AUS3050 - Australian sports writing

Leader(s): Dr David Dunstan and Dr Tom Heenan

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit studies Australian sports writing and the growth of a culture of communication with attention given to sports writers as creative professionals. Topics include the diversity of sporting contexts brought before the public, the sports writer and different media, creating the writer's role, reader and community responses, and the contribution made to consumerism and Australian identity. Case studies include events interpreted, categories of writing and critical studies of writers of note. Students will be encouraged to develop writing skills in the field.

Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this unit students will be expected to be able:

1. Write an appropriate account of a given sporting event;
2. Recognise the techniques utilised by sportswriters in their craft and to demonstrate applicable sports writing skills;
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of sports writing as it reflects different historical, social and psychological contexts;
4. Work collaboratively as well as independently;
5. To conduct independent research and fieldwork;
6. Demonstrate a familiarity with contemporary critical debates relevant to sports literature.

Assessment

Minor essay (1000 words): 20%
Major essay (2000 words): 40%
Writing exercises (1000 words): 20%
Examination (1 hour): 20%

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in an Arts discipline or permission.