AustLit

Students will work toward the creation of a single piece of prose fiction which engages with a contemporary issue of public interest. Through research and reading selected fiction and non-fiction students will 'listen' to the world around them, and draw on this as inspiration for their own fiction. Students will consider what is unique about the imaginary that fiction writers bring to public issues.

We explore the development of thematic ideas about 'the real world'. Lectures will present a perspective on the readings, drawing links between the themes and recent debates in history, science, politics, society and economics, and the way fiction writers respond to these. Examples from contemporary writing will be used to illustrate how fiction writers draw on and engage with the contemporary world. Attention will be given to the generic mode of this engagement, examples of realist and speculative fiction, the parable and satire. Seminars will provide students with the opportunity to present discussion papers on a selected contemporary issue of their choosing according to the broad theme of that week and reflect on how they might engage with this theme through a work of fiction. We then focus on developing a relevant work of fiction in a workshop environment.

This topic aims to:

• extend students proficiency in the use of techniques of prose fiction writing
• develop the capacity of students to apply an understanding of public issues to the craft of fiction writing
• provide a framework for students to locate their work in a generic context
• provide a workshop environment within which students are able to develop critiquing skills and reflect on the critiques provided by their peers