School of Media & Design

Our Program

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program provides students with the broad base of skills and knowledge required to begin careers as professional writers. Students learn to write for print and the Internet in a wide variety of formats. Students gain an understanding of how professional writers change their voice depending on the context in which they are writing. Students also acquire the necessary skills to write independently and collaboratively in freelance and organizational settings.

Students learn from professionals from a variety of writing fields. Students also complete seven weeks of field work gaining valuable practical and networking experience in the community.

This is a mobile learning program which will engage students in a collaborative, mlearning environment which will help them become skilled, confident users of the technology they can expect to use in the workplace. Students are required to use a Macintosh laptop computer that meets minimum hardware and software specifications as outlined at http://mlearning.algonquincollege.com . Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin's New Technology Store at educational discounted rates.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have good written and oral communications skills.
• Are curious, well-organized and have an analytical nature.
• Can work independently.

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Your Career

Graduates have the skills to be employed at a junior level as communications officers, copy editors, researchers, proofreaders and web content writers. They also have the skills to be hired on contract to write magazine-type articles, booklets, brochures, training materials and manuals. On a freelance basis, they have the business and creative skills to present their work for publication to magazines and book publishers.

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Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
ENL1813M	Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
SCR3000	Changing Role of the Writer in North American Culture This course provides an overview of writing and writers, with a particular focus on Canadian society and culture in the 20th century. Students study trends in writing, lives of Canadian writers and review a book by a Canadian author. Particular emphasis is paid to the impact of technological and cultural change on the role of the writer. Students research and present an aspect of this history and its implications for writers entering the profession.	45.0
SCR3001	Computer Applications for Writers In this course, students learn the special, lesser-known features of Office that writers should master in order to handle large documents. Students also learn the basics of industry-standard design software so that they develop a facility to load and manipulate text in pre-existing templates through a series of practical, writer-oriented assignments.	45.0
SCR3002	Storytelling Theory Students learn the fundamentals of storytelling, such as plot, point of view, dialogue, character development, theme and how language usage creates a unique voice. Students also study the common and unique elements in different styles of published writers of short fiction. Exercises give students the opportunity to develop strong storytelling skills in their own creative writing.	60.0
SCR3003	Introduction to Research In this course, students learn how to find the information and resources they need for their written products. Through class exercises, assignments, and individual research projects, students learn to find historical, cultural and statistical information in a variety of locations. Students learn the fundamentals of interviewing people with personal or specialized knowledge. Copyright, public domain, plagiarism, reproduction, privacy and other legal restrictions are addressed.	60.0
SCR3027	Dystopian Literature Through the study of dystopian fiction, students explore how ideology functions within a society and how writers use their imaginations to indicate the limitations of ideology. Students learn how to identify the role of individuals in societies and how imposed roles can threaten individual self-definition in these created worlds. Students read and interpret texts from the late Medieval period to the present, with an emphasis on contemporary literature.	45.0

Level: 02		Hours
ENL2914M	Communications II: Literature of Writers and Writing In this course, students become familiar with examples of literature that focus on the creative process, with emphasis on creation of the written word. Study materials include several novels and plays about writers and writing, both creative and in such workplaces as newspapers, as well as some of the classic essays that every aspiring professional writer should have in their library. Prerequisites: ENL1813M and SCR3000	45.0
SCR3005	Applied Storytelling Students learn about the publishing environment for fiction in Canada, and how to begin to present their short stories for publication in small literary magazines. Students build on the fundamental storytelling skills by learning a variety of approaches to structure and genre in the short story form. Through the study of fiction and writing exercises, students learn to create powerful stories with memorable characters. Self-editing and peer editing skills are stressed, with students developing their best exercises into fully realized stories. Prerequisites: SCR3002 and SCR3027	60.0
SCR3007	Professional Writing I In this course, students begin to learn the skills necessary to be successful in an entry-level communications position. They study a broad range of communication used in business environments, such as basic business reports, minutes and forms of correspondence while becoming familiar with the role of communications/business writer. Students also learn the professional, and ethical responsibilities required in business and/or government. Prerequisites: SCR3003	60.0
SCR3020	Introduction to Editing In this course, students develop a basic understanding of proofreading, copy editing, and the process by which editors work with writers in a variety of contexts. Students review principles of grammar and learn how to manipulate sentence structures to enhance clarity and style. Students learn both the symbols for hard copy editing and procedures for editing documents in electronic form. Prerequisites: ENL1813M and SCR3003	45.0
SCR3035	Writing for the Web In this course, students learn the difference between "hard copy" documents and documents and copy that are designed to be read on the web. They learn the importance of clear succint writing that falls naturally into different layers of detail. They also learn how to moderate discussion fora, as well as blog-content management, basic HTML, formatting pictures, and video for inclusion in a blog and proper file management. Prerequisites: SCR3000 and SCR3002	60.0

Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED3001	General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: DSN2001 or ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FIN2300 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS2000 or LIB1982 or PSI1702 or SOC2003 or GEN1957	45.0

