50225 Independent Writing Project

Handbook description

This subject is designed for students who have substantial experience in writing and are ready to work independently. Students meet as a group at the beginning of the semester, when projects are discussed and goals set, and again at the end of the semester. Each student meets with a supervisor for one-to-one discussion of the work in progress and, where appropriate, the readings connected with the project. Small groups are set up to meet informally and provide an opportunity to share work in progress and to discuss problems. Projects normally fall within the following:

• Students undertake a major creative project under supervision. The project can be in any form (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, script, sound, performance, new media).
• Students produce the UTS Writers' Anthology, taking it through all stages of production, including soliciting and selection of manuscripts, editing, working with authors, proofreading, layout and design, desktop production, printing and distribution.
• Students may carry out an approved professional attachment.

Note: Project proposals and a brief sample of work in the relevant genre are to be submitted in advance. Students are notified of acceptance before the beginning of the semester.

Subject objectives/outcomes

1. On completion of this subject a student is expected to be able to demonstrate high level skills in developing and refining a story, a chapter, a screenplay, a scene breakdown, a treatment, essay, work of poetry or non-fiction etc through successive drafts.
2. The capacity to plan and carry out a major project, and to respond creatively to critical feedback throughout the process.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject provides students with the opportunity to produce a substantial piece of work.

Teaching and learning strategies

Having agreed on an appropriate project, students will discuss it with the relevant supervising lecturer and decide on a program of regular conferences. The developing work (or group project) will be critically reviewed at regular intervals and the feedback incorporated into the work in progress. These meetings rather than conventional lectures comprise the core activity of Independent Writing Project.

Content

A schedule of meetings for the semester will be arranged by mutual consent between students and the lecturer at the first session, which all students should attend. Subsequent meetings of the entire class and lecturer later in the semester may also be arranged by mutual agreement. Before each scheduled meeting, the lecturer will read and make comments on the student's draft, critically assessing the work within its own terms and aims, and also taking into account broader issues of professional writing practice.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Major writing project

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.