Outline

Overview

In this unit, you will learn how to create and disseminate knowledge in order to inform broad global audiences while simultaneously boosting the diversity of voices that contribute to networked knowledge. You will edit and write articles in an electronic setting using HTML and a visual editing tool while adhering to the conventions of online discourse communities. You will gain knowledge about open licencing and how to use freely obtainable structured data to present that data in interesting visual ways. You will create content for and use resources from public domain archives like Creative Commons.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	English and Writing
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Frances Di Lauro, frances.dilauro@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Self-assessment Responses to questions	5%	Week 01 Due date: 07 Aug 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 10 Aug 2026	200 Words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Proposal Justification of topic choice and annotated bibliography	25%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 28 Aug 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Peer-review Review and edit articles needing corrections	10%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 18 Sep 2026	300 words total	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Draft article review Collaboratively engage in authentic editorial practice by peer-reviewing a draft article.	25%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 16 Oct 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final Article Combined polished draft plus 1000 words and media	35%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 06 Nov 2026	2000 word	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment Summary:

The 300 word peer review, and the 2000 word final article assessments will be uploaded to the Wikipedia platform. All other assessments are to be submitted to Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. Exceptions: Where an academic plan, special consideration or simple extension are approved,

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1) Online lecture: Introduction and Essentials. Training Modules, creating User page and ID. Registration to Dashboard, and topic selection.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	1) Online tutorial: Introduction and Essentials. Training Modules, creating User page and ID, Registration to Dashboard, and topic selection. Completion of self-assessment.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1) Online lecture: Encyclopaedic writing and research. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: finding, evaluating and using sources. 3. Tutorial hour 2: Using sources legitimately	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	1) Online tutorial: Encyclopaedic writing and research. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: finding, evaluating and using sources. 3. Tutorial hour 2: Using sources legitimately	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1) Online lecture: Integrity, copyright regulations around published material and eliminating the risk of plagiarism. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: the academic context 3) Tutorial hour 2: using sources to preserve your integrity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	1) Online tutorial: Integrity, copyright regulations around published material and eliminating the risk of plagiarism. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: the academic context 3) Tutorial hour 2: using sources to preserve your integrity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Online lecture: the "Lead" section. 2. Online tutorial hour 1: what is Wikipedia's "Summary" writing Style? 3. Tutorial hour 2: Your proposal.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	1. Online tutorial: the "Lead" section. 2. Online tutorial hour 1: what is Wikipedia's "Summary" writing Style? 3. Tutorial hour 2: Your proposal.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	1) Online lecture: On allusion, intertextuality, hyperlinking and hypertext. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Present truth, boldly linking and watchlisting 3) Tutorial hour 2: Peer-review	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	1) Online tutorial; On allusion, intertextuality, hyperlinking and hypertext. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Present truth, boldly linking and watchlisting 3) Tutorial hour 2: Peer-review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	1) Online lecture: table of contents, reference list, quality and scope. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Quality and scope TOC. 3) Tutorial hour 2: Adding a paragraph to your sandbox.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	1) Online tutorial: table of contents, reference list, quality and scope. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Quality and scope TOC. 3) Tutorial hour 2: Adding a paragraph to your sandbox.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	1) Online lecture: Visual Media 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Finding and adding visual media legitimately 3) Tutorial hour 2: Wikimedia and Creative Commons. Using the mobile apps.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	1) Online tutorial: table of contents, reference list, quality and scope. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Quality and scope TOC. 3) Tutorial hour 2: Adding a paragraph to your sandbox.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	1) Online lecture: Other ways of improving your article visually and aurally. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Free music and sound files. 3) Tutorial hour 2: Using templates.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	1) Online tutorial: Other ways of improving your article visually and aurally. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Free music and sound files. 3) Tutorial hour 2: Using templates.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	1) Online lecture: Tidying up infoboxes, tags and checking quality. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Article tagging 3) Tutorial hour 2: Template messages/Cleanup/Hatnotes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	1) Online tutorial: Tidying up infoboxes, tags and checking quality. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Article tagging 3) Tutorial hour 2: Template messages/Cleanup/Hatnotes	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	1) Online lecture: Drawing attention to your article 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Elements of articles 3) Tutorial hour 2: Writing style	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	1) Online tutorial: Drawing attention to your article 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Elements of articles 3) Tutorial hour 2: Writing style	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	1) Online lecture: "Perfection is not required" but why not aim for it? 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Navigational procedures and linking. 3) Tutorial hour 2: Navigation templates and talk pages.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	1) Online tutorial: "Perfection is not required" but why not aim for it? 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Navigational procedures and linking. 3) Tutorial hour 2: Navigation templates and talk pages.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	1) Online lecture: Editing culture, and Wikidata: Linking data visualisations. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Edit wars. 3) Tutorial hour 2: User pages.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	1) Online tutorial: Editing culture, and Wikidata: Linking data visualisations. 2) Online tutorial hour 1: Edit wars. 3) Tutorial hour 2: User pages.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	1) Online lecture: Great articles and the future. How to increase the value and marks of your final article.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	1) Online tutorial hour 1: Great articles and the future. 2) Tutorial hour 2: Perfecting your article, getting it recognised and aiming for the best results.	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Below are the attendance and class requirements for this unit of study.

R U OK? If not, you should contact the coordinator, frances.dilauro@sydney.edu.au, to adjust these requirements, due dates, etc. This also applies even if you are ok but situations are making it difficult or impossible to meet our requirements.

Attendance and class requirements

Preparation: students should commit to spending approximately two hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction. The total minimum commitment will amount to 117 hours.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend 90% of scheduled classes.WRIT6002 will be taught completely online so “attendance” will be measured by

completion of all online modules (3 hours asynchronously)
If you are not able to complete every part of a module within the required 7 day time frame, you should apply for a simple extension to allow you to catch up. If your fall further behind, or are struggling to keep up with course modules or assessments, please contact the coordinator, Associate Professor Frances Di Lauro, at frances.dilauro@sydney.edu.au and you will be guided to support.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All reading and viewing material for WRIT6002 is free via embedded hyperlinks in the online modules and eReadings.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. cultivate scholarly skills in research, critical thinking, and high-quality content creation.
LO2. develop a nuanced understanding of public vs. encyclopaedic writing styles and conventions.
LO3. demonstrate expertise in responsible research practices, copyright law, and ethical publishing standards.
LO4. evaluate, edit and write engaging, accessible, and accurate online content for diverse audiences.
LO5. use HTML codes and visual editor software to format and create high-quality written content.
LO6. create and contribute open access material to Creative Commons, and Wiki Commons, and integrate materials from those and other public domain sources into your own article.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We look forward to receiving your feedback anytime during the semester and welcome the opportunity to make any immediate improvements that will benefit your learning. In response to students' feedback after the last iteration of this unit in S1, 2025, we reduced the number of assessments and increased the weighting of those with higher word counts. To reflect the diversity of the student cohort, we have increased the variety of available topics to work on, broadened the focus on or emerging areas of interest, and culturally significant topics.

Additional information

Additional costs

There are no additional costs to you.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visits for this unit of study.

Work, health and safety

This unit is always taught online.

To help you to protect your well-being while primarily learning online, consult these study tips to learning online: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/systems/ilearn/online-study-tips

You will find additional useful advice to maximise your success by planning ahead of the semester here https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/why-choose-sydney/student-life/student-news/2019/08/16
/how-to-plan-your-semester.html.

Study habits are crucial to achieving better results. Read about them here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/why-choose-sydney/student-life/student-news/2020/03/11/four-study-habits-for-
success.html.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WRIT6002: Writing for the Digital World

Semester 2, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links