Life Writing

Subject 106-480 (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: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Entry into Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in 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

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Robyn Moignard Ferrell

Contact

Philip Salom

p.salom@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject explores a variety of life narratives including letters, biographies and memoirs from various periods and cultures including contemporary Australian examples. Students will read from texts about theoretical approaches which explore the nature of memory, questions of subjectivity and self-representation as well as the ethical dimensions of writing about the lives of others. The subject will involve applied writing in workshops including exercises in various styles and approaches to autobiography.
Objectives:
Assessment: An essay of 2000 words which engages with one or more of the theoretical considerations within the field of autobiography 40% (due in week 8), a piece of the student's own autobiographical writing totalling 3,000 words 50% (due at end of semester), regular attendance and participation in tutorials and workshops is required and the maintenance of a Reading Journal, recording class exercises and reading 10% (due at end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: Reading Autobiography: A Guide for Interpreting Life Narratives, Sidonie Smith and Julia Watson, University of Minnesota Press, 2001.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Be able to apply advanced analytical and critical skills to written texts;
  • Have the ability to complete written tasks to an advanced level of literacy and communication;
  • Plan and develop their own work;
  • Work effectively with others while respecting individual differences.
Notes: This subject is available to Bachelor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing) honours and Postgraduate Diploma (Creative Writing) students
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Creative Arts(Honours)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Creative Writing
Creative Writing

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