Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

In the collaborative atmosphere of workshops, students will use a range of set readings to experiment with the elements of fiction: narrative technique and point of view, characterization, story, plotting and action, setting, figurative language etc., editing skills and preparing a manuscript for publication. The workshops will integrate reading, writing and editing skills through three activities: the study of a wide range of texts which will be used as models for students' creative explorations; writing exercises designed to develop students' skills in aspects of short story writing; editing of students' own writing and that of their colleagues and offering constructive criticism.

Objectives

By the conclusion of this subject students should have:

1. Been introduced to the elements of short fiction and gained "hands-on" experience in writing short stories.

2. Responded critically and imaginatively to a diverse range of short stories from Australia and beyond.

3. Related current critical debate about creative writing to their own work.

4. Developed editing and revision skills.

5. Extended their awareness of the requirements of the publishing industry.

Assessment

Written work: 70% (4000 words)
In class exercise/test: 20%
Participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Chandani Lokuge

Contact hours

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

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Creative writing
English

Prerequisites

A First-year sequence in English, Visual Culture, Drama and Theatre Studies or Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies or permission.