ENGL2141 Life Writing

2020

4.5

1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly

9 units of first-year topics

CREA2141 has been successfully completed

The topic will review the history and genres of life writing - from 'lives', confessions, poetry, letters and diaries, through to biography, autobiography, memoir, essays, testimony, art work, photography, websites and social networking.

The themes we will cover include: truth, subjectivity, self, identity, privacy/disclosure, memory, trauma, and the ethical, moral and legal issues surrounding the representation of the self and others in life writing modes. We will explore ways of researching and resourcing life writing projects. Students will explore both the theories and practice of life writing genres, and will be give the option of critical and/or creative life writing pieces for their assessment.

This topic aims to:

• develop students' written and oral communication skills and to enhance students' confidence in attempting new forms of address

• enhance students' research skills - particularly in relation to using contemporary/new media sources

• develop students' abilities to work independently and collaboratively

• encourage students' to develop a proficiency in using on-line research and writing tools

On completion of this topic students will be able to:

• demonstrate their knowledge of theories and methods of life writing

• demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and moral issues affecting life writing genres

• write creatively and/or critically using life writing theories, forms and methods

• critically evaluate primary and secondary sources on life writing