Contested Sites

Subject 106-406 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually admission to the postgraduate certificate or diploma or fourth year honours in English or creative writing, or admission to Bachelor of Creative Arts (honours).
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

Coordinator

Ms Marion May Campbell

Contact

TBA
Subject Overview: This subject offers a space for reflection and debate in areas often neglected in postmodern perspectives; that is, in the politics and ethics of writing. Drawing upon a wide range of imaginative, critical and theoretical texts, the subject focuses on the text as a site of contestation in terms of intertextuality and interspatiality. The focus is on both competing narratives and voices (in terms of the politics of gender and ethnicity); and the sites ('real' or 'fabulous') conjured or performed by the writing. By taking into account the silenced stories or histories that any writing involves, the subject should give students a chance to reflect and exchange on the theoretical, political and ethical implications of choices made in their creative writing practice.
Objectives:
  • have an understanding of the implications of research towards imaginative writing projects;
  • have an enhanced awareness of the ethical and political dimensions of their writing practice;
  • have an acquaintance with some of the most important contemporary debates round the ethics of representation or 'positionality' in writing;
  • be able to demonstrate in their writing a productive engagement with these issues and a heightened awareness of the implications of the textual strategies adopted.
Assessment: All students are required to submit a draft Project Proposal of not more than 1500 words including a synopsis, critical reflection and 500 word draft extract for feedback and will be resubmitted in a refined form together with the completed writing project. Writing Project of 4000 words including the revised synopsis and critical reflection of 1000 words 80% (due at the end of semester). The writer's notebook 10% (due at the end of semester) and workshop participation 10%. Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to have their work assessed in this subject.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate a recognition of the complex political and ethical issues around writing;
  • develop experimental techniques expressive of this awareness;
  • be able to research, develop and edit extended creative projects showing some innovative flair.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Creative Arts(Honours)
Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Creative Writing
Creative Writing

Download PDF version.