AMU1312 - Introduction to creative writing - 2018

The unit introduces students to a broad range of creative writing and what pursuing a major in writing academically entails. The first objective is to provide students with an understanding of the functions that different types of creative writing play, and as such, the importance of forms and techniques when writing to ensure the effectiveness of their functions. Based on these learning points, more focus is given to reading creative writing at this stage, although assignments will revolve around the practise of creative writing. The second objective is to show the interrelatedness between reading and writing. The unit aims to help students understand the importance of close reading in order to fully appreciate good writing by cultivating in them interpretative skills.

Upon the completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. identify the different types of creative writing and their related forms and techniques;
2. recognise form and techniques in the practice of creative writing to convey the meaning of a text;
3. identify the specific function of each creative writing type, and techniques unique to it (I.e. poetry);
4. utilise close reading skills to develop writing skills;
5. work independently and collaboratively (via peer reviewing) on short pieces of creative writing;
6. utilise technical aspects to enhance the quality of their creative writing.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Writing