WRT4401 - Literary Theory

Leader: Robert Briggs

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2007 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit explores some attempts throughout history to define the nature and status of "creative" writing - not just to determine which kinds of writing may count as "creative", let alone as "quality writing", but to examine the very process and conditions of literary production. In this way, the unit explores a range of literary theories, with particular reference to Romanticism, psychoanalysis, postmodernism and poststructuralism, in terms of their potential to shed light on the philosophical and social implications of creative writing practice, where the term "creative writing" is understood in its broadest sense.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. demonstrate literacy in a range of theories of literary production
2. formulate coherent and relevant accounts of the potential philosophical and social implications of creative writing
3. explore those theories in the context of traditional disciplines of literary criticism
4. use those theories to reflect upon and inform their own writing practice
5. appreciate the significance of "industrial" and "administrative" processes and practices underpinning professional writing practice

Assessment

Essay (3,000 words) : 30%
Literary criticism exercise (1,500 words) : 15%
Writing proposal and project (3,500 words) : 40%
Reading group : 15%
Access to online facilities is essential for students studying in an off-campus mode

Contact hours

Two hour seminar per week

Prerequisites

First degree in Writing