Creative

Writing

Tertiary education with a

Christian perspective.
Creative
Writing.

Bachelor of Arts,
Higher Ed. Diploma in Arts
Associate Degree in Arts
Graduate Certificate,
Graduate Diploma,
Master of Arts
(External Studies Options)

External Studies in Creative Writing

Tabor Adelaide now offers an extensive
External Studies course which enables
students to undertake a structured course in
Creative Writing – whether they live in remote
locations or outside Australia, or have work/
family commitments which prohibit attending
classes. Along with lecture notes, readers and
other resources, a number of qualified staff
members will be available to students to assist
with questions and to provide timely feedback
on submitted work.

What is Tabor Adelaide?
Tabor Adelaide is a multi-denominational
Christian Education Centre offering
government-accredited courses in a variety of
disciplines at tertiary level. Tabor Adelaide is a
Commonwealth approved Higher Education
Provider.
Application Process
Application can be made on line at Tabor
Adelaide
www.taboradelaide.edu.au
FEE-HELP
Most higher education students at Tabor
Adelaide who are Australian citizens are
able to defer their tuition fees through a
Commonwealth Government loan scheme
called FEE-HELP. Prospective students should
enquire at Student Services when they apply
to enrol.

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
1. Entry into the BA in Creative Writing requires
no previous tertiary qualification.
Creative
Writing
Graduate Diploma (Creative Writing)
1. Applicants for this course are required to
hold a tertiary level qualification at bachelor
level or equivalent.

2. The course comprises modules to the value
of 144 credit points; a total of 24 subjects over
three years’ full time or equivalent study.
Higher Ed. Diploma in Arts (Creative
Writing)
1. Entry into the HED in Creative Writing
requires no previous tertiary qualification.
2. The course comprises modules to the value
of 48 credit points; a total of 8 subjects of one
year’s full time or equivalent study.
2. The course comprises modules to the value
of 48 credit points.
Master of Arts (Creative Writing)1.
Applicants for this course are required to hold
a tertiary level qualification at bachelor level or
equivalent. All applicants must also submit a
portfolio of their writing for assessment.
2. The course comprises modules to the value
of 48 credit points, a 40,000 word thesis and an
8000 word exegesis, together worth 48 points.

Associate Degree in Arts (Creative

Writing)

3. Entry into the AD in Creative Writing

requires no previous tertiary qualification.
All students may submit applications for
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This must
4. The course comprises modules to the value be done at time of application.
of 96 credit points; a total of 16 subjects of two
years’ full time or equivalent study.

Graduate Certificate (Creative

Writing)
1. Applicants for this course are required to
hold a tertiary level qualification at bachelor
level or equivalent.

2. The course comprises modules to the value

of 24 credit points.
Creative
Writing

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) Drawing and Illustration

Select one (1) of the following

All students completing the BA must complete
a set of core subjects (see Humanities Selected Themes in Australian Literature
brochure) plus at least one major and one Research & Writing (Special English Elective)
minor. A Creative Writing major consists of
Modern Novel
six (6) subjects of Creative Writing and two
(2) subjects of English Literature; a Creative Fantasy Literature and the Christian Tradition
Writing minor consists of three (3) subjects of Literature and Christian Faith
Creative Writing and one (1) subject of English
Classical Literature
Literature.
Literature and History of the Medieval &
Graduate Certificate (Creative Renaissance Period
Writing) Icelandic Sagas
All students must complete one required core Shakespeare as Literature
and two additional Creative Writing subjects
plus one English Literature subject.

