Students
CWPG811 – Creative Writing Seminar II
2016 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Creative Writing Program Director and Lecturer
Jane Messer
Contact via jane.messer@mq.edu.au
W6A 632
Consultations, by appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MCrWrit or GradDipCrWrit or MA in Creative Writing or PGCertArts in Creative Writing
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
ENGL713 MRes program
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit offers students the opportunity to develop their writing across one or more genres, and to extend their skills both in the crafting and the analysis of the craft of writing. Two modules specifically cover poetry and writing for children. For students who have completed CWPG810, this unit is an opportunity to develop on the work achieved in that unit; for other students this unit offers key concepts and practices that will be extended by future study in CWPG810. Students reflect upon and interrogate their writing and writing process, explore new methods in relation to craft and technique or genre, and link this work to consideration of published creative works and contemporary narrative studies. Writing workshops and discussion of the readings are structured so that students can make productive links between concepts in narrative studies and their own writing. The unit is assessed through creative writing assignments, writing exercises and tasks, participation in weekly writing workshops, and the reading, analysis and discussion of critical and creative texts.
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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:
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Skill in critical engagement with Australian and international creative writing and narrative studies texts and debates.
- Use and apply technical creative writing terms and vocabularies and narrative studies concepts in order to discuss and analyse concepts, craft and technique with student peers.
- Capacity to interpret, analyse and communicate ideas about the creative work of student peers within the student writing community.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | 15% | Weekly, Portfolio - 16th Nov |
| Creative Writing Assignment 1 | 30% | 19th September |
| Creative Writing Assignment 2 | 35% | 14th Nov |
| Reflective Essay | 10% | 16th Nov |
| Writing Exercises | 10% | Various Weeks |
Participation
Due: Weekly, Portfolio - 16th Nov
Weighting: 15%
Participation includes Individual Presentation. Assessment is based on the quality and relevancy of participation either in class or online. At the conclusion of the session, students collate notes of their workshop feedback and discussions in response to the weekly readings and present these as a portfolio for final grading.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Skill in critical engagement with Australian and international creative writing and narrative studies texts and debates.
- Use and apply technical creative writing terms and vocabularies and narrative studies concepts in order to discuss and analyse concepts, craft and technique with student peers.
- Capacity to interpret, analyse and communicate ideas about the creative work of student peers within the student writing community.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Creative Writing Assignment 1
Due: 19th September
Weighting: 30%
This assignment will be a short story, poems, or a novel chapter, either new or developing on a writing exercise and/or a workshop piece.
Word limit: 2,000-3,000 words (maximum) short story, novel chapter, or 5-6 substantial poems.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Creative Writing Assignment 2
Due: 14th Nov
Weighting: 35%
This assignment consists of a substantially developed creative work/s.Word length: 2,500-3,000 words (maximum), or 6-7 poems.
This final creative piece should demonstrate that you have extended your skills over the course of the semester through the reflective, integrated learning experience of weekly writing, workshopping and CW Assignment 1.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Reflective Essay
Due: 16th Nov
Weighting: 10%
Short reflective essay on the unit readings, lecture topics, discussions and student's own writing process.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Skill in critical engagement with Australian and international creative writing and narrative studies texts and debates.
- Use and apply technical creative writing terms and vocabularies and narrative studies concepts in order to discuss and analyse concepts, craft and technique with student peers.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Writing Exercises
Due: Various Weeks
Weighting: 10%
Five short writing exercises that extend on the readings and topics. The first exercise is due in Week 2.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to interpret, analyse and communicate ideas about the creative work of student peers within the student writing community.
Delivery and Resources
REQUIRED READING – compulsory texts
Print or ebooks in any edition.
- Larry’s Party, Carol Shields, London: Fourth Estate, 1997.
- The Golden Day, Ursula Dubosarsky, Allen&Unwin, 2011
- The Art of Fiction, David Lodge, Penguin London, 1999.
- Making Shapely Fiction, Jerome Stern, WW Norton and Co., 1991.
- Marcelle Freiman, White Lines (Vertical), Hybrid Publishers, 2010
- Course Readings: weekly readings are available online from the Macquarie Library. The readings should be downloaded in the week you are to read them.
RECOMMENDED READING
- Hazel Smith, The Writing Experiment – strategies for innovative creative writing, Allen & Unwin, 2005.
- James Wood, How Fiction Works, Jonathan Cape, 2008.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Students in this unit should read the complete Unit Handbook which will be emailed individually and available from the iLearn site carefully at the start of Session. It contains important information about the unit. If anything in it is unclear, please consult one of the teaching staff in the unit.
Internal students - For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.
External students – your gateway to the unit is through the iLearn site, which will be opened at the start of Session 2. The On-Campus Day is on Saturday August 27th at MQ, 10-4.30pm. External and International students are strongly advised to participate.
Unit Schedule
Internal students - seminars start in Week 1. Log in to the unit's iLearn site. Read the Unit Handbook.
External students - log in to the unit's iLearn site in Week 1. Read the Unit Handbook.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures
On Campus Day or Alternative Tasks
Weekly Group Discussions
Weekly Writing workshops
Individual Presentation
Independent writing
Weekly reading
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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 outcomes
- Skill in critical engagement with Australian and international creative writing and narrative studies texts and debates.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Assessment task
- Participation
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
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Use and apply technical creative writing terms and vocabularies and narrative studies concepts in order to discuss and analyse concepts, craft and technique with student peers.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
- Reflective Essay
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
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Skill in critical engagement with Australian and international creative writing and narrative studies texts and debates.
- Use and apply technical creative writing terms and vocabularies and narrative studies concepts in order to discuss and analyse concepts, craft and technique with student peers.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
- Reflective Essay
- Writing Exercises
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
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Skill in critical engagement with Australian and international creative writing and narrative studies texts and debates.
- Use and apply technical creative writing terms and vocabularies and narrative studies concepts in order to discuss and analyse concepts, craft and technique with student peers.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
- Reflective Essay
- Writing Exercises
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
- Demonstration of creative and imaginative writing practices as emerging writers, through the writing of a range of creative works.
- Capacity to raise questions and solve problems in relation to the planning, revision, editing and rewriting of written creative works.
- Capacity to interpret, analyse and communicate ideas about the creative work of student peers within the student writing community.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
- Reflective Essay
- Writing Exercises
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
- Skill in critical engagement with Australian and international creative writing and narrative studies texts and debates.
- Capacity to interpret, analyse and communicate ideas about the creative work of student peers within the student writing community.
- Demonstrated capacity for reflection, communicated in writing and discussion forums in relation to the reading and writing of creative texts.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Reflective Essay