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JOUR11-110: Creative Writing: Plot and Genre

Description

Creative Writing: Plot and Genre introduces long-form storytelling techniques, which you can apply to screenwriting, prose (fiction and creative non-fiction) and hybrid multimedia formats. This subject defines narrative, plot and genre, reviewing storytelling techniques from Aristotle to Joseph Campbell’s ‘The Hero’s Journey’. It also includes the significant forms and conventions of commercial, literary and screen genres; character motivation and development; character and story arcs; sub-plots; world-building; and the effect of suspense, pace, tension and conflict on plot at a macro level. Using templates developed by craft writers like Joseph Campbell and Blake Snyder, you will learn to conceptualise, workshop and articulate your own narrative premise then plot story and character arcs and write a sample opening chapter/scene. You will submit all assessment in formats consistent with industry expectations.

Subject details

Type: Undergraduate Subject
Code: JOUR11-110
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Society and Design
Semesters offered:
  • September 2023 [Standard Offering]
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Communication, Film, and Creative Media
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2023: $4,050.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $4,260.00
  • Commencing in 2023: $5,400.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $5,730.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Apply a critical understanding of the theory, traditions and ethics of historical and contemporary storytelling to the development of plot and genre.
  2. Create and articulate an original narrative premise and narrative arc, embedding elements of tension, drama and character development.
  3. Generate a pitch, narrative outline and opening scene/chapters in industry-standard formats.
  4. Evaluate and critique peer and industry work to assess strengths and weaknesses in the context of market, audience and narrative intent.
  5. Formulate an approach to finding and harnessing publishing opportunities through a broad understanding of the evolving publishing landscape.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Nil

Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

Restrictions:

Subject dates

  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 16/07/2023
    Semester start: 11/09/2023
    Subject start: 11/09/2023
    Cancellation 1: 25/09/2023
    Cancellation 2: 02/10/2023
    Last enrolment: 24/09/2023
    Withdraw - Financial: 07/10/2023
    Withdraw - Academic: 28/10/2023
    Teaching census: 06/10/2023
Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 16/07/2023
Semester start: 11/09/2023
Subject start: 11/09/2023
Cancellation 1: 25/09/2023
Cancellation 2: 02/10/2023
Last enrolment: 24/09/2023
Withdraw - Financial: 07/10/2023
Withdraw - Academic: 28/10/2023
Teaching census: 06/10/2023