Course overview
This introductory course combines a survey of forms of life writing (including memoir, biography, autofiction), as well as an initial exploration into what it means to make a life as a writer. Students will learn how to craft representations of human and nonhuman lives, and to consider questions of ethics, representation, and aesthetics in relation to writing the self and others. They will also learn the habits needed to become a successful writer, including a regular writing practice, workshopping and editing, and submitting writing for publication.
- Origins Of Autobiography / Developing Creative Habits / The Writing Workshop
- Autobiography And Subjectivity
- Memoir, Memory, And Trauma
- Autofiction
- Biography
- Fictional Biography
- Experimental Biography
- Life Writing In The Anthropocene: Ecobiography And Eco-Memoir
- Disability Life Writing
- The Ethics Of Representation
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate critical knowledge of modes, histories and theories of life writing
- Evaluate and engage critically with a range of perspectives on the act and ethics of representing lives
- Create, analyse and edit pieces of life writing and criticism, aiming for a publishable standard
- Critically assess creative writing, whether produced by other writers or by students themselves
- Demonstrate understanding of how to develop a sustainable creative writing practice
- Demonstrate an understanding of national and international literary ecosystems and publishing practices
- Offer sensitive and insightful feedback on peer writers' work
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 52125
Section CW01
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 52124
Section CW02
Size 30
Available 29
Class number 52123
Section CW03
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 52122
Section CW04
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 52121
Section LE01
Size 120
Available 119
Magill
Class number 52129
Section CW01
Size 27
Available 27
Class number 52128
Section CW02
Size 27
Available 27
Class number 52127
Section CW03
Size 27
Available 27
Class number 52126
Section CW04
Size 27
Available 27
Class number 59688
Section LE01
Size 120
Available 120
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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.