Overview
This unit builds on the writing techniques and experience acquired in Beginning Creative Writing. In this unit you will undertake a writing project which may take the form of a short story, play, suite of poems or any approved mixture of these, using experimental writing techniques. The unit is suitable for intending teachers and students interested in advancing their knowledge in creative writing practice, however, is beneficial for students of all disciplines who are interested in furthering their writing skills and experimenting with writing as a form of communication.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
WRIT11023
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student/staff feedback
Numerous broken links embedded in study guides
As links are embedded in the weekly study guides, the study guides will need to be completely re-written in order to fix all the obsolete links.
Feedback from Student/staff feedback
Content out-of-date
Redesign unit to reflect new and emerging trends and developments in experimental writing, including a focus on groundbreaking contemporary Australian writing.
Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation
Students appreciate the revised marking guides, noting that it improves their understanding of the assessment expectations.
Continue to implement marking guides in future offerings.
Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation, and UC personal reflection
Assessment weighting structure and delayed feedback caused in part by two heavily weight assessments due at the end of term causes anxiety and uncertainty around progress and ability to self-assess grade position.
Revise assessments for 2025, including assessment design, weighting, and due dates.
Feedback from Verbal student feedback and UC personal reflection.
Regular weekly tutorials and attendance by students offers opportunities for real-time feedback, strong peer-to-peer and student-to-teacher engagement, and overall higher student performance.
Continue running weekly online tutorials.
- Effectively apply elements of literary experimentation in the drafting, redrafting and final presentation of a sustained piece of creative writing to a professional standard.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |
| 2 - Written Assessment - 35% | |
| 3 - Written Assessment - 45% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 1 - Communication | |
| 2 - Problem Solving | |
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |
| 4 - Information Literacy | |
| 5 - Team Work | |
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |
| 8 - Ethical practice | |
| 9 - Social Innovation | |
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Microsoft Teams (both microphone and webcam capability)
- Students must have necessary equipment/accessories to attend online tutorials via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, or to watch the video recordings
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.hickling@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025Module/Topic
Introduction
Chapter
Week 1 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Students are expected to review the study material before attending any tutorials so that they can engage in the tutorial activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students should:
- contribute an entry to the 'Introductions' discussion,
- familiarise themselves with the assessments via the Assessments Tile,
- begin drafting/notes for assessment 1
add the assessment due dates to their personal calendar or schedule, and - make note of the "Assessment Extension Request" form in the Support Menu.
Tutorials will be as per the unit timetable.
Week 2
Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025Module/Topic
Throwing out the rulebook
Chapter
Week 2 study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue drafting Assessment Item 1
Week 3
Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025Module/Topic
Stream of consciousness
Chapter
Week 3 study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students should
1) Commence work on your writing project.
2) Finalise and submit Assessment Item 1 (due this week). Double check the assessment item criteria to ensure your submission meets the item requirements.
The Proposal Due: Week 3 Friday (28 Mar 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 4
Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025Module/Topic
Experimental writing
Chapter
Week 4 study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students should begin to work on Assessment 2.
Week 5
Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025Module/Topic
Multiple Viewpoint
Chapter
Week 5 Study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
A1 feedback released by the end of week 5: Review feedback from assessment 1 to inform next steps in assessments 2 & 3.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025Module/Topic
Modernist-era experimentalism
Chapter
Week six study guide via Moodle site, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue working on A2 - due in two weeks.
Week 7
Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025Module/Topic
Post-modernist experimentalism, incl. Metafiction, and onwards
Chapter
Week 7 study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue working on assessment 2, due week 8 (next week).
Week 8
Begin Date: 05 May 2025Module/Topic
Creative Nonfiction
Chapter
Week 8 study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 is due.
Draft + Critical Reflection Due: Week 8 Friday (9 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 9
Begin Date: 12 May 2025Module/Topic
Experiments with Language + Experiments with Form and Design
Chapter
Week 9 study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue to work on your writing project (assessment 3).
Week 10
Begin Date: 19 May 2025Module/Topic
Beyond the page
Chapter
Week 10 study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Feedback on A2 will be available at the end of this week -- Students should review this for feedback that may enhance their final project.
Week 11
Begin Date: 26 May 2025Module/Topic
Editing + Publishing
Chapter
Week 11 study guide via Moodle, readings mentioned in study guide will be available in the e-reading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue revising and fine-tuning your writing project, it is due next week.
Week 12
Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025Module/Topic
Conclusion
Chapter
No new readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Finalise and submit Written Assessment 3 - Final Creative Artefact. Remember to match your submission against the assessment criteria to ensure your work meets the requirements for the item.
Final Creative Piece Due: Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
1 Written Assessment
Length: 750 words
Task: Submit a publication-ready proposal that outlines your experimental fiction project. This proposal should demonstrate your understanding of both publication requirements and experimental writing techniques, showing how you will innovatively challenge traditional narrative conventions while meeting professional submission standards.
