Course overview
This course investigates the idea of the writer's voice (or voices) through reading and writing. 'Voice' is a mysterious concept. Students will explore the usefulness of 'voice' (or voices) as a concept in other writers' work, and student-writers will ask whether they are consciously trying to develop what they might call 'voice', to consider whether it is useful to try to define or pinpoint their own 'voice', or if they should leave that to critics. In so doing, students will be encouraged to identify what attracts them to particular authors and pieces of writing. This course will challenge them to (where applicable) rethink their work after being exposed to a range of writing and to frame it as it relates to competing traditions. The texts we will read together will be selected for the multiplicity of voices they reveal, and will include novels, poetry, memoir and short fiction. Assessment will consist of: two pieces of creative writing (which can include creative non-fiction); an exegetical essay (investigating the research components of their work) and seminar participation.
Course learning outcomes
- Confidently read, understand and appreciate a range of literary texts
- Think rigorously about selected contemporary texts and the contexts of their production
- Prepare and deliver polished and carefully edited examples of creative writing (through a series of exercises and drafts)
- Critically evaluate their own and others' written materials
- Engage constructively and respectfully with their peers
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.