KWB113 Introduction to Creative Writing
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: | KWB113 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | KWB101 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KWB113 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | KWB101 |
| Coordinator: | Rohan Wilson | rohan.wilson@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit introduces the core practices of creative writing, focusing on craft techniques used to produce engaging fiction and poetry. You'll explore how writers create emotion through character, scene, dialogue, and voice. The unit develops your ability to read like a writer—analysing published texts as examples of craft and using them to inform your own work. Alongside foundational writing skills, the unit introduces key questions shaping contemporary practice. You'll consider how writers research creative work, including practice-led approaches, and reflect on the ethics of writing across cultures, identities, and experiences, including First Nations perspectives. The unit also explores how emerging technologies, including generative AI, are influencing writing today. Through engaging exercises and discussion, you'll begin developing your own writing practice while gaining insight into the habits and responsibilities of writers working today.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply foundational creative writing techniques in short works of fiction and poetry.
- Analyse how creative texts use craft techniques to shape meaning and reader experience.
- Develop creative work through a process of experimentation, drafting, and revision.
- Reflect on creative choices and respond constructively to the work of peers.
Content
This unit introduces foundational concepts in creative writing, including characterisation, scene construction, dialogue, and tension. It explores how writers generate meaning and emotion through craft, while also engaging with contemporary issues such as research practices, ethical representation for diverse cultural perspectives, and the impact of emerging technologies on writing. Students develop skills in close reading and practice-led learning through a series of guided writing exercises.
Learning Approaches
This unit features an integrated program of lectures and tutorials, with a balance of group and individual activities. Guided writing activities and critical discussion of writing theories and creative works will form the backbone of most tutorials. You are encouraged to develop your understanding of the theoretical content of the course by engaging in innovative forms of writing and analysis. The teaching staff include published authors and industry professionals who share their knowledge of the art and business of writing.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback throughout the semester, through peer critique and through written feedback from your tutor. Feedback may also include a range of formative writing exercises discussed and workshopped in class; and generic comments posted to the whole cohort via the unit Canvas website.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit is designed to develop foundational creative writing skills through a combination of short exercises and a final creative project. You'll begin by writing a character sketch to explore techniques for bringing characters to life. Next, you'll complete a craft portfolio that develops key skills such as dialogue, scene construction, poetic language, and critical reading of peers’ work. The final assessment is a short piece of original creative writing in either fiction or poetry, accompanied by a reflective statement explaining the creative choices made in the work.
You may use GenAI tools to support research and ideation. However, GenAI must not be used to generate or draft any part of an assessment submission. All submitted work must be your own. You are required to include a brief statement outlining any use of GenAI in the development of your work.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Character Sketch
You will write a short character sketch introducing an original fictional character. The task focuses on how writers use motivation, stakes, and character behaviour to bring a character to life. Students will explore how personality, background, and perspective can be revealed through carefully chosen details, developing an understanding of character as a central element of storytelling.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Craft Portfolio
You will complete a series of short exercises designed to develop key creative writing skills, including dialogue, scene construction, and poetic language. The portfolio also includes a short critique of a peer’s work, encouraging you to read and respond to writing as developing practitioners.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Creative Work and Reflection
You will submit a short piece of original creative writing in either fiction or poetry. The work should demonstrate an understanding of key craft techniques explored in the unit, such as character, tension, and scene. Alternatively, you may submit a short sequence of poems that explores poetic craft through imagery, sound, rhythm, and precise language. You will also provide a brief reflective statement explaining the creative choices made in your work and how the techniques studied in the unit informed your writing.
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, and via the unit Canvas website.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time by Jordan Rosenfeld
The Breakout Novelist by Donald Maass
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 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: ULO2, Craft Portfolio - Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Character Sketch, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Communicate to diverse audiences using a range of modes and technologies to share and disseminate knowledge, skills and ideas.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Character Sketch, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - 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: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection
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, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - 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, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection
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: ULO1, ULO2 - Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2 - Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
Relates to: ULO3 - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through reflection and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO3 - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, and work with integrity across creative practice networks.
