Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Written communication remains a fundamental aspect of work in all professions. Despite the rise of digital alternatives, effective writing is still a vital skill for anyone seeking employment in the 21st century workplace. This course covers key theoretical principles and practical applications of writing in a corporate environment.
To get, keep and advance in any job, you'll need to be able to write effectively. This is far more complex than simply being able to generate grammatically-standard sentences -- effective workplace writing relies on your ability to gather and assess information, and apply it to your local context; to communicate expert information in a way that's usable for a wide range of audiences; to write in and adapt to specific genres and voices; and to collaborate with others.
Employers consistently report that these writing skills are among their highest priorities when hiring graduates, and that many graduates are not well-prepared to write in their jobs.
WRIT2000 sets you up to perform in your profession, focussing on hands-on, practical strategies to enhance the content, quality and style of your workplace writing.
Over the course of the semester, we'll cover key workplace genres including reports, evaluations, presentations and job applications, as well as principles for effective writing that you can apply to other genres. In lecture, we'll focus on the key concepts that underpin workplace writing practices; in tutorials, we'll practice applying those principles in hands-on, interactive writing exercises that will develop your skills over time and prepare you to complete your assessment tasks.
By completing this course, you will develop the confidence and competence to write effectively and continue developing as a writer throughout your career.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students undertaking this course should have a good command of English sentence structure and style, and be committed to enhancing their knowledge of, and skills in, professional writing and editing.ﾠ
International students whose first language is not English are strongly advised to take WRIT1001 before undertaking this course.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
JOUR2711
Restrictions
.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to prepare students for the literacy demands of the service-oriented workplace.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Meeting minutes
|
15% This assessment is in two parts, each marked Pass/Fail. |
Week 4 - Week 13 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Technical description | 25% |
8/09/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection |
Selection criteria response
|
15% |
27/10/2025 - 30/10/2025
Your submission is due by the end of your tutorial meeting. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Report to a manager | 45% |
10/11/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Meeting minutes
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15% This assessment is in two parts, each marked Pass/Fail.
- Due date
Week 4 - Week 13
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
You'll collaborate with a small group of classmates to produce minutes for one of your tutorial meetings and present the minutes for class endorsement in the next meeting.
This assessment is in two parts, both assessed pass/fail: the team-authored minutes (10%) and an individually-authored team evaluation (5%).
Signups will happen in the Week 2 tutorial meeting. The first set of minutes will be taken in the Week 4 tutorial meeting (presented in Week 5), and the last set in Week 12 (presented in Week 13).
Full details are in the Assessments folder on Blackboard.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
In-class activity.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students wishing to change their assigned activity date after initial sign-ups must negotiate this with their tutor ahead of the deadline.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment. Failure to attend the assigned tutorials and complete the activity will result in a zero mark.
Technical description
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
8/09/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
You'll write a technical description, no more than one single-spaced page in length, of a specified object.
Full details are in the Assessments folder on Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Selection criteria response
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
27/10/2025 - 30/10/2025
Your submission is due by the end of your tutorial meeting.
Task description
You'll write a statement explaining how your work in this course, including your participation in tutorials and your written submissions, has equipped you to meet specified selection criteria.
You'll write and submit the statement during your Week 13 tutorial meeting (uploading typed text or a scan of handwritten text to Blackboard).
Full details are in the Assessments folder on Blackboard.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If you are unable to attend your assigned tutorial in Week 13 due to unexpected and exceptional circumstances (such as illness, injury, caring responsibilities, etc), you must contact the Course Coordinator before the deadline to discuss alternative arrangements for completing this task.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment. Failure to attend the assigned tutorial and complete the activity will result in a zero mark.
Report to a manager
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
10/11/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
You'll write a report of no more than 1500 words, making a recommendation to your manager about one of a number of specified scenarios.
Full details, including briefing documents with background information on the scenarios, are in the Assessments folder on Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply. ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Expectations and obligations
You are expected to actively investigate the WRIT2000 Blackboard site (log in at https://learn.uq.edu.au/), which you will gain access to when you enrol. You need to be able to download, print off, and read portable document format (.pdf), and document format (.doc/.docx) files from the WRIT2000 Blackboard site in advance of the weekly lectures and tutorials. You are also expected to upload assessment items to the Blackboard site. You must ensure that you have reliable access to e-mail, and you will need to check for messages regularly. If you use a non-UQ-student email client, please ensure that you have set it up to receive any email sent to your student account. Your student email is the ONLY means of communication the teaching staff has for you; it is in your own interest to check it regularly.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 1: No class meetings There are no class meetings in Week 1 (no lecture, no tutorial). We will begin our work together in Week 2. |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Course introduction Introduction to the course and the principles of writing for pay. |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Writing activities and discussion. |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3: Ethics and accountability Writing for and with others: ethics, accountability and relationality in workplace writing. Note that Wednesday 13 August is a public holiday in Brisbane. This does not affect classes for WRIT2000: we will meet as usual for lecture and tutorial, as we do not have classes scheduled on Wednesdays. |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Team writing exercises. Minutes assignment sign-ups. |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4: User-centred communication Identifying and addressing target users. |
Tutorial |
Week 4 User-specific writing activities. Minutes assignment begins (first team taking minutes, to be presented and endorsed in Week 5). |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Technical writing Technical writing, including definitions and descriptions. |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Description-writing activities. Minutes assignment continues. |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Document design Document design and structure; basic data representation / visualisation. |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Design and data communication exercises. Minutes assignment continues. |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Verbal communication Writing for audio delivery: presentations, speeches and interviews. |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Powerpoint Party. Minutes assignment continues. |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Persuasive writing Writing advice and warnings that promote action. |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Advice-writing activities. Minutes assignment continues. |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Report writing Writing and designing reports. |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Report-writing activities. Minutes assignment continues. |
|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break No lectures or tutorials this week |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10: No class meetings (King's Birthday holiday 6/10/25) No lecture, no tutorials. |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Correspondence Emails and letters. |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Email-writing activities. Minutes assignment continues. |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Job applications Job application materials: CVs, resumes, selection criteria responses, cover letters. |
Tutorial |
Week 12 CV-writing activities. Minutes assignment continues (last group taking minutes, to be presented in Week 13). |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Week 13: Wrap-up and next steps Synthesis and application of the entire course. |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Undertake "Selection criteria response" assessment. Minutes assignment concludes (presentation and endorsement of Week 12 minutes). |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however, please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.