Students
ENGL307 – Creative Writing 3: Narrative Fiction
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Jane Messer
Contact via jane.messer@mq.edu.au
W6A 632
Mondays 1-2pm or by appointment during Session. Happy to receive emails.
Tutor
Michelle Hamadache
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
6cp from 200 level units including (ENGL233 or MAS202 or MECO210 or MECO211 or MECO310 or MECO311)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is suited to students who wish to develop skills and confidence with their writing of narrative, either in the short story or novel genre. In addition to weekly writing tasks, students will write two to three short stories or two thematically linked novel chapters. The unit is taught through a combination of lectures; readings in narrative studies and examples of short fiction; and workshops of student writing. Narrative studies topics include focalisation, management of time, scene structures, speech and dialogue. Assessment takes into account each student's creative work, weekly writing exercises, discussion and analysis of the readings, weekly attendance and participation, and the student's workshop and discussion skills. Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester.
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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:
- Development of creative narrative writing practices through the completion of writing exercises and major creative work.
- Understanding of the limits and possibilities of a range of contemporary forms of creative narrative writing including long and short short stories, realist, metafictional, speculative and the Bildungsroman narrative.
- Ability to critique and analyse narratives using a technical vocabulary drawn from contemporary narrative studies and literary theory.
- Development of self-reflective, critical and editing skills in relation to narrative writing, and employment of a technical vocabulary and narrative studies concepts in editing and analysis.
- Skills in both analysing and discussing the creative work of others in various contexts, including workshop.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 15% | No | Portfolio due 5.6.2017 |
| Quiz | 15% | No | Weeks 4, 8, 12 |
| Writing Exercise | 10% | No | Weeks 2, 5, 7, 8, 11 |
| Creative Writing Assignment 1 | 25% | No | 17.04.2017 |
| Creative Writing Assignment 2 | 35% | No | 13.06.2017 |
Participation
Due: Portfolio due 5.6.2017
Weighting: 15%
- It is an assessment requirement of this unit that students participate weekly and including Week 1. Without participation, the Learning Outcomes of the unit cannot be achieved.
- Missed weeks must be explained in a timely way with a medical certificate relating to urgent or unavoidable circumstances; or in the case of employment demands, a letter from a registered employer. Non-urgent medical appointments must not be scheduled during class times.
- Marks are deducted from the Participation mark for undocumented absences.
- Students whose participation is unsatisfactory for more than 2 weeks for urgent medical reasons, and who are not registered with Campus Wellbeing for an ongoing disability, may apply to the University for Withdrawal without Penalty from the unit.
Students collate their participation with brief notes into a Participation Portfolio and submit at the end of the session for final marking. Grading and assessment is based on the quality and relevancy of participation evidenced by the Participation Portfolio. Weekly Participation is required in order to pass this unit. Students who do not satisfactorily participate on a weekly basis, without the valid documentation, may receive a Fail grade. See the Unit Handbook for full details of what is required.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understanding of the limits and possibilities of a range of contemporary forms of creative narrative writing including long and short short stories, realist, metafictional, speculative and the Bildungsroman narrative.
- Ability to critique and analyse narratives using a technical vocabulary drawn from contemporary narrative studies and literary theory.
- Development of self-reflective, critical and editing skills in relation to narrative writing, and employment of a technical vocabulary and narrative studies concepts in editing and analysis.
- Skills in both analysing and discussing the creative work of others in various contexts, including workshop.
Quiz
Due: Weeks 4, 8, 12
Weighting: 15%
3 online quizzes to consolidate and review learning. Preparation requires students to engage with and review the lectures and readings, and participated in class discussion of topics and concepts. No additional preparation is required.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Development of creative narrative writing practices through the completion of writing exercises and major creative work.
- Understanding of the limits and possibilities of a range of contemporary forms of creative narrative writing including long and short short stories, realist, metafictional, speculative and the Bildungsroman narrative.
- Ability to critique and analyse narratives using a technical vocabulary drawn from contemporary narrative studies and literary theory.
Writing Exercise
Due: Weeks 2, 5, 7, 8, 11
Weighting: 10%
5 short writing tasks encourage students to respond creatively to writing topics and technical challenges. Instructions for each exercise are accessed from the unit's iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Development of creative narrative writing practices through the completion of writing exercises and major creative work.
