Writing Through Character

Subject 106-366 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2.5-hour seminar/workshop per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first year creative writing and 25 points of second year creative writing.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Philip Salom
email: p.salom@Unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: In this subject students will examine practices of character construction in a range of forms, including fiction and script. Analysis will focus on various theories of subjectivity and representation, and also how the dynamics of monologue, dialogue and polyphony work to construct and deconstruct the reading and recognition of character. Students will engage with the creative work of writers from a variety of cultures and write, perform and workshop an extended piece of their own creative work within the class unit.
Objectives:
  • demonstrate a thorough understanding of theories and methods of construction of the subject/chracter in the examples of fiction, poetry and drama presented;
  • demonstrate a capacity to apply their analytical and theoretical undertandings in a sustained piece of creative written work;
  • develop a capacity to articulate the theoretical underpinnings of their creative work;
  • develop an understanding of the social and cultural determinants in the representation of charcter in works of poetry and fiction;
  • develop a practice of writing which is cognisant of gender, sexuality and ethnicity.
Assessment: A work in prose or script equivalent to 3000 words 80% (half due mid-semester, complete work due end of semester), an analysis or exegesis of personal creative work of 1000 words 10% (due end of semester), and a 30-minute class presentation (scheduled throughout the semester) and participation in workshops/exercises 10%. A hurdle requirement of attendance at 80% of seminars/workshops is required in order to submit assessment for this subject and be eligible for a passing grade. Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without a formal extension and special consideration will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.
Prescribed Texts:
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • access a broad range of resource material, including traditional text and electronic material;
  • demonstrate advanced communication skills;
  • work successfully with peers;
  • demonstrate the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex structural and organisational concepts.
Notes: This subject is available to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Creative Arts students and may be credited to a major in Creative Writing in either course. Previously offered as 760-429, students who have completed that subject are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Bachelor of Creative Arts
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Teaching
Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing)
Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Major
English

Download PDF version.