There are three Key Components to address in this task:
- Publication Analysis: Understanding your Publication (250 words)
Discuss where you want to publish your work. Look at the publication website or recent issues to find out:- Detailed analysis of chosen publication's style and audience (What kind of experimental writing they publish, how long their stories usually are, and what their readers seem to enjoy)
- Their specific submission guidelines, formatting requirements and deadlines
- Your Story Concept (250 words)
Explain your experimental piece, including:- What makes it experimental (like using unusual formatting, multiple viewpoints, or incorporating visual elements)
- Why you chose this experimental approach for your story
- How the experimental elements help tell your story (For example, if you're writing about memory loss, you might tell the story in fragments)
- Which writers or stories inspired you (For example, if you're playing with multiple endings, you might mention "Choose Your Own Adventure" books)
- Your Writing Plan (250 words)
How will you develop your story:
- What you need to read or research
- How you'll practice your experimental technique
- When you'll write and edit
- Who will give you feedback
- Which issue of the magazine you plan to submit to
Remember: The experimental elements should enhance your story's meaning, not just look different for the sake of being different. Your unusual format or structure should have a purpose that connects to what your story is about.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
- You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
- You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.
WORD COUNT for this assignment:
The word count excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 3 Friday (28 Mar 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 5 Friday (11 Apr 2025)
- Publication Understanding: Demonstrates thorough research of chosen publication and clear understanding of market requirements.
- Experimental Innovation: Shows sophisticated understanding of chosen experimental technique and its purposeful application.
- Technical Planning: Presents realistic development strategy with clear research methodology.
- Creative Vision: Articulates clear connection between experimental form and content.
- Presentation and Referencing: Adherence to submission guidelines, including proper formatting, meeting word count requirements, evidence of editing and proofreading, and minimum two scholarly references in Harvard (author-date) style.
- Effectively apply elements of literary experimentation in the drafting, redrafting and final presentation of a sustained piece of creative writing to a professional standard.
2 Written Assessment
Length: 2000 words (1500 words draft, 500 words critical reflection)
Task: Submit a substantial draft of your experimental piece alongside a critical reflection that demonstrates your understanding of both publication requirements and your chosen experimental technique. This draft should showcase your development from proposal to draft stage, preparing you for your final submission while allowing for valuable feedback to come during workshopping activities and from the feedback to this assessment.
Components
Part A: Draft Submission (1500 words)
Your draft should include:
- Opening section demonstrating your chosen experimental technique
- At least one pivotal scene or section
- Integration of research elements
- Clear progression from your proposal
Part B: Critical Reflection (500 words)
Critically reflect on your draft and the experience so far, and discuss:
- How effectively you've implemented your experimental technique
- Ways your piece meets (or doesn't meet) publication requirements
- Challenges encountered with the experimental form
- Elements that have evolved from the draft and why
- Development plans for final submission
This assessment builds upon your proposal's market research and experimental focus while preparing you for the final submission and potential publication.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
- You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
- You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.
WORD COUNT for this assignment:
The word count excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 8 Friday (9 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Upload to Moodle
Week 10 Friday (23 May 2025)
- Experimental Craft: Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and application of chosen experimental technique within the creative work.
- Technical Development: Exhibits progression from proposal stage, including implementation of research and experimental elements.
- Creative Innovation: Presents original approach to form and content while maintaining publication suitability.
- Critical Analysis: Provides thoughtful reflection on the writing process and publication preparation strategy.
- Presentation and Referencing: Adherence to submission guidelines, including proper formatting, meeting word count requirements, evidence of editing and proofreading, and minimum two scholarly references in Harvard (author-date) style.
- Effectively apply elements of literary experimentation in the drafting, redrafting and final presentation of a sustained piece of creative writing to a professional standard.
3 Written Assessment
Length: 3000 words (Part A: 2500 words creative piece, Part B: 500 words critical reflection)
Task: Submit your polished experimental piece (Part A) ready for publication submission, accompanied by a critical reflection (Part B) that analyses your creative development. Your work should demonstrate sophisticated implementation of your chosen experimental technique while meeting professional publication standards.
Part A: Creative Component (2500 words)
Your final piece should showcase:
- Refined experimental technique as outlined in your proposal
- Professional presentation meeting publication requirements
- Clear development from draft stage
- Integration of peer/assessment feedback
- Original contribution to your chosen experimental form
Part B: Critical Reflection (500 words)
Critically Reflect on your creative journey, discussing:
- Evolution of your experimental technique from proposal through draft to final piece
- How feedback shaped your development
- Technical and creative challenges encountered and resolved
- Publication preparation process
- Your growth as an experimental writer
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
- You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
- You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.
Word Count:
The word count of the CREATIVE COMPONENT is negotiable depending on the genre of the writing and the publication requirements of the chosen publication, it may be anywhere from 2000-2500 words, however, must not exceed 2500 words. Your project may be in the form of two-three-four pieces totalling 2000-2500 words (depending on the publication), or one complete piece.
Word count excludes cover page and reference lists. It includes in-text citations and direct quotes. Word count has a +/- 10% variation acceptance.
Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (20 June 2025)
- Publication Readiness: Demonstrates professional standard of writing that meets chosen publication's requirements and guidelines.
- Experimental Craft: Shows sophisticated control of chosen experimental technique and its purposeful integration with content.
- Creative Development: Exhibits clear progression from proposal through draft to polished work.
- Technical Excellence: Demonstrates mastery of language, structure, and form appropriate to experimental approach.
- Critical Understanding: Provides insightful analysis of creative decisions and writing process, demonstrating clear understanding of technical and artistic growth.
- Presentation and Referencing: Adherence to submission guidelines, including proper formatting, meeting word count requirements, evidence of editing and proofreading, and minimum two scholarly references in Harvard (author-date) style.
- Effectively apply elements of literary experimentation in the drafting, redrafting and final presentation of a sustained piece of creative writing to a professional standard.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
