Cirrus@Austlit

NB: Information in this Unit Outline is subject to change prior to commencement of semester

Novel and memoir are pervasive, complex and culturally important literary forms. This unit is designed to help you examine the theory and practice of novel and memoir writing across various genres; the relationship between imagination and inspiration and the process of planning and research leading to the development of a novel or memoir proposal, including an initial chapter and synopsis. The subject also promotes the acquisition of analytical skills in professional and personal creative fiction and non-fiction writing.

Aims

This unit aims to:

- Familiarise you with the scope, challenges and practices of developing a novel or memoir,

- Familiarise you with the standards, conventions and possibilities of the novel and memoir forms,

- Enable you to produce a synopsis and chapter of an original piece of sustained prose,

- Develop your editorial skills,

- Provide you with peer workshop and mentor feedback over a period of several months in a blended learning environment.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Apply your knowledge to a range of approaches of narration for your novel or memoir;

2. Apply and contextualise a range of novel and memoir forms;

3. Employ a range of writing and reading strategies;

4. Structure and write a piece of sustained prose appropriate for the chosen form. This unit addresses content such as:

* Various approaches to writing a novel or memoir, including writing in various forms or genres,

* Writing a chapter and synopsis for submission to a publisher or agent,

* Understanding the critical frameworks of novel and memoir,

* The research and ethical issues involved in novel and memoir writing,

* Publication options and avenues across a range of genres,

* Participating effectively in writers' groups.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be taught through an interdependent mixture of:

- Formal classroom instruction, as well as writing and reading discussion groups,

- Peer writing workshops in a blended learning (online and face to face) environment,

- Individual student-directed writing,

- Peer assessment and formative feedback.