Course coordinator
Associate Professor Helen Marshall
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
The speculative short story is one of the most provocative and intriguing narrative forms available to writers and readers: it hits like a gut punch; it should astonish, mystify, amaze, wound and console—all in the space of a few pages. In this course, you will develop the skills necessary to write compelling and thought-provoking speculative short stories. Through readings, discussions, and writing exercises, you will explore the various sub-genres of speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and magical realism. Topics covered may include discovering and developing prompts, narrative structure, worldbuilding, and thematic elements. You will also analyze important works of speculative fiction and their publishing contexts to gain a better understanding of the genre's conventions, techniques and markets. By the end of the course, you will have written and received feedback on a speculative short story of your own and prepared it for submission.
Course requirements
Restrictions
Course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 10 students enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Helen Marshall
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 aims to provide:
- an introduction to the nature and significance of speculative short fiction,
- an introduction to the skills required in speculative short fiction writing,
- a critical understanding of the techniques of speculative short fiction and the techniques to provide feedback to other writers.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse and critique examples of speculative short fiction for form, genre, and technique
LO2.
Write a complete speculative short story using knowledge about the form, skills and technique
LO3.
Understand the market for speculative short stories and how to pursue publication
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection | Critical Commentary | 30% 600-800 words |
12/09/2025 4:00 pm |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Participation/ Student contribution |
Workshopping and Seminar Engagement
|
20% 300 words |
31/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition | Short Story | 50% 2700-3000 words |
31/10/2025 4:00 pm
Please submit in standard manuscript format. |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection |
Draft Submission and Presentation
|
200 words |
8/09/2025 - 6/10/2025
The submission date of the draft short story will be determined via a sign-up sheet at the start of class. The student will be required to present in class. If they are unable to do so, they should consult the Course Coordinator. In the first instance, the Coordinator will try to reschedule the presentation. If this is not possible, the student must attend an interview with the Course Coordinator to verify authorship of the draft, which will be recorded. Passing this interview constitutes a PASS for the assessment. See "EXTENSION OR DEFERRAL AVAILABILITY NOTES" |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Critical Commentary
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 30% 600-800 words
- Due date
12/09/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Objective: This reflective assessment aims to explore your personal experience and insights gained from a specific creative writing lesson and exercise. Through this assignment, you'll reflect on your writing and learning practice and consider how it will impact your future writing endeavors.
Instructions:
- Select a creative writing lesson and exercise from those we have completed in class.
- Reflect on your personal experience with the lesson and exercise:
- Describe what you attempted during the exercise and why.
- Share any challenges you faced and any successes you achieved.
- Analyze what you learned:
- Discuss how your understanding of creative writing has evolved.
- Highlight any insights or new perspectives gained.
- Plan for future application:
- Explain how you intend to incorporate what you've learned into your writing practice.
Please note that reflective essays can still make use of secondary sources–craft manuals, author interviews, essays, articles, and others, though they do not have to.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
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.
Workshopping and Seminar Engagement
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20% 300 words
- Due date
31/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
This assessment asks students to critically engage with the course by submitting your own work for feedback and for providing structured feedback on the stories submitted by your classmates. You will provide a record of your feedback and a brief reflection on your engagement in the course.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
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.
Short Story
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition
- Weight
- 50% 2700-3000 words
- Due date
31/10/2025 4:00 pm
Please submit in standard manuscript format.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Students will submit an edited speculative short story in standard manuscript format.
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
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 Submission and Presentation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 200 words
- Due date
8/09/2025 - 6/10/2025
The submission date of the draft short story will be determined via a sign-up sheet at the start of class.
