KWB104 Fiction and Innovation
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 code: | KWB104 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,253 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,057 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,896 |
| International unit fee | $5,136 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KWB104 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Craig Bolland | c.bolland@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit explores how writers experiment with form, style, and narrative to create new possibilities for fiction. Through the study of influential and unconventional texts, you will examine how writers challenge expectations of plot, voice, structure, and genre. Each week you will analyse examples of innovative fiction and experiment with creative techniques inspired by them, developing an understanding of how literary traditions evolve and how writers respond to changing cultural and artistic contexts. The unit emphasises reading as a source of creative insight, encouraging you to explore how careful attention to existing works can generate new approaches to storytelling. By the end of the semester you will produce a portfolio of experimental writing that demonstrates your ability to apply and adapt innovative narrative techniques.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse how narrative techniques structure and shape meaning and reader experience in fiction.
- Experiment with a range of narrative techniques to produce short works of original fiction.
- Explain and evaluate the use of specific storytelling techniques through research and oral presentation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how stylistic and structural choices influence the development of creative writing.
Content
You will explore contemporary approaches to fiction through the lens of innovation and the creative process. You will examine key moments in the history of fiction—from realism and modernist experimentation to contemporary forms and First Nations literature —to understand how writers respond to changing cultural, philosophical, and ethical contexts. Through close reading and a series of guided writing experiments, you will develop your own work by engaging with techniques such as non-linear narrative, psychological depth, and formal experimentation, building skills in analysis, drafting, and revision.
Learning Approaches
Through a combination of lectures and tutorials, with online writing activities, you will be encouraged to develop your writing. There is an emphasis in this unit on formative as well as summative assessment/evaluation. This is achieved via weekly writing activities, feedback from your tutor on your two story submissions, as well as by participation in small peer editorial groups.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback from your tutor and peers in tutorials, and are encouraged to provide constructive feedback on others' writing in return. Formative feedback helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a writer as the unit progresses. Further, you will receive feedback on work submitted for assessment and grading.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit develops both analytical and creative skills. Early in the semester, you'll complete a short craft analysis of a published story, focusing on how narrative techniques shape the reader’s experience. Mid-semester, you'll produce a portfolio of short fiction experiments that explore different stylistic and structural approaches to storytelling. The final assessment is a short presentation in which you'll research and explain a specific narrative technique, using examples from published writing to demonstrate how it works in practice.
You may use GenAI tools to support your research and generate ideas in this unit. However, you must not use GenAI to generate or draft or translate any part of your assessment. All work you submit must be your own. You are required to include a brief statement outlining any use of GenAI in the development of your work and ensure that your use complies with QUT’s academic integrity requirements.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Analysis
You will analyse a short story or novel chapter and describe how the author uses specific narrative techniques to shape the reader’s experience.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Presentation
You will research and present on a specific narrative technique used in fiction. The presentation should explain how the technique works, show examples from published writing, and discuss how it shapes the reader’s experience. You will draw on examples from your own writing experiments where relevant to explain how you employed the technique. Following your presentation you will respond to questions from staff and peers on the topic of your presentation.
This is a verified identity assessment.Internally enrolled students must attend the scheduled in-person presentation session. Online enrolled students must attend a synchronous online presentation session. Your presentation and follow-up questions are completed live under staff supervision.
You will present your QUT ID Card or digital QUT ID before commencing the assessment. Authorship is authenticated through the information you present and through individual live questioning.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Portfolio: Experiments in Technique
You will submit a portfolio of 4–6 short fiction experiments, each responding to a technique explored in class.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement)
Resources
Other required resources for this unit will be provided via QUT Readings.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Novel Ideas: Writing Innovative Fiction by Paul Williams
The Rise of the Novel by Ian Watt
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
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.
Creative writing often explores a wide range of topics and themes, some of which may touch upon sensitive or triggering subjects. While we believe in the power of storytelling and self-expression, we also want to prioritize your emotional well-being. Please be aware that this course may contain content that could potentially trigger or upset individuals. These triggering topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual assault or violence
- Self-harm or suicide
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Eating disorders or body dysmorphia
- Mental health conditions or trauma
- Racism, discrimination, or hate speech
- Religious or political extremism
- Domestic or child abuse
- Loss or grief
- War or conflict
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BA01 Bachelor of Arts
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply knowledge about society, culture and technology, for a range of contexts, audiences and purposes.
Relates to: ULO1, Analysis, Presentation - Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation - Independently formulate questions, and apply foundational research methods and analysis to investigate relationships between society, culture and technology.
Relates to: ULO4, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Communicate to diverse audiences using a range of modes and technologies to share and disseminate knowledge, skills and ideas.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Work productively as a reflective learner, team member and collaborator to achieve goals and to build personal and professional networks and develop entrepreneurial thinking in community and workplace contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique
CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- 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, Analysis, Presentation - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Analysis, Presentation - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO1, Analysis, Presentation - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO3, Analysis, Presentation - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique
KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2 - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3 - Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
Relates to: ULO4 - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through reflection and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4 - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, and work with integrity across creative practice networks.
