In this course, dedicated to the exploration of the form and function of creative non-fiction, students will engage in close-readings of a range of primary texts, from short-form essays to book-length projects. Secondary reading in the form of affect and cultural theory will offer focused critical lenses through which to discuss the thematic and linguistic elements of the primary texts, thus allowing students to deconstruct authors' expressions - or performances - of emotions and the self. Seminars will each be themed around a particular affect and/or affective state (e.g. disgust, joy, nostalgia, envy, intimacy, etc.), with the workshop half of the sessions addressing texts created by students in response to the set primary and secondary materials for that week.

10 x 2hr sessions as scheduled on MyCampus

None

None.

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Pamphlet-length text (5000 words) - 90% 

■ Seminar and workshop contributions - 10% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ Written self-evaluation reflecting on contribution and/or written response to seminar material in advance or after seminar as an alternative to the Seminar and workshop contributions.

■ recorded presentation (video or audio) or one-to-one presentation/Q&A with staff as an alternative to the Pamphlet-length text. 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

This course aims to:

■ Enable students to identify the unique features of Creative Non-Fiction texts (as distinct from other literary genres)

■ Enable students to analyse, via the critical frameworks offered by Affect and Cultural Theory, the linguistic and thematic aspects of Creative Non-Fiction texts

■ Provide students with advanced critical reading, creative writing and research skills through discussions, close readings and writing exercises

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Articulate the parameters of the Creative Non-Fiction genre

■ Offer sophisticated interpretations of a number of Creative Non-Fiction texts

■ Evaluate and apply advanced concepts from Affect and Cultural Theory in the analysis and evaluation of literary texts

■ Consider the psychological-compositional processes involved in the creation of Creative Non-Fiction texts