Writing Through Character

Subject CWRI30008 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

On Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2.5 A 2.5-hour seminar/workshop per week
Total Time Commitment: 102
Prerequisites: Completion of at least 12.5 points at second year in creative writing.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: 760-429 Writing Through Character
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the 3Disability Liaison Unit website: 4http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Kevin Brophy

Contact

Kevin Brophy

kevinjb@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: Students who complete this subject will be able to:
  • demonstrate a thorough understanding of theories and methods of construction of the subject/character 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 character 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. Students are advised to consult the following web address for details of assessment penalties which apply to this subject http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/policy/assessment/policy/penalties.html
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

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: Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
  • 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 (Continuing) and Bachelor of Creative Arts students and may be credited to a major in Creative Writing in either course. Students who have completed 760-429 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
Diploma in Creative Arts
Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Major

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