The student will be required to present in class. If they are unable to do so, they should consult the Course Coordinator. In the first instance, the Coordinator will try to reschedule the presentation. If this is not possible, the student must attend an interview with the Course Coordinator to verify authorship of the draft, which will be recorded. Passing this interview constitutes a PASS for the assessment. See "EXTENSION OR DEFERRAL AVAILABILITY NOTES"
- Learning outcomes
- L02
Task description
This secure assessment consists of two parts:
- Submit a draft of your short story for workshopping (see the above assessment) and then lead a small group discussion about the feedback you have received
- Complete an in-class reflection via Blackboard during the final 20 minutes of your workshop session
This pass/fail hurdle requirement verifies student authorship of creative work and engagement with the workshop process. To pass the course, students must successfully complete both components of this secure assessment.
Component 1: Workshop Participation To achieve a PASS, you must:
- Attend the full workshop session OR complete an approved supervised make-up assessment
- Demonstrate engagement with peer feedback on your work
- Show evidence of authorship through discussion of your creative choices
Component 2: In-Class Workshop Reflection To achieve a PASS, you must submit a reflection that:
- Responds to the prompts about the feedback you received
- Demonstrates understanding of your own creative work
- Shows thoughtful consideration of revision plans
- Is completed and submitted via Blackboard during the workshop session
Assessment Outcomes
PASS Students who meet all criteria for both components will receive a PASS for this hurdle requirement and may continue in the course.
FAIL Students who do not meet the criteria for either component will receive a FAIL for this hurdle requirement, resulting in a grade of 1 for the entire course, regardless of performance in other assessment items. If you are at risk of failing the hurdle requirement, you will be invited to a follow-up interview to verify authorship and discuss your work. A PASS during this interview will constitute a PASS for both components.
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.
Hurdle requirements
Pass/Fail Hurdle, with failure resulting in a grade of 1 Students who fail this hurdle for the first time will be allowed a second attempt via an interview about their work with the Course Coordinator. No further attempts beyond that will be allowed.Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard (or via a paper form in case of technical difficulties)
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
As this is a scheduled in-class activity and requires the participation of other students, students who cannot submit on time and/or attend due to serious illness or exceptional circumstances should:
- Notify the instructor before the scheduled workshop where possible
- Provide appropriate documentation
Depending on the circumstances, the Course Coordinator may:
- allow late submission;
- re-schedule your workshop week;
- arrange an interview to verify authorship of the draft.
Students who fail to submit on time or to attend the workshopping session may not receive the benefit of feedback on their draft.
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.
Note, this is a pass/fail hurdle. It is not graded. See the notes under "Other Due Information" for what to do if you cannot attend your presentation date.
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 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
WEEK 1: A World in Miniature: Introduction to the Speculative Short Story Introduction to assessments; discussion of the nature of the short story; close reading and discussion of "The Santa Clause Parade" by Helen Marshall. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
WEEK 2: The Fundamentals of Speculation: Premises, Development and Worldbuilding Discussion of coming up with premises for short stories, how to develop them within the limitations of a tight word count, analysis of assigned short stories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
WEEK 3: Words that Cut Like Glass: Playing with Form and Language Discussion of the language of short story, how it links to form, creative exercises, analysis of assigned short stories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Seminar |
WEEK 4: In Play and Replay: Experimentations with Genre Discussion of use of genres, their limitations and affordances, creative exercises, analysis of assigned short stories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
WEEK 5: Happily Ever After?: Ending on a High Note Discussion of short story endings and their emotional effects, creative exercises, analysis of assigned short stories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
WEEK 6: NO CLASS Work on your assessment |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
WEEK 7: Workshopping Workshopping of short stories Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Seminar |
WEEK 8: Workshopping Workshopping of short stories Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Seminar |
WEEK 9: Workshopping Workshopping of short stories Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break-No Class |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Seminar |
WEEK 10: Workshopping Workshopping of short stories Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Seminar |
WEEK 11: The Devil in the Details: Editing and Publishing Speculative Short Stories Discussion of editing practices and making sense of feedback, discussion of the market. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
WEEK 12-No Class |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Not Timetabled |
WEEK 13-No Class |
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 for 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.