Relates to: ULO4
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, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Online
| Unit code: | KWB113 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | KWB101 |
Overview
This unit introduces the core practices of creative writing, focusing on craft techniques used to produce engaging fiction and poetry. You'll explore how writers create emotion through character, scene, dialogue, and voice. The unit develops your ability to read like a writer—analysing published texts as examples of craft and using them to inform your own work. Alongside foundational writing skills, the unit introduces key questions shaping contemporary practice. You'll consider how writers research creative work, including practice-led approaches, and reflect on the ethics of writing across cultures, identities, and experiences, including First Nations perspectives. The unit also explores how emerging technologies, including generative AI, are influencing writing today. Through engaging exercises and discussion, you'll begin developing your own writing practice while gaining insight into the habits and responsibilities of writers working today.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply foundational creative writing techniques in short works of fiction and poetry.
- Analyse how creative texts use craft techniques to shape meaning and reader experience.
- Develop creative work through a process of experimentation, drafting, and revision.
- Reflect on creative choices and respond constructively to the work of peers.
Content
This unit introduces foundational concepts in creative writing, including characterisation, scene construction, dialogue, and tension. It explores how writers generate meaning and emotion through craft, while also engaging with contemporary issues such as research practices, ethical representation for diverse cultural perspectives, and the impact of emerging technologies on writing. Students develop skills in close reading and practice-led learning through a series of guided writing exercises.
Learning Approaches
This unit features an integrated program of lectures and tutorials, with a balance of group and individual activities. Guided writing activities and critical discussion of writing theories and creative works will form the backbone of most tutorials. You are encouraged to develop your understanding of the theoretical content of the course by engaging in innovative forms of writing and analysis. The teaching staff include published authors and industry professionals who share their knowledge of the art and business of writing.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback throughout the semester, through peer critique and through written feedback from your tutor. Feedback may also include a range of formative writing exercises discussed and workshopped in class; and generic comments posted to the whole cohort via the unit Canvas website.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit is designed to develop foundational creative writing skills through a combination of short exercises and a final creative project. You'll begin by writing a character sketch to explore techniques for bringing characters to life. Next, you'll complete a craft portfolio that develops key skills such as dialogue, scene construction, poetic language, and critical reading of peers’ work. The final assessment is a short piece of original creative writing in either fiction or poetry, accompanied by a reflective statement explaining the creative choices made in the work.
You may use GenAI tools to support research and ideation. However, GenAI must not be used to generate or draft any part of an assessment submission. All submitted work must be your own. You are required to include a brief statement outlining any use of GenAI in the development of your work.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Character Sketch
You will write a short character sketch introducing an original fictional character. The task focuses on how writers use motivation, stakes, and character behaviour to bring a character to life. Students will explore how personality, background, and perspective can be revealed through carefully chosen details, developing an understanding of character as a central element of storytelling.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Craft Portfolio
You will complete a series of short exercises designed to develop key creative writing skills, including dialogue, scene construction, and poetic language. The portfolio also includes a short critique of a peer’s work, encouraging you to read and respond to writing as developing practitioners.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Creative Work and Reflection
You will submit a short piece of original creative writing in either fiction or poetry. The work should demonstrate an understanding of key craft techniques explored in the unit, such as character, tension, and scene. Alternatively, you may submit a short sequence of poems that explores poetic craft through imagery, sound, rhythm, and precise language. You will also provide a brief reflective statement explaining the creative choices made in your work and how the techniques studied in the unit informed your writing.
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, and via the unit Canvas website.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time by Jordan Rosenfeld
The Breakout Novelist by Donald Maass
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 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: ULO2, Craft Portfolio - Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Character Sketch, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Communicate to diverse audiences using a range of modes and technologies to share and disseminate knowledge, skills and ideas.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Character Sketch, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - 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: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection
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, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - 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, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection
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: ULO1, ULO2 - Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2 - Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
Relates to: ULO3 - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through reflection and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO3 - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, and work with integrity across creative practice networks.
