AustLit
Degrees
Description
This subject addresses the boundaries of contemporary writing practice as well as looking at the recent histories of innovative literary forms which have influenced both mainstream and avant-garde literature, whether modernist or post-modernist. The subject asks students to research both familiar and unfamiliar generic and practical possibilities within contemporary literary forms, whether of fiction, script, narrative or essay. In particular, it asks students to respond to how new forms of writing are generated by new nonlinear technologies and formats, as well as more broadly by aesthetic sensibilities formed by decades of cinematic, multimedia and intermedia creative practice. Students are encouraged to engage with these emerging and multimedia forms throughout the subject whereby texts, images and concepts are manipulated to create hybrid or ficto-critical forms.
Throughout the semester students produce and critically reflect on their own creative work and practice. Students are encouraged to experiment with form while remaining strongly engaged with the specific materials they have gathered, and the contexts they create or use for publication or performance.
Subject objectives/outcomes
At the end of this subject students will be able to:
a. Appreciate the critical and technical requirements which influence innovative approaches to composition
b. Compose a work or part of a work in an innovative format
c. Produce a researched critical essay on contemporary innovative practices
d. Understand the nature of creative composition as it applies to the specific works on which the student is engaged
e. Apply constructive criticism to their own work and that of their peers.
Assessment
Assessment item 1: Essay
Objective(s): a, c, d, e
Weighting: 40%
Length: 3000 words
Task: To present an essay of 3000 words which critically considers a key theme or themes addressed in the course and which studies a relationship between contemporary and recent or historical forms of innovation, whether in literary or other media. Students are asked to present a seminar version of this paper at a time scheduled during the course. Final version to be submitted by week 9.
Assessment criteria: Demonstrated ability to:
* Relate contemporary practice to chosen research area
* Analyse social and technological contexts which influence innovative literary practices
* Offer critical insight into chosen text or other media examples.
Assessment item 2: Portfolio
Objective(s): a, b, c, d
Weighting: 60%
Length: 5000 words
Task: To submit a single work or a portfolio of works totalling approx 5000 words (or agreed equivalent length which relates to chosen format) which demonstrate creatively experimental approaches
Assessment criteria: Demonstrated ability to:
* Construct an innovative literary or text-based work
* Engage and maintain the reader's attention
* Demonstrate creative inventiveness
* Produce a work consciously situated within the context of contemporary technical and experimental possibilities.
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.
Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.
Supplementary Texts
Long list - refer to http://www.handbook.uts.edu.au/subjects/details/57143.html
Other Details
Levels:
Postgraduate
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