AMU3858 - Writing experiments - 2018

This unit approaches creative writing in terms of its status as a product of processes of experimentation (as distinct from personal expression). Students will explore a range of strategies for experimenting with forms and with themes through weekly exercises, investigations into theories from inter-disciplinary fields of study (e.g. communication, literary, film, gender/queer studies, etc.), and contextualised in varied social-political and cultural contexts. The major composition that is built on weekly exercises has a thematic focus that is student-driven and demonstrates the processes of researching, drafting and editing creative texts. The unit is oriented towards practical and critical application of advanced experimental strategies and thus emphasises the importance of research into literary, non-literary, fictional, non-fictional texts so that students can better appreciate the extent of originality of style and content of their work in relation to that of published authors. The unit is also oriented towards the production of effective and experimental writing, and the importance of reflecting on creative work through the critical techniques of exegesis.

On successful completion of the 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.

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