50306 Genre Writing Workshop

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Writing and Contemporary Cultures
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 50123 Narrative Writing OR 50243 Narrative Writing

Handbook description

Genre writing offers students the opportunity to work in a specific fictional genre (fantasy, crime, writing for children, romance). The class focuses on the students' own writing, but critical and exemplary texts are additionally used to explore the codes, conventions, structures and possibilities of genre. The genre studied varies from semester to semester. The theoretical implications of generic form, the ways in which those forms may be expanded and subverted, the historical significance of the various genres and their literary and popular histories are all considered.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

Produce a piece of narrative fiction which conforms to what is generally expected of contemporary genre fiction narratives;
Conduct real world research of direct relevance to the creating of credible genre fiction;
Bring focussed critical skills to bear on their own and other's fictional narratives;
Develop original narrative ideas in each of the workshopped genre pieces and see these through to a satisfactory stage of completion
Bring focused critical skills to bear in their own and others' writing.
Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis of children's and young adult fiction.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject:

Enhances specific and general skills in writing.
Further develops knowledge of the structures and possibilities of genre.
Encourages informed debate and practical understanding of contemporary literary genres.
Enhances critical and creative thought about contemporary writing.

Teaching and learning strategies

A program which may include lectures, seminars, class exercises; workshops and presentation will be designed to suit the relevant genre being considered.

Content

The subject combines practical writing exercises, workshopping and the reading and discussion of a range of exemplary texts. Where appropriate, some lectures by critics or practitioners in the chosen genre may be included.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Short written exercises

Objectives	c, d, e
Value	25%
Due	Weeks 1-7
Task	Each student is expected to complete a number of weekly narrative pieces of 600-700 words in length concentrating on skills specific to the genre. These will be workshopped in class.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated ability to complete short narrative pieces of the appropriate genre

Assessment item 2: Research seminar

Objectives	b, c, e
Value	25%
Due	Weeks 8-13
Task	Each student will present a 15 minute presentation on a chosen topic relevant to the genre being studied to introduce class discussion.
Assessment criteria	Quality of research into the topic Presentation to include class members in active discussion

Assessment item 3: Major assignment

Objectives	a, b, d, e
Value	50%
Due	Week 14
Task	Each student must produce a separate piece of writing (i.e. produced individually rather than in groups. Approx. 4,000 words.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated ability to complete a narrative piece of the appropriate genre Completion of all necessary re-writes and response to class discussion and editorial changes.

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.

Required text(s)

The weekly readings are provided in the subject reader.