Introductory Lecture for 2014 Writing Techniques, Forms and Literary Devices

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AMU1314Writing Techniques, Forms and Literary
Devices
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AMU1314 THE UNIT
Aims
Overview
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• This unit introduces you to the key elements or
  devices used in creative writing, including
  poetry (e.g. tone, voice, sound, poetic forms,
  imagery, etc.) and fiction (character, setting,
  etc.). You will learn about their functions and
  how to develop them in your own work to achieve
  different effects. A critical understanding of
  these elements is thus necessary, and to this
  end, we turn to select literary texts that,
  asides from demonstrating how great authors
  enlist formal devices, will be used for close
  reading exercises to help you develop strong
  interpretative and evaluative (i.e. good from bad
  writing) skills.
• Please note that this unit is about writing as a
  craft, and not language improvement although the
  latter is certainly an indirect byproduct.

• This unit has the following interrelated
  objectives
• To introduce the range of elements devices used
  in poetry and fiction
• To establish a critical understanding of their
  respective functions
• To help students develop some basic writing
  techniques involving these devices.
• To encourage close reading of literary works to
  develop interpretive and evaluative skills.
• To reify the importance of giving and providing
  meaningful feedback.

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The Student (yes, you )

• Come to class prepared
• Contribute effectively to discussion
• Be mindful of your comments and views without
  sacrificing honesty, and be critical without
  being a (your word here).
• Be prepared to write a lot in and outside class

• Bring your own writing device to EVERY lecture
  and tutorial.
• Be aware of, and up-to-date about, housekeeping
  matters (because deadlines can sometimes change,
  so check you Moodle and students email
  frequently)
• Be sure you are familiar with the attendance
  requirements for this unit and the policy on
  plagiarism.

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Housekeeping Matters
Submission and Deadlines
Extensions and Late Assignments
Assignments

• This unit involves the following assignments
• 10 one pointers (x 2 20)
• The first one is due end of this week.
• 2 assignments on providing feedback (x 10 20)
• 6- 8 pages of poetry (25)
• 6 - 8 pages of fiction, i.e. a short story of not
  less than 1500 words (25)
• A short reflective essay of approx. 350
  words(10)
• Please see under Assessment in Moodle or refer
  to you Unit Guide for details of each task and
  what to do.

• Only online submissions via Moodle
• Deadlines for all assignments except reflective
  essay are always on a Friday
• Deadline for Reflective Essay

• Short vs. longer extensions.
• Late assignments and penalty (per day, after 10
  days and after 14 days).

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Moodle and Reading List for AMU1314
Moodle

• Weekly schedule
• Assessment and Grades
• Unit Resources

Library Reading List

• The Library Reading List for this unit can be
  accessed at
• https//rl.talis.com/3/monash/lists/7F9ADCBE-46BE
  -A367-730E-D0B307951696.html
• Alternatively, go to the Monash librarys
  webpage, and under Reading Lists, search for
  this unit using its code or name.

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• Small Group Writing Workshops

In addition to your regular lectures and
tutorials, you are required to attend two
one-hour writing workshops to discuss, plan and
give/receive feedback on your poetry and fiction
assignments respectively prior to their
submissions.
workshop Details and Etiquette

• Grouping no more than 4 members per group
  (groups to be established in week 2)
• Scheduling
• For poetry between weeks 3- 5
• For fiction between weeks 8-10
• .
• Cancellation and replacement of workshop
• Objective
• Dos and donts

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The Importance of Feedback
There will be class sessions on how to evaluate
poetry and fiction to help you know what
constitutes good feedback. But here are some
general points for now on
Getting Feedback
Giving Feedback
Using Feedback

• Be mature and open to criticisms and suggestions
• Dont be casual and/or dismissive with feedback.

• The writing, not the writer
• Be relevant and constructive.
• EXPLAIN.
• Provide ideas and suggestions.
• Focus on what works and doesnt
• Be attentive.

• It is your decision in the end.
• Consider storing feedback for future reference.

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Writing Dont

• Here are some tips on what to avoid if you want
  to be a writer
• Avoid limiting your reading to just a few
  favorite authors.
• Avoid staying in your comfort zone.
• Avoid being a lazy writer.
• Dont ignore the importance of research and
  observation
• Avoid being an occasional or a need-based writer.
  

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Conclusion and Thanks

• If you have any questions, please use the
  discussion forum on Moodle or email them to me at
  ng.hock.soon_at_monash.edu