Course coordinator
Dr Tom Doig
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Introduces the skills for writing creative non-fiction in a range of styles, including memoir, literary journalism, the personal essay and experimental non-fiction.
Purpose of the Course
This course will make you a better writer and storyteller. It will provide you withﾠvital skills that are applicable acrossﾠmanyﾠcareer paths. WRIT3050ﾠWriting Creative Non-Fictionﾠteaches you how to turn your own experiences and researchﾠintoﾠcompellingﾠnon-fiction writing.ﾠCreative non-fictionﾠusesﾠtools familiarﾠfrom fiction and poetry – includingﾠnarration, scene-setting, dialogue,ﾠimageryﾠand figurativeﾠlanguageﾠ– to tell vivid, real-life stories. You'll explore the main creative non-fictionﾠsub-genres, includingﾠmemoir, personal essay, biography, oral history, literary journalism, nature/eco-writing and experimental non-fiction (aka theﾠlyric essay).ﾠ
You will readﾠcutting-edgeﾠwriting from a diverse and inclusive range ofﾠleading non-fiction authors, and learn about contemporary trends in creative non-fiction publishing. You willﾠlearn about specificﾠresearch techniques andﾠnarrative structures, and engage in critical reflection on the composition methods used by great creative non-fiction authors. You willﾠgetﾠnumerous opportunities to hone your craftﾠthrough carefully plannedﾠcreative writing exercises.ﾠYou will workshop your draft writing in class across the semester,ﾠincreasingﾠthe word count asﾠyour confidence and skills grow. You will read your classmates' drafts, providing robust and constructive feedback and learning to think as an editor.
Whether you wishﾠto craft narratives from your own memory and experience (memoir);ﾠreflect on a subject that'sﾠimportant to you (personal essay);ﾠsketch a profile of a fascinating person (biography);ﾠlook past the daily headlines to tell a deeper storyﾠ(literary journalism);ﾠshed light on the world around us (nature and eco-writing); or experiment with form and style (lyric essay),ﾠthis course will give you inspiration,ﾠpractical guidance and industry insight to get started.ﾠDedicated students should be able to produce work of a standard ready to be submitted for publication in Australian literary journals.
Course Goals
On completion of thisﾠcourse, you will beﾠfamiliar with a wide range of research and writing techniques appropriate for creative writingﾠprojects. You will beﾠable to use research to produce a finished piece of creative non-fiction.
Teaching and Learning Modes
WRIT3050ﾠis taught as a weekly 1-hour lecture andﾠ1.5-hour tutorial. Itﾠfeatures lecture material;ﾠgroup activities and discussions;ﾠindividual creative exercises; and student responses to readings.ﾠ
Expectations and Obligations
- Attending lectures and tutorials is key to doing well in this course. Participating in the workshopping process - as author, and as reader/editor - is the primary, non-negotiable way that students improve as non-fiction writers. There is a high statistical correlation between attendance/participation rates, and overall scores in the course. While there is no mandatory requirement for you to attend lectures and tutorials,ﾠassessment details will be thoroughly covered in both. If you miss lectures and tutorials, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from another student. If you have work or other commitments that clash with lectures and tutorials, you may want to consider deferring this course until next year. Lectures will be recorded through Echo360, but please note that lecture recordings sometimes fail and teaching staff are not obliged to repeat lectures.
- Please be aware that some of the teaching staff are casual academics, and are not able to respond immediately to email contact. A reasonable expectation would be a response within 3ﾠworking days (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)ﾠfrom all teaching staff in the course. Apart from wholly unexpected circumstances, it is always better to bring your questions to class; failing that, make sure toﾠgive teaching staff plenty of time to respond.
- If you are struggling with assessment or experiencing personal difficulties, please let the course convenorﾠknow as soon as you possibly can. We do understand that sometimes feeling overwhelmed prevents students from contacting us in a timely fashion, but you have our assurances that you will be dealt with kindly and non-judgmentally. It is always better to let us know early.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes that you have an interest in reading and writing creative non-fiction. As this course draws on techniques learned from writing fiction and poetry, previous completion of ﾠCreative Writing: Narrative Fiction (WRIT1110), Creative Writing: Poetics (WRIT2100) or equivalent courses is a significant advantage.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
6 units of WRIT courses, or permission from the course coordinator.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
WRIT1110 Creative Writing: Narrative Fiction , WRIT2100 Creative Writing: Poetics
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tom Doig
Guest lecturer
Dr Sarah Klenbort
Tutor
Dr Sarah Klenbort
Ms Martine Kropkowski
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course provides a deep understanding of, and practical engagement with, contemporary best practice in creative non-fiction writing and storytelling. In its application of scholarship to creative practice, it seeks to develop your critical and communication skills across a wide range of texts and media. By introducing you to specific research and composition techniques, it aims to improve your creative and academic writing, and extend your knowledge of creative writing and literature, on your journey towards becoming a published writer.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Conceptualise creative non-fiction and its relationship to other forms of writing
LO2.
Analyse and discuss a range of stylistic features used in creative non-fiction
LO3.
Plan, research, revise, edit and critique creative non-fiction in a variety of styles
LO4.