Relates to: ULO1 - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism in creative practice, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO2
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- 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, ULO2, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - 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: ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
Relates to: ULO1, Analysis, Portfolio: Experiments in Technique
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Online
| Unit code: | KWB104 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
This unit explores how writers experiment with form, style, and narrative to create new possibilities for fiction. Through the study of influential and unconventional texts, you will examine how writers challenge expectations of plot, voice, structure, and genre. Each week you will analyse examples of innovative fiction and experiment with creative techniques inspired by them, developing an understanding of how literary traditions evolve and how writers respond to changing cultural and artistic contexts. The unit emphasises reading as a source of creative insight, encouraging you to explore how careful attention to existing works can generate new approaches to storytelling. By the end of the semester you will produce a portfolio of experimental writing that demonstrates your ability to apply and adapt innovative narrative techniques.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse how narrative techniques structure and shape meaning and reader experience in fiction.
- Experiment with a range of narrative techniques to produce short works of original fiction.
- Explain and evaluate the use of specific storytelling techniques through research and oral presentation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how stylistic and structural choices influence the development of creative writing.
Content
You will explore contemporary approaches to fiction through the lens of innovation and the creative process. You will examine key moments in the history of fiction—from realism and modernist experimentation to contemporary forms and First Nations literature —to understand how writers respond to changing cultural, philosophical, and ethical contexts. Through close reading and a series of guided writing experiments, you will develop your own work by engaging with techniques such as non-linear narrative, psychological depth, and formal experimentation, building skills in analysis, drafting, and revision.
Learning Approaches
Through a combination of lectures and tutorials, with online writing activities, you will be encouraged to develop your writing. There is an emphasis in this unit on formative as well as summative assessment/evaluation. This is achieved via weekly writing activities, feedback from your tutor on your two story submissions, as well as by participation in small peer editorial groups.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback from your tutor and peers in tutorials, and are encouraged to provide constructive feedback on others' writing in return. Formative feedback helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a writer as the unit progresses. Further, you will receive feedback on work submitted for assessment and grading.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit develops both analytical and creative skills. Early in the semester, you'll complete a short craft analysis of a published story, focusing on how narrative techniques shape the reader’s experience. Mid-semester, you'll produce a portfolio of short fiction experiments that explore different stylistic and structural approaches to storytelling. The final assessment is a short presentation in which you'll research and explain a specific narrative technique, using examples from published writing to demonstrate how it works in practice.
You may use GenAI tools to support your research and generate ideas in this unit. However, you must not use GenAI to generate or draft or translate any part of your assessment. All work you submit must be your own. You are required to include a brief statement outlining any use of GenAI in the development of your work and ensure that your use complies with QUT’s academic integrity requirements.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Analysis
You will analyse a short story or novel chapter and describe how the author uses specific narrative techniques to shape the reader’s experience.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Presentation
You will research and present on a specific narrative technique used in fiction. The presentation should explain how the technique works, show examples from published writing, and discuss how it shapes the reader’s experience. You will draw on examples from your own writing experiments where relevant to explain how you employed the technique. Following your presentation you will respond to questions from staff and peers on the topic of your presentation.
This is a verified identity assessment.Internally enrolled students must attend the scheduled in-person presentation session. Online enrolled students must attend a synchronous online presentation session. Your presentation and follow-up questions are completed live under staff supervision.
You will present your QUT ID Card or digital QUT ID before commencing the assessment. Authorship is authenticated through the information you present and through individual live questioning.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Portfolio: Experiments in Technique
You will submit a portfolio of 4–6 short fiction experiments, each responding to a technique explored in class.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement)
Resources
Other required resources for this unit will be provided via QUT Readings.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Novel Ideas: Writing Innovative Fiction by Paul Williams
The Rise of the Novel by Ian Watt
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
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.
Creative writing often explores a wide range of topics and themes, some of which may touch upon sensitive or triggering subjects. While we believe in the power of storytelling and self-expression, we also want to prioritize your emotional well-being. Please be aware that this course may contain content that could potentially trigger or upset individuals. These triggering topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual assault or violence
- Self-harm or suicide
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Eating disorders or body dysmorphia
- Mental health conditions or trauma
- Racism, discrimination, or hate speech
- Religious or political extremism
- Domestic or child abuse
- Loss or grief
- War or conflict
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BA01 Bachelor of Arts
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply knowledge about society, culture and technology, for a range of contexts, audiences and purposes.
Relates to: ULO1, Analysis, Presentation - Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation - Independently formulate questions, and apply foundational research methods and analysis to investigate relationships between society, culture and technology.
Relates to: ULO4, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Communicate to diverse audiences using a range of modes and technologies to share and disseminate knowledge, skills and ideas.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Work productively as a reflective learner, team member and collaborator to achieve goals and to build personal and professional networks and develop entrepreneurial thinking in community and workplace contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique
CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- 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, Analysis, Presentation - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Analysis, Presentation - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO1, Analysis, Presentation - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO3, Analysis, Presentation - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique
KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2 - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3 - Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
Relates to: ULO4 - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through reflection and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4 - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, and work with integrity across creative practice networks.
Relates to: ULO1 - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism in creative practice, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO2
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- 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, ULO2, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - 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: ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Analysis, Presentation , Portfolio: Experiments in Technique - Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
Relates to: ULO1, Analysis, Portfolio: Experiments in Technique