WRT3422 - Writing Experiments

Leader: Simon Cooper

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Sunway Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit explores "creative" writing in terms its status as a product of process of experimentation (as distinct from "expression"). Students will explore a range of strategies for experimenting with forms and with themes through weekly exercises, investigations into literary theory, and a focus on the processes of researching, drafting and editing creative texts. The unit emphasises the importance of research (in relation to questions both of "style" and of "content") to the production of effective and experimental writing, and the importance of reflecting on creative work through the critical techniques of exegesis.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. An ability to experiment with a range of writing structures and techniques, and to assess these writing strategies in terms of their effectiveness and creativeness;
2. Skills in researching and critically reflecting on writing projects, and an appreciation of the importance of the research and exegetical stages in the creative writing processes;
3. Skills in editing, proofing and preparation of copy for publication; advanced writing and reading skills as a member of an Internet writing group; and
4. A dossier of research, ideas for writing and examples of drafts and finished work at the end of the unit.

Assessment

Assignment 1 (2000 words): 40%
Assignment 2 (500 words): 20%
Assignment 3 (2000 words): 40%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites

GSC3421 or WRT3421

Prohibitions

GSC3427, GSC3422