The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
Overview
The focus of Beginning Creative Writing is the development of basic writing techniques necessary for the creative reproduction of personal and imaginative experiences. In this unit, you will investigate and practise techniques such as narrative viewpoint, characterisation, dialogue and description of setting via drafting and editing a piece of creative writing. The unit is suitable for students with no prior learning in creative writing and will benefit students of all disciplines as they discover new ways to express themselves and experiment with their writing skills.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE Teacher Evaluations
Students indicated that linking the unit back to real-world applications would be useful.
Ensure unit content is reviewed and expanded to connect to real-world applications.
Feedback from SUTE Teacher Evaluations and SUTE Evaluation Report
Students indicated that more feedback would be appreciated, particularly for assessment 2, emphasising the need for it to be actionable and practical.
The structure and due dates of assessments to be re-evaluated to ensure feedback is provided in a timely and actionable manner.
Feedback from SUTE Teacher Evaluations
Students indicated that the unit coordinator created a safe and inclusive environment in tutorials.
Continue to run weekly tutorials in a manner that emphasises a safe and supportive environment that encourages continued engagement and opportunities for growth.
- Develop technical competencies in literary craft
- Analyse and solve problems when crafting ‘imaginative’ literature
- Generate and realise ‘imaginative’ themes
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 35% | |||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 45% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Microsoft Teams (both microphone and webcam capability)
- Students must have necessary equipment/accessories to attend online tutorials via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, or to watch the video recordings
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.hickling@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Creative Writing
Chapter
Week 1 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site, readings available in the e-reading list.
Students are expected to review the study material before attending any tutorials so that they can engage in the tutorial activities.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students should:
- contribute an entry to the 'Introductions' discussion,
- familiarise themselves with the assessments via the Assessments Tile,
- begin drafting/notes for assessment 1
- add the assessment due dates to their personal calendar or schedule, and
- make note of the "Assessment Extension Request" form in the Support Menu.
Tutorials will be as per the unit timetable.
Module/Topic
Getting started + touching on Genre + Assessment 1 run-through
Chapter
Week 2 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Content relates directly to Assessment 1
Students should Continue drafting Assessment Item 1: Proposal (due in Week 3).
Module/Topic
Perspectives: narrators & POV: Whose story is this anyway?
Chapter
Week 3 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students should:
- Finalise and submit Assessment Item 1: Proposal (due this week). Double check the assessment item criteria to ensure your submission meets the item requirements.
Proposal Due: Week 3 Friday (28 Mar 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Characterisation
Chapter
Week 4 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students should begin to work on Assessment 2.
Module/Topic
Plot and Structure: shaping your story
Chapter
Week 5 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
More on Genre and Theme: What do you want to say?
Chapter
Week 6 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students should:
- Review the assessment 1 feedback -- does this influence any changes to your final project?
- Continue progress on assessment 2.
- Continue progress on your writing project.
Module/Topic
Setting: "Long ago and far away"
Chapter
Week 7 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Dialogue: Importance of what characters say, how they say it, and what they don't say.
Chapter
Week 8 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 due
Story draft + Self-reflection Due: Week 8 Friday (9 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Style and Voice + Suspense / Pace
Chapter
Week 9 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue progress on your writing project.
Module/Topic
Figurative language: imagery, metaphor and symbolism
Chapter
Week 10 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue revising and fine-tuning your writing project.
Feedback will arrive by the end of this week; students should review this for adjustments to their final project.
Module/Topic
Editing and drafting: "learning to fail better" + Structuring your final draft
Chapter
Week 11 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue revising and fine-tuning your writing project.
Pay attention to the advice on formatting a work of fiction.
Module/Topic
Conclusion
Chapter
Week 12 Study Guide via the Moodle unit site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Finalise and submit Written Assessment 3 - Final Creative Piece. Remember to match your submission against the assessment criteria to ensure your work meets the requirements for the item
Final Creative Project - Short story Due: Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Length: 500 words
Weighting: 20%
Task: Submit a proposal describing the basic themes, plot, or concept of your writing project for the term. Creating a plan for a writing project will help you stay focused and organised. This proposal will guide you in completing your creative piece by the due date.
Key Foci for the Proposal:
- Conceptualisation:
- Clearly outline the project, including the rationale for the chosen form and genre.
- Support your rationale with credible references from the Creative Writing Discipline (not Wikipedia, blogs, etc).
-
Genre Standards:
- Describe the indicators and tropes of your chosen genre.
- Explain how your project will meet these standards.
- Pro tip: Think about what works are similar, what works inspire you. Then consider what the literary qualities are that make your writing fit within that genre. Example: if you intend on writing a 'magic realism children's story' then state the indicators for this genre and the literary qualities that will make your creative piece a magic realist children's story and not some other genre).
-
Plot Overview:
-
Provide a brief overview of key plot points or relevant subject matter.
Ensure it aligns with your chosen genre.
Pro Tip: do not waste your word count on explaining the entire plot.
-
- Writing Strategy:
- Beyond just 'sitting and writing', detail how you plan to get this done. Ask yourself:
- What research is needed? (Do you need to research the setting? The mythology? Character traits?)
- How will the research influence what is written?
- How will I manage my time? What time can I carve out to plan and draft and write this piece?
- Where will I go to get my writing done?
- Will I ask any friends or family to beta read for me and how much time will I need for this? etc.
- Include a brief review of the relevant sources you intend to use. For example: if you intend to write a historical romance, then some research on the time period in which the story is set and the context in which your character lives would be appropriate (to be done throughout the term, not by the time this assessment is due) as well as an indication of primary source material you plan to use to understand this time period. This might include resources you plan to use to understand any element of writing and the contents of your writing.
- Include a short, concise "week-by-week" timeline in the form of a table with your proposed completion timelines.
