50308 Creative Non-Fiction

Handbook description

Non-fiction writing takes many forms and each of these has its own generic conventions, limitations and potentials. Non-fiction writing relies heavily on reliable and accurate research and on a range of writing techniques, some of which are shared with fiction and some which are particular to this genre. This subject examines biography and travel writing with particular emphasis on developing an awareness of the possibilities of creative non-fiction writing and of exploring and expanding the different forms of creative non-fiction. The focus of the class is the students' own work. Several key non-fiction texts are examined and discussed, integrating practical work with critical reflection on the processes of non-fiction writing.

Subject objectives/outcomes

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

1. produce a biographical piece which conforms to what is expected of contemporary biographical narratives with the appropriate use and acknowledgement of a wide number of sources
2. demonstrate depth of research in writing biographical and travel narratives
3. bring focused critical skills to bear on their own and other's non-fiction narratives
4. produce a piece of travel writing with a strong narrative combined with personal reflections and observations.

Contribution to graduate profile

At the end of the subject students should have:

• developed writing, research and creative skills and strategies for non fiction writing
• an enhanced critical understanding of contemporary forms and practices in this mode
• further critical knowledge of cultural and aesthetic debates surrounding the research and writing of creative non fiction
• strengthened their ability to creatively approach non fictive writing tasks
• an awareness of both the literary and publishing industry contexts within which they are producing non fictive writings.

Teaching and learning strategies

Sessions 1 to 5 will include a lecture about and discussion of the week's topic, followed by a writing workshop, in which students will critically discuss their own short pieces of non-fiction writing.

After initial exercises to develop craft skills, students will be asked to work on a biographical sketch of 2,000 words maximum, developing it through several drafts.

For class 6 we will tour the Mitchell Library and begin our research.Their biographical profile will be workshopped during the weeks 7 and 8. The writing must be an original piece, written specifically in the context of this class.

They will also be asked to present to the class a seminar on a non-fiction text, analysing its strengths and weaknesses from a non-fiction writer's perspective. Seminars will be scheduled for presentation during weeks 9 to 12.

In the final three weeks students will be asked to write a travel piece of 1,500 words, using the non-fiction techniques they have developed during the subject.

Overall this unit looks at key elements in non-fiction writing with particular emphasis on creative non-fiction writing. We shall consider these elements in their own work and in the assigned readings.

Content

The subject aims to develop students' awareness of the possibilities of non-fiction writing, with particular emphasis on creative non-fiction. Students will gain an understanding of the historical origins and precursors of contemporary writings in this mode and gain experience and confidence in exploring and expanding the accepted limits of different genres as practising writers.

Creative non-fiction writing relies heavily both on reliable and accurate research and on writing conventions, some of which are shared with fiction and some which are particular to this genre. The subject will refer to a number of non-fiction books which contain examples of work worth studying.

This subject will cover:

• the nature of creative non fiction and the particular challenges it presents to the writer
• the significance of facts and the 'truth' to the writing of non fiction
• the relationship between the creative non fiction writer and subject
• the non fiction novel
• writing biography
• travel writing and reportage
• researching the public record
• clear writing and self editing.

Assessment

All work to be handed in for assessment must:

• be printed or typed on A4 paper with wide left and right hand margins,
• be double-spaced
• be on single sided pages
• must include page numbers.

In order to meet the requirements of the Writing area for the presentation of your written work it is strongly recommended that you refer to the Writing and Cultural Studies Style Guide.

Assessment item 1: Biographical Sketch

Assessment item 2: Non-Fiction Seminar

Assessment item 3: Travel Writing

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.

Indicative references

Subject Readings — from UTS Union Shop Level 3 Building 1.

Required texts:

Truman Capote - In Cold Blood (Penguin)

Janet Malcolm - The Journalist and the Murderer (Vintage)

Recommended texts:

Robert Allen - How to Write Better English, Penguin, 2005

Theodore A.R. Cheney - Writing Creative Nonfiction, Ten Speed Press, 2001

Lee Gutkind - The Art of Creative Nonfiction, Wiley and Sons, 1997

Barbara Lounsberry - The Art of Fact: Contemporary Artists of Nonfiction, Greenwood Press, 1990

Norman Sims - Literary Journalism in the Twentieth Century, OUP, 1990

Ronald Weber (Ed.) - The Reporter as Artist: A look at the New Journalism Controversy, Hastings House, 1974

Tom Wolfe - The New Journalism, Harper and Row, 1973