- Understanding of the limits and possibilities of a range of contemporary forms of creative narrative writing including long and short short stories, realist, metafictional, speculative and the Bildungsroman narrative.
- Ability to critique and analyse narratives using a technical vocabulary drawn from contemporary narrative studies and literary theory.
- Development of self-reflective, critical and editing skills in relation to narrative writing, and employment of a technical vocabulary and narrative studies concepts in editing and analysis.
Creative Writing Assignment 1
Due: 17.04.2017
Weighting: 25%
A short story or a novel chapter, developing on one or more of your weekly writing exercises and/or a workshop piece.
See the Unit Handbook for a complete description of the task, available from the unit's iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Development of creative narrative writing practices through the completion of writing exercises and major creative work.
- Understanding of the limits and possibilities of a range of contemporary forms of creative narrative writing including long and short short stories, realist, metafictional, speculative and the Bildungsroman narrative.
- Development of self-reflective, critical and editing skills in relation to narrative writing, and employment of a technical vocabulary and narrative studies concepts in editing and analysis.
Creative Writing Assignment 2
Due: 13.06.2017
Weighting: 35%
This assignment will be a new short story (or series of linked flash fictions); or if in the novel genre it will be a further novel chapter developing on the chapter submitted for Assignment 1.
See the Unit Handbook for a complete description of the task, available from the unit's iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Development of creative narrative writing practices through the completion of writing exercises and major creative work.
- Understanding of the limits and possibilities of a range of contemporary forms of creative narrative writing including long and short short stories, realist, metafictional, speculative and the Bildungsroman narrative.
- Development of self-reflective, critical and editing skills in relation to narrative writing, and employment of a technical vocabulary and narrative studies concepts in editing and analysis.
Delivery and Resources
REQUIRED READING: Course Reader, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop
CLASSES: Classes commence in Week 1. For seminar times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.
iLEARN: Students needs regular and weekly access to the unit's ilearn site in order to complete activities and communications for this unit.
Unit Schedule
The schedule is comprised of 12 weeks of classes and 7 lectures. Week 1 attendance is compulsory for all students. The lectures must be accessed and listened to ahead of the scheduled class, via ECHO in iLearn.
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Week 1
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Lecture and Seminar 1 Greetings, workshopping, in class writing |
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Week 2
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Lecture and Seminar 2 Story: Narrative and Event |
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Week 3 |
Seminar Narrative and the Short Story |
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Week 4
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Lecture and Seminar 3 Characters Matter |
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Week 5 |
Seminar Characters Matter |
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Week 6
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Lecture and Seminar 4 Character’s speak: Dialogue
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Week 7
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Lecture and Seminar 5 Focalization: orientation, point of view |
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mid session break |
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Week 8 |
Seminar Hybrid genres in the short story |
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Week 9 |
Seminar Structure, form and content |
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Week 10
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Lecture and Seminar 6 Scene structures and Microplotting |
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Week 11
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Seminar Contemporary Australian short stories
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Week 12
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Lecture and Seminar 7 Contemporary Australian short stories |
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Week 13
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No class Independent learning week. Workshopping can continue if students wish to online. |
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_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Development of creative narrative writing practices through the completion of writing exercises and major creative work.
- Understanding of the limits and possibilities of a range of contemporary forms of creative narrative writing including long and short short stories, realist, metafictional, speculative and the Bildungsroman narrative.
- Ability to critique and analyse narratives using a technical vocabulary drawn from contemporary narrative studies and literary theory.
Assessment tasks
- Writing Exercise
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Development of creative narrative writing practices through the completion of writing exercises and major creative work.
- Ability to critique and analyse narratives using a technical vocabulary drawn from contemporary narrative studies and literary theory.
- Development of self-reflective, critical and editing skills in relation to narrative writing, and employment of a technical vocabulary and narrative studies concepts in editing and analysis.
Assessment tasks
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understanding of the limits and possibilities of a range of contemporary forms of creative narrative writing including long and short short stories, realist, metafictional, speculative and the Bildungsroman narrative.
- Development of self-reflective, critical and editing skills in relation to narrative writing, and employment of a technical vocabulary and narrative studies concepts in editing and analysis.
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment tasks
- Quiz
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Skills in both analysing and discussing the creative work of others in various contexts, including workshop.
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- Creative Writing Assignment 1
- Creative Writing Assignment 2
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment task
- Participation
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Skills in both analysing and discussing the creative work of others in various contexts, including workshop.