Understand key principles and emerging trends in contemporary creative non-fiction writing / publishing.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition | Memoir / Personal Essay | 10% 500 words |
24/03/2025 4:00 pm
|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition | Biography / Place Writing | 20% 800 words |
28/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Reflection | Workshopping Reflection | 20% 100-200 words |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition | Major Creative Non-Fiction Piece | 50% 2500 words |
9/06/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Memoir / Personal Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition
- Weight
- 10% 500 words
- Due date
24/03/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
Write a 500-word piece of memoir, or personal essay, or a mix of both. This will be based on
- a significant time/event in your life (memoir); and/or
- reflections on a theme/subject that interests you (personal essay).
Development of the piece can involve
- sustained personal reflection and recollection
- interviews with friends or family members
- research into your theme/subject.
PLEASE NOTE: You must write 1. Minor Creative Non-Fiction Piece and 3. Major Creative Non-Fiction Piece on different topics. If you choose to write about a specific theme, or period of your life, for this assessment, you cannot write about that same theme / time period for the final assessment.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submissions will be penalised at 10% (of maximum mark) per day
Biography / Place Writing
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition
- Weight
- 20% 800 words
- Due date
28/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
Write an 800-word piece of writing, about a person other than yourself, and/or a place that interests you. This aligns with the topics of the following lectures:
- Week 4 Lecture: Other People: Biography, Oral History
- Week 5 Lecture: Other Places: Nature Writing, City Writing
- Week 6 Lecture: Writing Literary Journalism
Development of the piece can involve:
- interview/s with people;
- immersion in a place; and/or
- online/archival research into your subject.
PLEASE NOTE: You must write 2. Second Creative Non-Fiction Piece and 3. Major Creative Non-Fiction Piece on different topics. If you choose to write about a specific person or place for this assessment, you cannot write about the same person / place for the final assessment.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submissions will be penalised at 10% (of maximum mark) per day
Workshopping Reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 20% 100-200 words
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This short assessment has three parts.
- All answers should take the form of bullet points.
1) Students are required to write a short 25- to 50-word author statement, prefacing their workshop draft.
- This should take the form of bullet points.
2) Following workshopping, students are required to write a short 25- to 50-word 'next steps' statement, which:
- summarises the key feedback they received, and
- outlines the next step(s) they will take to develop their writing project.
3) Students are also required to write a short peer feedback statement (50 to 100 words), which:
a) provides examples of feedback they provided to 3x different classmates in three different classes across the semester (25-50 words), and
b) reflects on what they learnt from participating in the workshopping process as author and peer reviewer (25-50 words).
NOTE: to be able to submit this assessment, you will need to
- Workshop your draft in class, in-person, once (minimum)
- Provide feedback to classmates in class, in-person, in three different classes (minimum)
100-200 words, +/-10%
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submissions will be penalised at 10% (of maximum mark) per day
Major Creative Non-Fiction Piece
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition
- Weight
- 50% 2500 words
- Due date
9/06/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This assessment is in two parts:
- an original, self-contained piece of creative non-fiction (2,250 words, including quotes)
- a ‘Research and Publication Statement’ (250 words).
1. Research and write an original, self-contained piece of creative non-fiction on a topic (or topics) of your choice. You may work in any of the sub-genres covered on the course: memoir, personal essay, biography, oral history, literary journalism, nature/eco-writing, travel writing, lyric essay. You may also wish to combine elements of more than one sub-genre.
- You must not re-submit any writing already submitted for earlier assessment items. However, you may incorporate material from in-class writing exercises into your final piece.
- You must write your Major Creative Non-Fiction Piece on a different topic / theme to your First and Second Creative Non-Fiction Pieces. If in any doubt, check with your tutor.
2. Write a 250-word ‘Research and Publication Statement’ to accompany your CNF piece. Your statement will summarise the types of research undertaken to prepare your piece of writing. You should also nominate an appropriate publication to submit your piece to, briefly explaining the reasoning behind your choice.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submissions will be penalised at 10% (of maximum mark) per day
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
In addition to the required and recommended readings available on Talis, from the very beginning of the semester you are strongly encouraged to seek out creative non-fiction written by authors who excite you, on topics that interest you,ﾠin styles that inspire you. This self-initiated reading will help you ‘find your voice’ as a writer. It may also become part of your research for your critical essay and major creative non-fiction piece.
UQ student support links: https://communication-arts.uq.edu.au/student-support
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture What is Creative Non-Fiction? Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 1 Tutorial Introductions, writing exercise Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture Writing the Self (i): Memoir Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial Writing exercise Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture Writing the Self (ii): The Personal Essay Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial Writing exercise, workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture Other People: Biography, Oral History Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial Writing exercise, workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
(No lecture or tutorials in Week 5 - self-directed learning week) Begin work on Assessment #2, Biography / Place Writing |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture Other Places: Nature Writing, City Writing Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial Writing exercise, workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture Writing Literary Journalism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial Writing exercise, workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture Experiments with Form and Style: Lyric Essays Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorial Writing exercise, workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
(Mid-semester break) Complete work on Assessment #2, Biography / Place Writing |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture What to Write, Where to Publish: Generating Ideas and Pitching Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial Writing exercise, workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture Finding the Statue in the Stone: Structure and Voice Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Tutorial Writing exercise, workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture Interviews, Immersion, Archives, Internet: Research Techniques Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial Workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture Creative Destruction: Revision and Structural Editing Learning outcomes: L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial Workshopping Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13 Lecture Kill (All) Your Darlings: Copy-editing and Proofreading Learning outcomes: L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Tutorial In-class editing blitz Learning outcomes: L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.