Students
CWPG822 – Short Form Writing - short story, novella, poetry cycle
2015 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer and Convenor
Jane Messer
Contact via 02-98508738
Building W6A Room 632 Ryde Campus
Meetings and phone discussions by appointment. Please email to arrange.
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
CWPG810 or CWPG811
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
ENGL718
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit builds on the skills and knowledge developed in CWPG810 and CWPG811, with a focus on the short story in its evolving forms, including the long short story and novella, the short story sequence and cycle, and micro and 'short short' stories. In addition to the weekly writing workshops, we read works by Australian and international writers including Tim Winton, Alice Munro, Peter Goldsworthy, and Molly Ringwald; we investigate technique and craft, and consider the form's history and current scholarly debates, reader response theory, publishing trends, new medias and book futures. Students develop a critical awareness of the broader national and international contexts in which their writing is to take a place; devise a project of their own choice; and are encouraged toward publication.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrated problem solving skills in the planning, revision, editing and completion of creative works, to a publishable standard.
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Applied technical creative writing terms, vocabulary and narrative studies concepts, in order to consider craft and technique.
- Able to assess and critically evaluate a range of writing and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value.
- Developed communication skills in the context of writing workshop discussion and discussion of literary texts and issues arising from those readings.
- Use and understanding of digital and print technologies, and the development of digital literacies.
General Assessment Information
The importance of Participation for Assessment and passing the unit.
It is an assessment requirement of this unit that students participate weekly. Without participation, the Learning Outcomes of the unit cannot be achieved. Missed weeks must be explained with a medical certificate relating to urgent or unavoidable circumstances; or in the case of employment demands, a letter from the employer. Marks are deducted from the Participation mark for undocumented absences. Students whose participation is unsatisfactory for more than 2 weeks for ongoing medical reasons, may apply to the University for Withdrawal without Penalty from the unit. Students who do not satisfactorily participate online (External) on a weekly basis, or do not attend class each week (Internal) without valid documentation, will receive a Fail grade. If you have any concerns about your participation, contact the lecturer.
Assessment tasks
Assessment tasks are designed to encourage students to develop familiarity and skills as emerging and developing writers through the inter-related practice of creative writing, reading, and discussion. The varied assessment tasks focus on these three skills and aim to develop them in inter-related ways.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | 10% | Ongoing, weekly |
| Australian Micro Fiction Task | 10% | Monday March 30, Week 6 |
| Creative Writing Assignment 1 | 30% | Monday April 6 |
| Journal Report | 15% | Monday May 11, Week 10 |
| Creative Writing Assignment 2 | 35% | Monday June 9, Week 13 |
Participation
Due: Ongoing, weekly
Weighting: 10%
See Full Unit Study Schedule available from the iLearn site for details of this task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Developed communication skills in the context of writing workshop discussion and discussion of literary texts and issues arising from those readings.
- Use and understanding of digital and print technologies, and the development of digital literacies.
Australian Micro Fiction Task
Due: Monday March 30, Week 6
Weighting: 10%
See Full Unit Study Schedule available from the iLearn site for details of this task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Able to assess and critically evaluate a range of writing and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value.
- Developed communication skills in the context of writing workshop discussion and discussion of literary texts and issues arising from those readings.
- Use and understanding of digital and print technologies, and the development of digital literacies.
Creative Writing Assignment 1
Due: Monday April 6
Weighting: 30%
See Full Unit Study Schedule available from the iLearn site for details of this task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrated problem solving skills in the planning, revision, editing and completion of creative works, to a publishable standard.
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Applied technical creative writing terms, vocabulary and narrative studies concepts, in order to consider craft and technique.
Journal Report
Due: Monday May 11, Week 10
Weighting: 15%
See Full Unit Handbook available from the unit's iLearn site for further details.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Able to assess and critically evaluate a range of writing and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value.
- Developed communication skills in the context of writing workshop discussion and discussion of literary texts and issues arising from those readings.
- Use and understanding of digital and print technologies, and the development of digital literacies.
Creative Writing Assignment 2
Due: Monday June 9, Week 13
Weighting: 35%
See Full Unit Study Schedule available from the iLearn site for details of this task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrated problem solving skills in the planning, revision, editing and completion of creative works, to a publishable standard.
