Writing from the Edge: Narrative Non-Fiction

In this unit students engage with creative and theoretical ideas about non-fiction, reading short form writing with a focus on developing their own voice. Students will read, critique and write non-fiction, and consider the similarities between non-fiction, memoir and the personal essay. They will be introduced to the use of research in creative work. Students are encouraged to think about how non-fiction writing can be used to address contemporary issues in a highly creative form. Examples of writing to be discussed in this unit include those which are situated in the West of Melbourne; migrant, indigenous, working-class, queer and feminist perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Compose creative non-fiction texts in a number of forms;
2. Exhibit their understanding of non-fiction through both creative and critical writing;
3. Discuss, analyse and critique issues related to narrative non-fiction; and
4. Reflect on, evaluate and modify their own creative works in response to peer and tutor feedback and ideas presented in the unit.