Students

CWPG822 – Short Form Writing - short story, novella, poetry cycle

2017 – S1 External

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.
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
CWPG810 or CWPG811
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
ENGL718
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.

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 Hurdle Due
Participation 15% No Portfolio due 2.6.2017
Creative Writing Assignment 1 30% No 19.04.2017
Journal Report 20% No 09.05.2017
Creative Writing Assignment 2 35% No 13.06.2016

Participation

Due: Portfolio due 2.6.2017
Weighting: 15%

Assessment is based on the quality and relevancy of participation as evidenced weekly and in a final Participation Portfolio. Weekly Participation is required in order to Pass this unit.

  • Class or online discussion; listening to the lectures, reading the set texts and evidencing your engagement through discussion and posts that refer clearly to the set texts, themes and topics;
  • Maintaining a regular creative writing practice, evidenced through your workshop submissions;
  • Reading and commenting on other students’ creative work in the workshops, employing concepts and vocabularies discussed in the topics, readings and lectures;
  • Diligently adhering to schedules in relation to workshopping, logging-in and general timeliness;

See the Unit Handbook and iLearn for further details of this assessment component.


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.

Creative Writing Assignment 1

Due: 19.04.2017
Weighting: 30%

See the Unit Handbook 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: 09.05.2017
Weighting: 20%

See the Unit Handbook 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 2

Due: 13.06.2016
Weighting: 35%

See the Unit Handbook 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  Unit Handbook and at the unit's iLearn site.

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

Week 1 Welcome, unit overview, schedules

Week 2 The contemporary short story and new medias and book futures

Week 3 Micro/flash fictions

Week 4 Short Story

Week 5Long short story

Week 6 Long short story or novella?

Week 7 Short Story Sequences

Week 8 Poetry cycle and narrative shapes

Week 9 Guest lecture TBC

Week 10 Australian Short Story Sequences

Week 11 Short story sequence or novel?

Week 12 New Medias and Book Futures

The full reading list and topics are set out in the Unit Handbook available to enrolled students and through iLearn.

 

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

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Journal Report