- Beyond just 'sitting and writing', detail how you plan to get this done. Ask yourself:
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.
WORD COUNT for this assignment:
The word count excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 3 Friday (28 Mar 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Upload to Moodle.
Week 5 Friday (11 Apr 2025)
The assessment will be evaluated according to the extent to which the proposal:
- Form and Genre: Clearly articulates both the form (e.g., writing the first chapter of a novel, series of poems, dramatic script, short story, children's book, etc.) and genre (eg. fantasy, horror, Gothic, paranormal, realism, historical, sci-fi, romance, crime, epic, ode, etc) of the writing project.
- Rationale: Provides a rationale for the specific point-of-view the creative piece will be written.
- Originality and Feasibility: Ensure the proposal represents an original piece of writing within the chosen genre. Include a week-by-week timeline with milestones leading up to the final creative piece.
- Presentation: Present the proposal with flawless literary presentation, formatting, and referencing (Harvard Author-Date system).
- References: The proposal includes at least 3 credible, scholarly, and discipline specific references to define key concepts (e.g., point-of-view, genre, form etc.) relevant to your creative piece.
- Develop technical competencies in literary craft
- Analyse and solve problems when crafting ‘imaginative’ literature
- Generate and realise ‘imaginative’ themes
2 Written Assessment
Length: 1700-2000 words (Part A: 1200-1500 words, Part B: 500 words)
Task:
Submit a substantial draft of your creative piece alongside a reflective analysis.
Part A (1200-1500 words) should present key scenes from your developing work, demonstrating your command of genre conventions, character development, and narrative craft as outlined in your proposal. This draft should include your opening scene, at least one pivotal moment, and relevant character/setting development.
Part B (500 words) requires a critical self-reflection discussing your writing process, analysing how effectively you've implemented elements from your proposal, identifying areas for development, and outlining your revision strategy for the final submission.
This assessment builds on your proposal's foundation while preparing you for your final creative piece, allowing you to receive valuable feedback during the development process. There will also be opportunity for peer feedback (both receiving feedback and providing to others) to inform your final draft.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
- You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
- You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.
The word count excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 8 Friday (9 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit via Moodle.
Week 10 Friday (23 May 2025)
Assessment will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Technical Craft: The draft demonstrates a command of language and style, effective use of literary devices, clarity and precision in expression, avoidance of clichés, and fresh and engaging descriptions.
- Genre and Form: Adherence to chosen genre conventions (from proposal), appropriate structure and pacing for the genre and tone, effective scene construction,
- Development and Originality: Innovative exploration of ideas, depth of character development, vivid setting details, distinctive authorial voice, original approach to the story.
- Critical Self-Reflection: including depth of analysis, recognition of strengths and weaknesses, clear revision strategy, understanding of the writing process, connection to research and planning.
- Presentation and Referencing: Adherence to submission guidelines, including proper formatting, meeting word count requirements, evidence of editing and proofreading, and minimum two scholarly references in Harvard (author-date) style.
- Develop technical competencies in literary craft
- Analyse and solve problems when crafting ‘imaginative’ literature
- Generate and realise ‘imaginative’ themes
3 Written Assessment
Length: 3000 words (Part A: creative piece 2,500 words, Part B: critical reflection 500 words)
Part A: Creative Piece (2,500 words)
Submit your polished creative piece that demonstrates the culmination of your writing journey from proposal through draft to final work. Your submission should showcase refined craft elements, thoughtful implementation of feedback, and deliberate creative choices. The creative piece should build upon your proposal (Assessment 1) and incorporate developments made through your draft (Assessment 2), demonstrating growth in your writing practice.
Key elements of Part A:
Your polished creative work should demonstrate proficiency of your chosen genre through sophisticated narrative techniques and careful attention to craft elements. The piece must show clear progression from your proposal and draft stages, incorporating research and feedback effectively. Your writing should exhibit technical control through varied sentence structure, precise word choice, and deliberate pacing. Most importantly, the work should present an original narrative that engages readers through well-developed characters, vivid settings, and thoughtful integration of your research.
Part B: Critical Reflection (500 words)
Your reflection should provide focused analysis of your creative decisions and their effectiveness in achieving your intended goals. Document significant changes from your initial proposal and draft, explaining how and why these alterations improved your work. Evaluate how research and feedback shaped your final piece, while also examining your growth as a writer throughout the process. Include specific examples of challenges you encountered and how you resolved them, demonstrating your development of problem-solving skills in creative practice.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows:
- Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
- You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
- You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.
The word count excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Note: It is acceptable in this unit to allow a 10% variation (either above or below) the word count. Students are strongly advised to accord within the word count of 3000 words.
Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Upload to Moodle.
Exam Week Friday (20 June 2025)
1. Craft and Technical Execution: Demonstrates sophisticated command of genre conventions, literary techniques, and technical accuracy in a polished creative work.
2. Creative Development: Shows clear evolution from proposal through draft to final piece, presenting original treatment of themes with distinctive authorial voice.
3. Research Integration: Effectively applies genre research and craft techniques to create an engaging work that demonstrates deep understanding of literary conventions.
4. Problem-Solving and Revision: Exhibits strategic development from draft stage through effective response to feedback and resolution of narrative challenges.
5. Critical Reflection: Provides insightful analysis of creative decisions and writing process, demonstrating clear understanding of technical and artistic growth.
6. Presentation and Referencing: Adherence to submission guidelines, including proper formatting, meeting word count requirements, evidence of editing and proofreading, and minimum two scholarly references in Harvard (author-date) style.
- Develop technical competencies in literary craft
- Analyse and solve problems when crafting ‘imaginative’ literature
- Generate and realise ‘imaginative’ themes
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
