CRWR 2001 - The Short Story

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

This course is designed as an introduction to the craft and culture of short fiction and creative non-fiction. Students will be introduced to a range of short texts written in English and some significant short stories translated into English. The course aims to broaden students' understanding and appreciation of the range of writing in short forms and of the contexts of short story production. The short story is particularly appropriate for encouraging comparative analysis between literary cultures and phases of literary development. Students will be expected to apply their understanding of short story forms, contexts and techniques through a series of creative exercises and the production of a short story for assessment.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CRWR 2001
    Course The Short Story
    Coordinating Unit English, Creative Writing, and Film
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of level 1 undergraduate study
    Incompatible ENGL 2045, ENGL 2028, ENGL 3028
    Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with the reading & analysis of literary texts equivalent to Level I English standard
    Course Description This course is designed as an introduction to the craft and culture of short fiction and creative non-fiction. Students will be introduced to a range of short texts written in English and some significant short stories translated into English. The course aims to broaden students' understanding and appreciation of the range of writing in short forms and of the contexts of short story production. The short story is particularly appropriate for encouraging comparative analysis between literary cultures and phases of literary development. Students will be expected to apply their understanding of short story forms, contexts and techniques through a series of creative exercises and the production of a short story for assessment.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Phillip Edmonds

    Course Coordinator:               Dr Phillip Edmonds
    Phone: 83034563                     Email: phillip.edmonds@adelaide.edu.au
    Campus: North Terrace             Napier Building, Room 506
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    After successfully completing this course students should be able to:

    1. Confidently read, understand and appreciate a range of literary texts
    2. Think rigorously about selected contemporary texts and the contexts of their production
    3. Prepare and deliver polished and carefully edited examples of creative writing
    4. Critically evaluate their own and others' written materials
    5. Engage productively and respectfully with their peers
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3,4,5,6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,3,4,5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2,5,6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4,5,6
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2,4,5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,2,3,5
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1,2,3,5
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 4,5,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The Short Story: Course Reader, University of Adelaide, 2015. Available from Image & Copy

    On-line lecture material available on MyUni
    Recommended Resources
    None
    Online Learning
    Lectures will be recorded and available on MyUni and released progressively throughout the semester. Course announcements will also be made through MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is structured around weekly readings which students are expected to read thoroughly. All students are expected to write in seminars and weekly exercises should be polished before the following week's seminar. Seminars provide the opportunity for detailed reflection on ideas, themes and practices introduced in lectures. The weekly readings will be discussed in detail, critically and in terms of writing practice. Student interaction will occur in small group exercises, including close reading, writing practice, editing and other tasks.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Students will commit to the equivalent of 144 hours of study in this course.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Lectures and seminars will proceed in the following order throughout the semester on the following books and themes.

    What is a short story?
    Characterisation
    Plot versus story
    Narrative technique, the Narrator and Point of View
    Narrative technique continued
    Themes
    Atmosphere, Setting & Environment
    Language & Style
    Short fiction in the on-line environment
    Tone & Struicture
    Editing & Revision
    Specific Course Requirements
    Not applicable
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Small group discovery experience is developed through student led seminar discussions, which may include both face to face and on-line settings. The course may include collaborative assessment tasks.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    CW journal entries        1,000 words       Formative                           Friday week 3                  20%
    CW story/presentation  1,000  words      Formative                            On-going from week 6     25%
    CW story with exegesis  2,500 words      Summative                         Friday week 12                45%
    Seminar participation    Summative                                                  end of semester              10%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance at seminars is compulsory
    Submission of all assesssment items is a mandatory course requirement
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission
    Submissions must be in hard copy.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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