NM3219; Francesca Nathan
Module: NM3219 Writing for Communication Management
Year: 2015, Y3S1
Professor(s): Francesca Nathan/Nicholas Yap
Difficulty Level: 3/5
Workload: 2/5
Comments for Module: There are 3 individual assignments and a group project. No finals, which is amazing. Problem is, it’s not that easy to score. Basically, you either need to have it in you/be able to write well - concisely and accurately or work really really hard. As you can probably guess, I can’t write that well so I was really struggling in this class.
This module is really useful for whatever you decide to do in the future because it really trains you to write very concisely (i.e. assignments are usually 3 pages long which usually includes situation analysis, your recommendations and/or a press release including the boilerplate ok??) That being said, it’s a good experience and everyone will need writing skills when they graduate. Apart from writing, your research and synthesising abilities will be put to the test so it’s not all about writing well, you also need to analyse.
You have two hour tutorials where you are likely to do short assignments that your tutor prepares that day. Ms Fran also holds writing labs because we sometimes repeatedly make some common errors. So that’s nice. I learned that we shouldn’t use the phrase “as well”. Don’t use it unless you know what it means.
The pace of the class was pretty good though but if you’re like me and you can’t really write then… ya you better work hard or this module won’t help you pull CAP. I would say to use NM2220 for a gauge if you’ve done it. Your assignment scores will probably be similar if you haven’t done a lot to improve your writing abilities. Also, a lot of the content is building up on NM2219. So it’s advisable to complete NM2219 before this class. Don’t bore yourself with the same content by doing them concurrently.
Rating for Module: 3/5
Comments for Lecturer: Ms Fran is the main lecturer and Mr Nicholas took one lecture for this semester. If you’ve taken NM2219, you would know Ms Fran’s teaching style. She’s very structured and precise, which explains the takeaway from the module. I like the structure she has because what she covers is predictable and makes it easier for students to learn. But she can seem irritated when you ask her some questions that she expects you to know… but just ask. You need the grade, just ask. Everything goes back to normal and it’s a no hard feelings kind of thing after the consultation so I guess it’s just how she approaches things. She’s open to give you feedback but make sure you come prepared so it’s more productive. If possible, participate in her lessons too, she will like you a lot more and it will go a long way.
I wasn’t in Mr Nicholas’ class but he took one lecture. I thought he was slightly boring because he was just reading off the slides.
Rating for Lecturer: 3/5