Course outline. Code: CMN246 Title: Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults

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1 Course outline Code: CMN246 Title: Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults Faculty of: Arts and Business School of: Communication and Creative Industries Teaching Session: Semester 1 Year: 2015 Course Coordinator: Dr Paul Williams Room: D1.04 Telephone: (07) pwillia3@usc.edu.au 1. What is this course about? 1.1 Course description This course introduces you to a range of stories, novels and picture books created for children and young adults. Drawing upon genres such as fantasy, adventure and the fairy-tale, you will be encouraged to write original and innovative narratives for a youth audience and gain an appreciation for the elements that make for successful children s and young adult literature. You will also enrich your creative practice through critical reflection. 1.2 Course content Understanding the Child and Young Adult Audience Historical and ideological issues related to writing for children Contemporary children s and young adults fiction 2. Unit value 12 units

2 Page 2 3. How does this course contribute to my learning? Specific Learning Outcomes Assessment Tasks Graduate Qualities On successful completion of this course you should be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of the contemporary, historical and ideological aspects of issues pertaining to writing for children and young adults. Critically analyse and reflect upon creative practices in relation to children s and young adult s fiction. Develop original ideas and produce children s and young adult s fiction in alignment with publishing industry standards. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical responsibilities in producing works of children s and young adult s literature to engage positively with the community. You will be assessed on the learning outcome in task/s: Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming: 1, 2 and 3 Creative and critical thinkers. 1 and 2 Knowledgeable. 3 Creative and critical thinkers. 1, 2 and 3 Ethical. 4. Am I eligible to enrol in this course? Refer to the Coursework Programs and Awards - Academic Policy for definitions of pre-requisites, corequisites and anti-requisites 4.1 Enrolment restrictions Nil 4.2 Pre-requisites CMN215, CMN116 or enrolled in AR514, AR614, AR541, AR641, AR841, AR522, AR605 or AR Co-requisites Nil 4.4 Anti-requisites CMN245 or CMN Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills At the commencement of this course you are assumed to have foundational knowledge of and skills in narrative writing practice and its scholarship.

3 Page 3 5. How am I going to be assessed? 5.1 Grading scale Standard High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL) 5.2 Assessment tasks Task Assessment No. Tasks 1 Creative and Critical Response 2 Critical Reflection 3 Short Story or Novel Chapter Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it? Individual 20% minutes Weeks 2-12 Hardcopy in Tutorial Individual 30% 1500 words Friday, Week 13 Individual 50% 2500 words Draft Week 5, Final Week % SafeAssign Hardcopy in tutorial Assessment Task 1: Creative and Critical Response Goal: This task requires you to demonstrate critical and creative thinking in relation to narrative exemplars studied/discussed in course content. Your submission will comprise short written / oral responses to various writing prompts in tutorials based on the prescribed texts studied in the course. The outcome of this task should demonstrate the relationship between critical reading and creative practice. Product: Written / oral responses to various writing prompts Format: This is an individual assessment. In each tutorial you will respond to prompts related to the readings, lectures and course activities assigned for that week. Criteria This task is assessed according to level of achievement in the following: appropriate content and style for intended audience demonstrates knowledge of fundamental narrative elements demonstrates a developing original contribution to knowledge by responding to the prescribed texts in an innovative and resonant way demonstrate ethical use of intellectual property Generic skill assessed Skill assessment level Communication Organisation Assessment Task 2: Critical Reflection Goal: Product: Format: This task requires you to demonstrate critical thinking in relation to narrative exemplars studied/discussed in course content, and to explore the implications of this thinking when applied to your own creative processes. The outcome of this task should demonstrate the relationship between critical reading and creative practice. Critical Reflection This is an individual assessment task. Select at least one aspect of narrative practice and discuss its application within two of the texts studied/discussed in lectures/tutorials. In

4 Page 4 your discussion you must refer to at least two scholarly texts (theoretical and/or practice-based texts, such as journal articles and books) and critically reflect on how the selected aspect of narrative practice has been applied successfully (or otherwise) within the two narrative texts. You must then discuss how the selected narrative aspect has been effectively applied (your ideas, intentions and influences) in your own writing this semester. Criteria This task is assessed according to level of achievement in the following: appropriate content and style for a scholarly audience engages with narrative terminology in a lucid and accurate manner avoids plot reiteration which does not contribute to the central argument in a meaningful way establishes a clear and relevant argument and develops this argument in a cohesive and logical manner develops an original contribution to knowledge by critically analysing text in relation to narrative practice the argument is substantiated with textual references from the two (2) primary resources and at least two (2) scholarly texts demonstrate an understanding of ethical responsibilities in producing works of children s and young adult s literature Generic skill assessed Skill assessment level Problem solving Communication Information literacy Assessment Task 3: Short Story or Novel Chapter Goal: Product: Format: Criteria This task requires you to create and edit creative writing projects in alignment with publishing industry expectations and standards, as taught throughout the course. Compose a narrative prose piece for a youth audience (to suit older, independent readers to adolescents) DRAFT: This is an individual assessment. This assignment will be in the form of a short story or novel chapter as a work-in-progress (draft), which may or may not form the foundation of your final short story/novel chapter. The draft may also contain a brief outline of aspects of the creative work not yet written but planned. The draft may also be structured as a complete/whole piece. This draft will form the basis for discussion at individual consultations with your tutor in the teaching weeks indicated in the Course Schedule. FINAL: This is an individual assessment. Compose a narrative prose piece styled/structured as: an opening chapter of a novel or continuation of a novel begun in a previous creative writing course; or a piece of prose styled/structured as a short story. The narrative must be accompanied by a contextualising paragraph explaining how your narrative relates to at least one aspect of course content. Submission must be in hard copy. This task will be assessed according to the level of achievement in the following (see Blackboard for criteria sheet): construction of style effective use of structure construction of character and context contribution of new knowledge

