing feedback to you throughout the semester on your progress.
Your portfolio may include artefacts generated through AI technology as a means to reflect on technology and critical thinking.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Essay
You will apply your critical research, evaluation, and persuasive writing skills in a research paper that synthesises your own analysis with that of secondary sources. Your research essay will demonstrate the skills learnt throughout the semester.
The materials for your analysis will be supplied to you. Your annotations from Assessment 1 will inform the research element of this assessment item.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages.
You will be advised if a unit requires additional mandatory health and safety inductions.
Resources
All readings and learning resources will be posted to the unit's Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.KC40 Bachelor of Communication
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO2, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to adapt strategies across different media and professional settings and for diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO5, Portfolio, Research Essay - Practise self-management of career and learning with enterprise and an entrepreneurial outlook, including the building of personal and professional relationships and partnerships.
Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | CYB112 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | CWB101 |
Overview
Writing is an essential skill that you will need to succeed in your university program, as researching, composing, analysing, and forming a persuasive argument are fundamental to all assessment tasks. This unit introduces you to the conventions and practices of academic and evidence-based writing and will train you to interpret and analyse information to form a logical and persuasive argument. This unit confronts how digital technology shapes the form and practice of written communication today to build your information/digital literacies and research/evaluation skills. This unit will equip you with the necessary academic and factual writing skills to complete your assessment at a high standard throughout your course of study.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Write and edit documents that adhere to the conventions of academic writing
- Critically interpret and analyse a range of texts in different genres and media
- Structure and synthesise information to form an academic argument
- Evaluate the quality of information and evidence
- Reflect upon your own writing, study, learning skills and practices
Content
The unit’s content covers:
- the basis of academic writing (description, narration, exposition, structure, analysis, argument)
- the impact and implications of digital technology on written communication
- clear writing, and grammatically correct writing
- conventions for factual writing/journalism skills
- critical, creative and analytical thinking
- research skills
- methods of academic referencing.
Learning Approaches
This unit is taught using a mix of lectures, tutorials and self-learning. Lectures will survey a key element of written communication each week, which will then be discussed and applied in tutorials. Set readings and exercises each week will guide your learning, and introduce you to various forms of written communication and discourse.
You will be expected to complete any prescribed self-study, including readings out of class, and in preparation for subsequent classes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback on your performance in this unit will be provided to you in various ways, including:
- Feedback on formative tasks completed in tutorials
- Advice delivered through Canvas communications
- Feedback and support from peers in your tutorial
- Criteria sheets and additional comments on summative assessment tasks
Feedback from teaching staff on your assessment and draft assessment
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessment items for this unit. The Annotated Bibliography allows you to demonstrate your research and analytical skills in preparation for the Research Essay. The Portfolio allows you to demonstrate the development of your skills and proficiency as a writer across a series of tasks.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Annotated Bibliography
You will compile an annotated bibliography to analyse and evaluate sources of research. This assessment task will prepare you for the research essay assessment task.
You may use Generative AI tools to help you in the editing and compilation of this assessment item.
10% of the assessment will include a critical reflection on the suitability and quality of AI input into the annotations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Portfolio
The Writing Portfolio will consist of a series of tasks and/or responses to assigned readings, activities, and other unit material. Your portfolio will also include a critical reflection and self-reflection on your writing proficiency.
The assessment will be submitted in three batches to allow ongoing feedback to you throughout the semester on your progress.
Your portfolio may include artefacts generated through AI technology as a means to reflect on technology and critical thinking.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Essay
You will apply your critical research, evaluation, and persuasive writing skills in a research paper that synthesises your own analysis with that of secondary sources. Your research essay will demonstrate the skills learnt throughout the semester.
The materials for your analysis will be supplied to you. Your annotations from Assessment 1 will inform the research element of this assessment item.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages.
You will be advised if a unit requires additional mandatory health and safety inductions.
Resources
All readings and learning resources will be posted to the unit's Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.KC40 Bachelor of Communication
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO2, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to adapt strategies across different media and professional settings and for diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Annotated Bibliography, Portfolio, Research Essay - Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO5, Portfolio, Research Essay - Practise self-management of career and learning with enterprise and an entrepreneurial outlook, including the building of personal and professional relationships and partnerships.
Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio