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Biography and Autobiography (CWRI30013)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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Students will survey historical and contemporary pieces of autobiography and biography, reading critically for both narrative techniques such as structure, voice, point of view, and style, and cultural/theoretical views on ideas such as subjectivity and othering. Students will read essays on memory, writing the self, and writing the other alongside creative writing. Research practices such as interviewing skills, archival research and genealogical research will be investigated in the production of a folio of original autobiographical and biographical writing.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should have:



  • the ability to apply advanced theoretical, aesthetic and analytic skills to interpreting critical and creative texts;
  • the ability to tackle new problems with the production of biography and autobiography with confidence and openness to contemporary artistic directions;
  • a sound working knowledge of the history and contemporary directions of the genres;
  • the ability to plan feasible creative projects for a given time-frame and word length;
  • the ability to use structure and style with economy and power across the genres of biography and autobiography;
  • the ability to participate effectively in group discussions and collaborative learning; and
  • the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the wider public significance of their knowledge and skills.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subejct, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • through critical and appreciative reading followed by presentations and group discussions, will acquire advanced skills in critical thinking and analysis, thinking creatively, openness to new ideas and the ability to communicate thoughts and knowledge; and
  • through producing assignments as creative writing and critical essays will acquire advanced skills in written communication, time management and planning and practices and ethics in the field of creative writing.

Last updated: 14 March 2025