Course coordinator
Dr Richard Newsome
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to research and develop fiction across a range of genres. The emphasis is on understanding creative practice, thoughtful gathering of source material, synthesising ideas, and writing and editing a substantial piece of fiction.
Purpose of the Course
This course will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to research and develop ideas for fiction (usually a short story), and understand creativity and its contexts.
Course Goals
On completion of the course, students will be familiar with a wide range of approaches suitable for creative writing projects, and will be able to use research to produce a finished piece of fiction.
Teaching and Learning Modes
WRIT7050 is taught as a weekly 2.5 hour seminar featuring researching and writing strategies, group activities and discussions, individual creative exercises, and student presentations.
Expectations and Obligations
You will need to have reliable access to e-mail, and will need to check for messages regularly.ﾠPlease note that, if you send an e-mail from a hotmail or similar account, the university's anti-spam firewall may intercept your e-mail, and your tutor may not receive it.ﾠYou are expected to check the course's Blackboard site regularly, and contribute to discussion groups where necessary.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed students will already have:
- Library research skills (catalogue, databases, web searching, reading comprehension)
- The ability to synthesise and apply research
- The ability to write well
- An interest in fiction, either as a writer, an editor, or a publisher.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
WRIT2050 completed prior to 2015, WRIT6050
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Richard Newsome
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 will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to research and develop fiction across a range of genres.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Produce creative fiction from prompts and independently developed ideas.
LO2.
Understand the mechanics and key theoretical ideas of narrative.
LO3.
Conduct research for creative work.
LO4.
Analyse and discuss structural and stylistic qualities of fiction.
LO5.
Communicate effectively in small or large groups and in digital spaces.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Planning Portfolio | 20% 1000 words |
28/03/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin |
| Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution |
Draft and feedback
|
20% |
11/04/2025 - 16/05/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Fortnightly writing
|
10% |
10/03/2025 - 12/05/2025 |
| Essay/ Critique, Project | Short Story | 50% 2000-2500 words |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin |
Assessment details
Planning Portfolio
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 20% 1000 words
- Due date
28/03/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Submit a brief portfolio of work to be used as a planning tool for the final assessment task due at the end of semester: a short story based on a piece of creative research.
The document should include:
- A brief description of a resource/prompt you have found that will form the basis of your final creative piece, or will inform your final creative piece. No more than 250 words. (5%)
- A basic synopsis of how you see the story playing out at this stage. You will not be held to follow through with this early version. Include some detail of main characters, setting, genre, and plot. No more than 250 words. (5%)
- 500 words of 'vomit draft' text where you trial a creative approach to the final assessment task. (10%)
Format: 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
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.
Draft and feedback
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/04/2025 - 16/05/2025
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This assessment is in four parts:
- Draft and upload a 800-1000-word draft of the final assessment task to an assigned writing group in the Blackboard Discussion Board. Due: 4pm, April 11. Mark: 5
- Upload written feedback to the other members of your assigned writing group on their drafts, as part of the discussion thread. Feedback must include at least 3 questions/suggestions for the writer to consider in their next draft. Due: 4pm, April 28. Mark: 5
- Upload a second draft of the initial 800-1000-word piece, taking in or ignoring the feedback. Due: 4pm, May 9. Mark: 5
- Upload written feedback to the other members of your assigned writing group on their second drafts, as part of the discussion thread. Feedback must include at least 2 questions/suggestions for the writer to consider in their next draft. Due: 4pm, May 16. Mark: 5
Note: Because the feedback component of this task is dependent on drafts being uploaded by deadline, there is no capacity for extensions for parts 1 and 3 of this assessment. If you believe you will not be able to meet the deadline, contact the course convenor as soon as possible.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit to Blackboard Discussion Board
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Note: Because the feedback component of this task is dependent on drafts being uploaded by deadline, there is no capacity for extensions for parts 1 and 3 of this assessment. If you believe you will not be able to meet the deadline, contact the course convenor as soon as possible.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Each component is worth 5%. Failure to submit on time will result in a 0 mark for that component.
Fortnightly writing
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 12/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
In weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, students will bring to tutes a 250-word piece of original writing based on a prompt provided at the previous week's tutorial. In the tutes, they will read out their piece to their assigned writing group, sharing their creative thinking in bringing the piece together.
Each writing task is worth 2 marks on a pass/fail basis. Over the course of the semester, this will accrue to a possible 10 marks.
Submission guidelines
The task is marked pass/fail for 10%.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Contact the course co-ordinator if you can't make it for that week's tutorial.
Short Story
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Project
- Weight
- 50% 2000-2500 words
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Write a 2000-2500-word original short story based on researched resources.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
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.
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.
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) |
Seminar |
Week 1: Story Introduction to the course. Approaches and expectations. What is creativity and how to cultivate it from unexpected sources. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 2: Ideas Where do ideas come from? How to convert those ideas to words on a page. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 3: History as source material Looking backwards to reflect on the now and what is to come. Using sources: online, books, journals, in the field. Bring a laptop or device to the seminar. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 4: Integrating research Taking source ideas and integrating them into plot, settings and characters Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 5: Structuring the story Approaches to short stories and novels. Plot and pacing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Fieldwork |
Week 6: Excursion to Fryer Library Using history as inspiration. Research methodologies. Integrating research into the text. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 7: Aspects of craft Tone, voice, narrative discourse, dialogue and conflict. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 8: Solving narrative problems Free writing out of a deep hole. Can AI help fill a plot hole? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK No class |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Seminar |
Week 9: Feedback - The give and take Giving productive feedback and how to use it positively. Week 1 of presentations. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 10: Labour Day Public Holiday No class. Independent writing Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Seminar |
Week 11: Workshopping Group feedback on first 1000 words of your draft. Week 2 of presentations. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Seminar |
Week 12: Workshopping stage 2 Second round of workshopping. Week 3 of presentations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 13: Writing Week Intensive writing week. No seminar this week. Finish, edit and polish your story. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, 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.