Relates to: ULO4
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, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection
Unit Outline: Summer 2027, Online
| Unit code: | KWB113 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | KWB101 |
Overview
This unit introduces the core practices of creative writing, focusing on craft techniques used to produce engaging fiction and poetry. You'll explore how writers create emotion through character, scene, dialogue, and voice. The unit develops your ability to read like a writer—analysing published texts as examples of craft and using them to inform your own work. Alongside foundational writing skills, the unit introduces key questions shaping contemporary practice. You'll consider how writers research creative work, including practice-led approaches, and reflect on the ethics of writing across cultures, identities, and experiences, including First Nations perspectives. The unit also explores how emerging technologies, including generative AI, are influencing writing today. Through engaging exercises and discussion, you'll begin developing your own writing practice while gaining insight into the habits and responsibilities of writers working today.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply foundational creative writing techniques in short works of fiction and poetry.
- Analyse how creative texts use craft techniques to shape meaning and reader experience.
- Develop creative work through a process of experimentation, drafting, and revision.
- Reflect on creative choices and respond constructively to the work of peers.
Content
This unit introduces foundational concepts in creative writing, including characterisation, scene construction, dialogue, and tension. It explores how writers generate meaning and emotion through craft, while also engaging with contemporary issues such as research practices, ethical representation for diverse cultural perspectives, and the impact of emerging technologies on writing. Students develop skills in close reading and practice-led learning through a series of guided writing exercises.
Learning Approaches
This unit features an integrated program of lectures and tutorials, with a balance of group and individual activities. Guided writing activities and critical discussion of writing theories and creative works will form the backbone of most tutorials. You are encouraged to develop your understanding of the theoretical content of the course by engaging in innovative forms of writing and analysis. The teaching staff include published authors and industry professionals who share their knowledge of the art and business of writing.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback throughout the semester, through peer critique and through written feedback from your tutor. Feedback may also include a range of formative writing exercises discussed and workshopped in class; and generic comments posted to the whole cohort via the unit Canvas website.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit is designed to develop foundational creative writing skills through a combination of short exercises and a final creative project. You'll begin by writing a character sketch to explore techniques for bringing characters to life. Next, you'll complete a craft portfolio that develops key skills such as dialogue, scene construction, poetic language, and critical reading of peers’ work. The final assessment is a short piece of original creative writing in either fiction or poetry, accompanied by a reflective statement explaining the creative choices made in the work.
You may use GenAI tools to support research and ideation. However, GenAI must not be used to generate or draft any part of an assessment submission. All submitted work must be your own. You are required to include a brief statement outlining any use of GenAI in the development of your work.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Character Sketch
You will write a short character sketch introducing an original fictional character. The task focuses on how writers use motivation, stakes, and character behaviour to bring a character to life. Students will explore how personality, background, and perspective can be revealed through carefully chosen details, developing an understanding of character as a central element of storytelling.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Craft Portfolio
You will complete a series of short exercises designed to develop key creative writing skills, including dialogue, scene construction, and poetic language. The portfolio also includes a short critique of a peer’s work, encouraging you to read and respond to writing as developing practitioners.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Creative Work and Reflection
You will submit a short piece of original creative writing in either fiction or poetry. The work should demonstrate an understanding of key craft techniques explored in the unit, such as character, tension, and scene. Alternatively, you may submit a short sequence of poems that explores poetic craft through imagery, sound, rhythm, and precise language. You will also provide a brief reflective statement explaining the creative choices made in your work and how the techniques studied in the unit informed your writing.
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, and via the unit Canvas website.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time by Jordan Rosenfeld
The Breakout Novelist by Donald Maass
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 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: ULO2, Craft Portfolio - Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Character Sketch, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Communicate to diverse audiences using a range of modes and technologies to share and disseminate knowledge, skills and ideas.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Character Sketch, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - 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: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection
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, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - 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, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection
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: ULO1, ULO2 - Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2 - Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
Relates to: ULO3 - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through reflection and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO3 - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, and work with integrity across creative practice networks.
Relates to: ULO4
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, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection - Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
Relates to: ULO4, Craft Portfolio, Creative Work and Reflection