Research for the Creative Writer

Subject 760-512 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
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: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with an average of at least 70% (H2B).
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

Dr Elizabeth Catherine Macfarlane

Contact

TBA
Subject Overview: This seminar subject is designed to enrich writers' understanding of what research involves for extended writing projects, in terms of the thematic material explored, the cultural and socio-political context, and in terms of the conceptual enrichment of the work. The value of strategic reading with a view to structural and formal innovation will be promoted throughout, as will be the invaluable role of a writer's notebook. Highly regarded writers will conduct seminars focussing on the way they have gone about research for projects and these lecturers and creative writing staff will help students devise and develop particular research projects.
Objectives:
  • be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of research strategies for creative writing projects;
  • be able to demonstrate an advanced appreciation of the ethical and political issues involved around the exploitation of research materials;
  • be able to demonstrate an ability to elicit or retrieve information from a range of sources: oral, archival, library, world wide web;
  • be able to demonstrate the ability to enrich their work factually, imaginatively, and intellectually through concerted research in relation to their projects.
Assessment: A researched creative assignment of 2500 words 50% (due end of semester), a critical essay of 2000 words 30% (due end of semester) and written and oral tutorial presentation of 500 words 20% (due in assigned week).
Prescribed Texts:
Recommended Texts: This subject supports the individual student's Minor Thesis project. Seminars will be conducted by guest speakers. 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:
  • refine written communication skills through essay and creative writing
  • refine communication skills through seminar discussion
Related Course(s): Master of Creative Writing (Coursework and Minor Thesis)
Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing
Master of Publishing and Communications

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