Level: 03		Hours
SCR3012	Production Projects This course gives students the opportunity to see how their words and ideas reach audiences. Students learn the steps of the publication process, and the various roles and professional skills behind each step. Individually and in teams, students produce a number of written products, including newsletters and magazines. They also learn relevant publishing-related terminology. Prerequisites: SCR3001 and SCR3007	60.0
SCR3014	Current Issues in Canadian Society and Media In this course, students explore a wide variety of current political and sociological issues that have an important impact on the role and function of the professional writer in Canada. Students explore the background to issues that are part of current public discourse. Students also learn about the history of broadcast and written media in Canada. Prerequisites: ENL1813M and SCR3003 and SCR3027	45.0
SCR3022	Professional Writing II This course builds on acquired knowledge and skills, giving students the opportunity to hone and expand their business writing skills. Students learn the fundamental structure of government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Students learn to write in different formats required by government and NGOs, including media releases, media lines, backgrounders, briefing notes, memos, speaking notes, as well as becoming acquainted with the fundamental principles of speechwriting. Prerequisites: SCR3007	60.0
SCR3025	Writing Features In this course, students learn how feature stories integrate storytelling with news reporting and research skills. Students study various approaches to formulating and researching ideas for features, and then bring these projects through the steps from pitch to completed feature articles on a variety of subjects, including human interest, travel, profile and exploration of current issues. Prerequisites: SCR3002 and SCR3005 and SCR3020	45.0
SCR3026	Creative Writing Seminar Students are led by a local writer in this seminar and encouraged to further develop their creativity through a variety of exercises based on a specific focus or starting point. Each participant is required to act as editor and writer in the workshop setting, submitting work for critique, as well as providing feedback to peers. Prerequisites: SCR3005	45.0
SCR3036	Writing as a Business and Professional Preparation In this course, students learn the necessary skills for finding work in organizations and as a freelance writer. They learn how to locate or create writing jobs and assemble their portfolios. As well, they learn daily time management skills, record-keeping, how to write resumes and cover letters, how to read contracts, as well as networking and career planning. The steps of the selection process are outlined and students learn how to prepare for job interviews and do the preliminary work necessary to make the transition to field placement or special projects. They also learn about the business of publishing, including the structure of the book and periodical industries in Canada. Prerequisites: SCR3007	60.0

Level: 04		Hours
SCR3028	Substantive Editing Students further develop their skills as editors, with emphasis on structural editing and editing for style. Students learn the process by which editors work with writers. They also learn how to create solid executive summaries, cut for length and identify stylistic differences. The course culminates in a class project: a magazine that features the graduating class of the Professional Writing program. Prerequisites: SCR3020 and SCR3025	42.0
SCR3029	Professional Writing III The focus of this course is writing for the private sector. Students learn the basics of marketing communications, including product or service sheets, marketing presentations and customer success stories. The course also provides students with an understanding of the requirements of technical writing. Prerequisites: SCR3014 and SCR3022	42.0
SCR3030	Field Placement/Special Projects To make the transition from college to the workplace easier, students complete their studies with an internal or external field placement of 30 hours per week. During their placement, students apply the knowledge and skills they have gained in the classroom to professional practice and are mentored within organizations that use the services of professional writers. To qualify for an external placement in a media, communications or publishing environment, students must have a B+ average or 3.0 GPA. Students completing an internal placement are provided with small group and individual instruction to further develop their writing, research and editing skills. Students are also provided with the opportunity to work on writing and research assignments reflecting real-world needs, as well as one-off requests for writing services from a variety of clients. Prerequisites: SCR3012 and SCR3014 and SCR3022 and SCR3025 and SCR3026 and SCR3036	216.0
SCR3034	Major Project Students plan, research and write a major report. Students choose a topic that pertains to a social or health issue, legislative issue, industry topic or other subject that may impact upon employment, Canadian public policy or Canada's reputation internationally. Students synthesize research and knowledge by examining the topic through the lens of three different approaches, and convey complex information in a straight forward writing style suitable to a general audience. Students receive one-to-one mentoring and classroom instruction to meet the benchmarks for their major project. Prerequisites: SCR3014 and SCR3022 and SCR3025 and SCR3036	42.0

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Fees & Expenses

Approximate Program Costs

Tuition Fees: $ 3,424
Books/Supplies: $ 900
Incidental Fees: $ 30
Total: $ 4,354



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,212.20 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,206.40 per term in Levels 03 and 04.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Mobile Computing Fee: $150 per term. **

Incidental Fees: $20 in Level 01, $10 in Level 02, $50 in Level 03 and $30 in Level 04.

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Service Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. ***

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** The Mobile Computing Fee covers the costs associated with providing various services to students registered in a mandatory laptop programs.
*** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $900 in the first year and $535 in the second year. Students must purchase their own PC laptop computer and software. Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin's New
Technology Store at educational discounted rates.

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Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

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Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: askalgonquin@algonquincollege.com

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Additional Information

For more information, please contact Nadine McInnis, Program Coordinator, at 613-727-4723 ext. 2457 or nadine.mcinnis@algonquincollege.com.

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