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Applied technical creative writing terms, vocabulary and narrative studies concepts, in order to consider craft and technique.
Delivery and Resources
Required Texts: these are the texts all students must read.
Required weekly readings in addition to the full texts listed below, are available as e-documents from the MU Library (see the Weekly reading schedule in this Unit Handbook). Once accessed they can be printed out or read onscreen. Additional readings may be given by the Lecturer.
- Peter Goldsworthy, Jesus Wants me for A Sunbeam, Harper Collins Australia (ebook or print) including Afterword by Goldsworthy and essay by Amanda Lohrey.
- Molly Ringwald, When it Happens to You, New York: itbooks/Harper Collins, 2012.
- Tara June Winch, Swallow the Air, St Lucia: University of Queensland Press, 2007.
- Tim Winton, The Turning, Sydney: Picador, 2005.
Recommended and suggesting readings are listed in the Full Study Schedule.
Blended learning
Internal mode students will meet for seminars on campus approximately every two weeks, and participate weekly in discussions and other activities online through the iLearn site. External students will work in the online mode from the iLearn site.
Technologies Used
Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
The unit’s iLearn site will be available from Week 1. Please login and explore the website. PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement. Please consult teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements.
Learning and Teaching Methods
The focus of the Creative Writing program and this unit, is on the practice of writing, accompanied by the development of research, reading and analysis skills and understandings. Students develop expertise through an integration of critical reflection, discussion, written analysis and reflection and individual creative practice.
Learning activities in this unit include the reading, viewing and analysis of written texts, and participation in lectures, tutorial and/or seminars. Small group discussion and activities, and workshopping of work-in-progress key elements of the online and campus classroom practice. Students develop their writing expertise by producing writing in a range of genres or through specialisation in specific genres.
Students are expected to initiate original stories, ideas or concepts, and are then guided in the refinement, development and completion of these works, and to identify and situate them in specific contexts, and for specific readerships.
Unit Schedule
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Week 1
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Welcome, unit overview, schedules for discussions and workshoping of student writing. |
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Week 2 |
The Long Short Story. Readings commence along with workshopping of student work. |
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Week 3 |
The Long Short Story |
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Week 4 |
The Long Short Story |
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Week 5 |
The Long Short Story (or novella?) |
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Week 6 |
The short Short Story |
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Week 7 |
Short Story Cycle (or novel?) |
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Week 8 |
Short Story Cycle (or novel) |
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Week 9 |
Short Story Cycle |
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Week 10 |
New medias and book futures |
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Week 11 |
New medias and book futures |
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Week 12 |
Publishing – journals, competitions, opportunities |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Australian Micro Fiction Task
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Journal Report
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrated problem solving skills in the planning, revision, editing and completion of creative works, to a publishable standard.
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Applied technical creative writing terms, vocabulary and narrative studies concepts, in order to consider craft and technique.
- Use and understanding of digital and print technologies, and the development of digital literacies.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Australian Micro Fiction Task
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Journal Report
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrated problem solving skills in the planning, revision, editing and completion of creative works, to a publishable standard.
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Applied technical creative writing terms, vocabulary and narrative studies concepts, in order to consider craft and technique.
- Able to assess and critically evaluate a range of writing and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value.
- Developed communication skills in the context of writing workshop discussion and discussion of literary texts and issues arising from those readings.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Australian Micro Fiction Task
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Journal Report
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrated problem solving skills in the planning, revision, editing and completion of creative works, to a publishable standard.
- Applied new understandings and critically reflective practice to creative writing and reading of the genres of short fiction or creative nonfiction, novella, short story or poetic sequence.
- Able to assess and critically evaluate a range of writing and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Australian Micro Fiction Task
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Journal Report
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrated problem solving skills in the planning, revision, editing and completion of creative works, to a publishable standard.
- Able to assess and critically evaluate a range of writing and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value.
- Developed communication skills in the context of writing workshop discussion and discussion of literary texts and issues arising from those readings.
- Use and understanding of digital and print technologies, and the development of digital literacies.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Australian Micro Fiction Task
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Journal Report
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Able to assess and critically evaluate a range of writing and other production values in contemporary Australian journals to determine their interest and value.
- Developed communication skills in the context of writing workshop discussion and discussion of literary texts and issues arising from those readings.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Australian Micro Fiction Task
- Journal Report