Research for the Creative Writer

Subject CWRI90005 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
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
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Creative Writing (Coursework and Minor Thesis) prior to 2010.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: None

Coordinator

Dr Elizabeth Macfarlane

Contact

Elizabeth MacFarlane
ecm@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This seminar subject is designed to enrich writers' understanding of what research involves for extended writing projects. The value of strategic reading with a view to structural and formal innovation will be promoted throughout, as will the invaluable role of a writer's notebook. Students will also engage in reading published writer's notebooks and interviews on research practice. The subject includes detailed Information Sessions on library databases and resources, research grant applications, and human ethics processes.
Objectives: Students completing this subject will:
  • 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;and
  • 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: A subject reader will be available.
Recommended Texts:

This subject supports the individual student's Minor Thesis project. Seminars will be conducted by guest speakers. Weekly readings will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students successfully completing this subject will be able to:
  • refine written communication skills through essay and creative writing;and
  • refine communication skills through seminar discussion.
Related Course(s): Master of Creative Writing (Coursework and Minor Thesis)
Master of Publishing and Communications

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