5 Page 5 Generic skill assessed Communication Organisation Information literacy professionalism of presentation adherence to ethical considerations Skill assessment level Graduate Graduate Graduate 5.3 Additional assessment requirements SafeAssign In order to minimise incidents of plagiarism and collusion, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks are submitted electronically via SafeAssign. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work that SafeAssign has access to. If required, details of how to submit via SafeAssign will be provided on the Blackboard site of the course. Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale c) You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct 5.4 Submission penalties Late submission of assessment tasks will be penalised at the following maximum rate: 5% (of the assessment task s identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 10% (of the assessment task s identified value) for the third day 20% (of the assessment task s identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome. 6. How is the course offered? 6.1 Directed study hours On campus Lecture: 2 hours per week On campus Tutorial: 1 hour per week 6.2 Teaching semester/session(s) offered Semester 1

6 Page Course activities Teaching What key concepts/content will I Week / learn? Module What activities will I engage in to learn the concepts/content? Directed Study Independent Study Activities Activities 1 What is children s literature? Lecture Blackboard readings 2 Early children s literature Lecture and Tutorial Blackboard readings 3 Childhood icons Lecture and Tutorial Blackboard readings 4 The children s Illustrated book Lecture and Tutorial Blackboard readings 5 Friday, 3 rd April Good Friday Public Holiday Fantasy Lecture and Tutorial Blackboard readings Mid Semester Break 6 The beginnings of young adult fiction Lecture and Tutorial Blackboard readings 7 Consultations Individual consultations only 8 Consultations Individual consultation only 9 Contemporary young adult fiction I Lecture and Tutorial Blackboard readings 10 Contemporary young adult fiction II Lecture and Tutorial Blackboard readings 11 Industry professionals: Writing for a Youth Audience I 12 Industry professionals: Writing for a Youth Audience II 13 Consolidation Lecture Please note that the course activities may be subject to variation. Lecture and Tutorial Lecture and Tutorial 7. What resources do I need to undertake this course? 7.1 Prescribed text(s) Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below: Author Title Crew, G. Carroll, L Rowling, JK. Salinger, JD. Blume, J. Suzak, M. The Children s Writer Alice in Wonderland Harry Potter and the Philosopher s Stone The Catcher in the Rye Forever The Book Thief Blackboard readings 7.2 Required and recommended readings Lists of required and recommended readings may be found for this course on its Blackboard site. These materials/readings will assist you in preparing for tutorials and assignments, and will provide further information regarding particular aspects of your course.

7 Page Specific requirements Individual/Tutor Consultations: The consultation is an important industry-based element of the course and it is essential that you attend their assigned consultation time to achieve an understanding of industry practices and successfully complete the course. 7.4 Risk management There is minimal health and safety risk in this course. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas. 8. How can I obtain help with my studies? In the first instance you should contact your tutor, then the Course Coordinator. Student Life and Learning provides additional assistance to all students through Peer Advisors and Academic Skills Advisors. You can drop in or book an appointment. To book: Tel: or StudentLifeandLearning@usc.edu.au 9. Links to relevant University policies and procedures For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including: Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs Review of Assessment and Final Grades Supplementary Assessment Administration of Central Examinations Deferred Examinations Student Academic Misconduct Students with a Disability Faculty specific information LOCATING JOURNAL ARTICLES If you have been notified that the journal articles in this course are available on e-reserve, use the on-line library catalogue to find them. For journal articles not on e-reserve, click on the "Journals and Newspapers" link on the Library Homepage. Enter the journal title e.g. History Australia, then search for the volume and issue or keyword as needed. ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEETS The Faculty of Arts and Business assignment cover sheet can be found on Blackboard or on the USC Portal at: Faculty of Arts and Business (Students) > Forms. It must be completed in full identifying student name, assignment topic, tutor and tutorial time. This must be attached securely to the front of each assessment item prior to submission. Claims of loss of assignments will not be considered unless supported by a receipt. HELP: If you are experiencing problems with your studies or academic work, consult your tutor in the first instance or the Course Coordinator as quickly as possible. DIFFICULTIES: If you are experiencing difficulties relating to teaching and assessment you should approach your tutor in the first instance. If not satisfied after that you should approach in order your Course Coordinator, Program Coordinator then Head of School.

8 General enquiries and student support Faculty Student Centre Tel: Fax: FABinfo@usc.edu.au Page 8