Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

NB: Information in this Unit Outline is subject to change prior to commencement of semester

The ability to understand and function within the local, national and international literary industry is an important component of the professional writer's practice. As the capstone unit in the Creative Writing Production major (and as an elective), this subject promotes the acquisition of the practical skills, analytical skills and knowledge- necessary in a writing career- to successfully engage with various literary and publishing institutions.

Aims

This unit aims to produce writers who are competent to function in the literary world as creative industry professionals and can discuss the functions and requirements of the writing and publishing industries.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Develop techniques and critiquing skills, through working independently and in an entrepreneurially collaborative manner, to help understand the function of the literary public sphere and the institutions of print culture
2. Locate, assess and approach potential publishers and be aware of the possible vocational choices within a writing and publishing career.
3. Critically analyse and discuss the developmental history, practices, policies and conventions of the various facets of the writing and publishing industries.

Content

The unit includes content such as: practical and professional knowledge considered integral to career of a writer or a publisher: the function of the writer and the practice of writing; the status of text, the book & the book market; the publishing industry; the publishing house; submissions, commissions, agents & contracts; Australian print culture policy; professional organisations and support services for writers; other markets: journalism, corporate writing, self-publishing, e-literature; the freelance business: invoices, ABNs, resumes, accounting, tax and legal matters; public sphere of literature: events, the literary media and promotion for writers.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will be taught in a weekly lecture and tutorial program. Classroom practice will include a closely integrated program of lectures, tutorials and workshops, with a balance of interactive group learning, dialogue and individual consultation as well as peer review. You will be encouraged to develop your professionalism as writers by completing exercises based on 'real world' requirements: preparing a writers' festival piece, preparing book proposals, and publishing plans. The unit includes presentations by a range of industry figures.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Description: The book proposal will be delivered (and the book proposal also developed) in tutorials as opportunities for formative skill acquisition, supported by formative feedback from tutorial staff. Weight 0%

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: You must write and present a ten minute oral presentation suitable for a literary festival panel.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout semester

Assessment name: Project (research)
Description: Individually you engage in a critique of possible markets for two of your own pieces of creative writing. These pieces and critical rationales will be posted online. Then, as part of a group, you must choose a number of these pieces to form the basis of a new magazine. Your justification for your magazine will take into account current market trends, costings, and other elements of the writing and publishing industry discussed during the semester (in tutorials and lectures)
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: End-Semester

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Essay based on unit material.
Relates to objectives: 2,3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End-Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Texts
A set of unit readings will be available online via Blackboard.

Recommended References
(2002) Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers (6th edition), John Wiley, Milton.
Australian Publishers Association Directory of Members, APA, Sydney.
Australian Publishers Association Introduction to Book Publishing, APA, Sydney.
Dunn, I. (1999) The Writer's Guide, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.
Epstein, J. (2001) Book Business, Norton, New York.
Lyons, M. and Arnold, J. (2001) A History of the Book in Australia 1891-1945, UQP, St Lucia.
Methold, K. (2002) Writing as a Business, ABC, Sydney.
Qld Writers Centre (2004) The Australian Writer's Marketplace 2005, QWC, Brisbane.

Relevant Literary Media
Australian Book Review, print and http://home.vicnet.net.au/~abr/
London Review of Books, print and http://www.lrb.co.uk/
New York Review of Books, print and http://www.nybooks.com/
Times Literary Supplement, print and http://www.the-tls.co.uk/

Book sections in broadsheet newspapers: The Australian, Courier-Mail, and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual risks associated with this unit. You must not enter or leave darkened lecture or tutorial rooms. Due care must be taken when operating electrical equipment such as TV sets and video cassette players. No food or drink can be brought into lecture and tutorial rooms. Smoking is not permitted inside any QUT building.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Mar-2013