57031 Non-fiction Writing

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

Handbook description

Non-fiction writing takes many forms, and each of these has its own generic conventions, limitations and potentials. This subject explores the similarities and differences between such genres as the essay, technical and scientific writing, writing history (and recording oral histories), travel writing, cultural criticism and feature journalism. In any one semester, the genres considered depend on the availability of expert staff and on student interest.

Subject objectives/outcomes

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

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
demonstrate depth of research in writing biographical and travel narratives
bring focused critical skills to bear on their own and other's non-fiction narratives
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 2000 words, developing it through several drafts.

Their biographical profile will be workshopped during the weeks 7-10. 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. Please note: The seminar is a discussion about non-fiction which is intended to generate discussion and ideas.

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.

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

Assessment item 1: Biographical Sketch

Objectives	a, b
Value	40%
Due	Draft due classes 7-10; final piece due Week 11
Task	A biographical sketch of 2,000 words maximum. For this assignment students should choose a person (living or dead) who has a public profile and, using documentary sources (e.g. newspaper archives) along with interviews (if their subject is living) with the person, and with people who know their subject, construct a compelling and interesting portrait. This task is designed to develop research and writing skills and consider creative approaches in the area of biography.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated ability to: Research accurately from a variety of sources, including personal interviews Compose a revealing and in-depth character portrait using non-fictional techniques Develop an angle on the chosen subject, along with a convincing narrative

Assessment item 2: Non-Fiction Seminar

Objectives	c
Value	20%
Due	To be presented in Weeks 7 to 13
Task	Present to the class an analysis of a chosen non-fiction text, examining its strengths and weaknesses from a writer's perspective. The emphasis will be on the techniques available to the non-fiction writer and to examine contemporary and past discourses in the mode, with a view to an appraisal of the writing and research strategies and any related issues and questions this raises for the creative non fiction writer.Your seminar should attempt to generate ideas and discussion.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated ability to: analyse and understand the construction of non-fiction narratives

Assessment item 3: Travel Writing

Objectives	a, d
Value	40%
Due	Draft to be workshopped in classes 11, 12 & 13; final piece of 1500-2000 words maximum to be submitted in Week 14.
Task	Students go outside their comfort zone: Take a journey by train to a country town or city outside Sydney. Along the way interview workers on railways, other passengers and research the history of the town or region they are visiting. Develop an original narrative weaving together this research combined with their own personal observations and reflections. This task is designed to develop research and writing skills and consider creative approaches in the area of travel writing.
Assessment criteria	Demonstrated ability to: combine research, personal observations and facts into a compelling travel narrative maintain factual accuracy, use correct and clear English expression employ skilful non-fiction techniques.

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