KWB214 The Artful Life: From Memoir to Fiction


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:KWB214
Credit points:12
Equivalent:KWB313
Coordinator:Kari Gislason | k.gislason@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit examines the relationship between imaginative literature, especially the novel, and the inspiration we derive from our own lives. Memoir and fiction are major literary forms that are connected by their use of creative writing techniques and by the way they draw material from authors’ personal experiences. They also are pervasive, complex and culturally important literary forms. This unit is designed to help you examine and understand the theory and practice of memoir and long-form fiction writing; 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. As such, the unit addresses the scope, challenges and practices of developing fiction or memoir; the standards, conventions and possibilities of fiction and memoir forms; and the development of editorial skills in collaboration with others (feedback).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Apply your knowledge to a range of approaches, subject matters, and forms in fiction and memoir.
  2. Plan and group critique a long-form creative project with an awareness of diverse and rapidly changing industry contexts.
  3. Structure and write a piece of long-form prose appropriate for the chosen form.

Content

This unit addresses content such as:

  • various approaches to writing a fiction or memoir, including writing in hybrid forms that combine elements of both novel and memoir
  • 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
  • participating effectively in writers• groups.

Learning Approaches

This unit will be taught through an interdependent mixture of:

  • formal classroom instruction, as well as writing and reading discussion groups
  • peer writing in a blended learning (online and face to face) environment
  • individual student-directed writing
  • peer assessment and formative feedback.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. You will also be encouraged to provide constructive feedback to your peers over the course of the semester.

Assessment

Overview

There are two individual assessments for this unit. One is creative work in the form of a memoir. The second is a creative accompanied by a proposal for publication directed to a publisher or agent.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Faculty's Assessment Information see the Canvas site for this unit. This includes information about late assignments and assignment extensions.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Memoir Project

For this assessment you are required to submit a 1500-word piece of memoir.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid-Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Creative Work

For this assessment you are required to submit an autobiographical/semi-autobiographical novel or memoir proposal suitable for submission to a professional agent or publisher, including an opening section (2500-3000 words) of a novel or memoir, a succinct synopsis, and a brief cover letter. Due date: Formative submissions throughout semester, plus a summative submission at the end of semester.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 60
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.

Resources

Resources will be made available via the unit Canvas website.

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction.

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks for this unit.

Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts

  1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
    Relates to: ULO1
  2. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3
  3. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO1
  4. Represent and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
    Relates to: ULO2
  5. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through reflection and by acting on the informed critique of others.
    Relates to: ULO2
  6. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism in creative practice, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: ULO3

KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries

  1. Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
    Relates to: ULO1
  2. Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3
  3. Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2
  4. Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
    Relates to: ULO2
  5. Practise self-management of career and learning with enterprise and an entrepreneurial outlook, including the building of personal and professional relationships and partnerships.
    Relates to: ULO3