AustLit

This subject explores a variety of life narratives including letters, biographies and memoirs from various periods and cultures including contemporary Australian examples. Students will read from texts about theoretical approaches which explore the nature of memory, questions of subjectivity and self-representation as well as the ethical dimensions of writing about the lives of others. The subject will involve applied writing in workshops including exercises in various styles and approaches to autobiography.

Objectives:

Students completing this subject will:

* be able to engage with the theoretical and creative aspects of the variety of life narratives such as memoir, biography and letters;

* be able to articulate informed views on recent developments in the fields of life writing, including aspects of memory, subjectivity and ethical responsibility; and

* be able to produce to a high level writing, both creative and theoretical, in selected areas of life writing.