Required core subjects

Introduction to Creative Writing

Select two (2) of the following:

Reading and Writing Science-Fiction

Writing for Children
Creative Non-Fiction Writing
Script Writing for Stage and Screen
Creative Writing: Prose Fiction
Creative Writing: Poetry
Editing and Publishing for Writers
Directed Study Project in Creative Writing
Storytelling

Graduate Diploma (Creative
Writing)
All students must complete two required
core subjects in Creative Writing plus at
least three additional Creative Writing sub-
jects and two English Literature subjects.
Required core subjects
Introduction to Creative Writing
Editing and Publishing for Writers
At least three (3) of the following
Reading and Writing Science-Fiction
Writing for Children
Creative Non-Fiction Writing
Script Writing for Stage and Screen
Creative Writing: Prose Fiction
Creative Writing: Poetry
Directed Study Project in Creative Writing
Storytelling
Drawing and Illustration
Choose two of the following
Selected Themes in Australian Literature
Research & Writing (Special English Elec-
tive)
Modern Novel
Creative
Writing
Fantasy Literature and the Christian Tradi-
tion
Literature and Christian Faith
Literature and History of the Medieval &
Renaissance Period
Icelandic Sagas
Shakespeare as Literature
Plus one free elective – may be a Creative
Writing or English Literature subject, or a
subject from another field of study
Master of Arts (Creative Writing)
Masters of Arts students must normally
complete the equivalent of a Graduate
Diploma in Creative Writing, that is, a one
year course work component. Students
with undergraduate work in creative
writing and/or significant creative writing
experience (including publication) can ap-
ply for RPL for up to four subjects, reducing
the coursework component of the MA to
a minimum of four (4) additional subjects.
Once the coursework component has been
completed the MA candidate develops
a creative writing manuscript (usually a
short novel) of 40,000 words (worth 48
credit points), under the supervision of a
primary and a secondary supervisor. The
cand didate will also produce an 8000 word
exegesis which documents the research
and reflects on the process of writing the
major manuscript.
 SUBJECT DESCRIPTORS

CREATIVE WRITING
HU4110 INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING

This subject introduces students to creative writing in the context of a theology of creativity,
built upon the doctrine of humanity as made in the image of God. Through a series of practical
exercises, the students are introduced to the basic forms of poetry and prose fiction. Students
not only explore writing on Christian themes, but also writing on general themes as Christians.
Biblical examples of poetry and storytelling are examined to put creative writing in a biblical and
theological context. Students will also discover the basic skills needed to write creatively, will
learn how to assess and revise their own work, and will learn the fundamentals of rhyme, metre
and free verse in poetry, and of characterisation, dialogue, and plot development in prose fiction.

HU4120 READING AND WRITING SCIENCE-FICTION

This subject examines the history and development of Science-Fiction literature as a genre from
its origins in the mid 19th century to the present day. It also gives students an opportunity to
learn about writing well in this genre. Though Science-Fiction literature has much of its origins
in overtly atheistic beliefs, it is a genre in which it is common to find strong social commentaries.
For Christian writers wishing to engage with their culture, the Science-Fiction genre allows
meaningful dialogue with an audience prepared to suspend their disbelief for a time in order to
consider new ideas including those of morality and spirituality.

HU4130 DRAWING AND ILLUSTRATION

This subject will help students to develop skills in visual communication, primarily in the area
of illustration, and begin to develop their own preferred style of drawing. Students will be
encouraged not only to develop their own style, but also to experiment with the styles of other
artists in order to broaden their own skills. This subject will also assist the students in reading and
interpreting written information into a visual form, and working from a brief to create a required
image. The student will develop a professional portfolio of their own art work.

HU4210 WRITING FOR CHILDREN

This subject examines children’s literature as a distinctive genre. Writing for children is not simply
writing for adults in simpler language, nor is it a form of creative writing for those who have not
graduated to writing for adult audiences. The student will learn to appreciate the various stages
of childhood development, the way that children perceive stories, and the role of imagination
and reading in childhood development. Students will learn how to write well for children
through a better understanding of children, an examination and appreciation of children’s
literature, and the practice of writing for a specific age group
 Creative
Writing
HU4220 CREATIVE NON-FICTION WRITING

This subject explores the emerging field of creative non-fiction writing. It includes life writing
(biography and autobiography), true crime, travel, self-help, etc. In this subject, the student
will learn to work creatively with non-fiction material in order to produce interesting, readable
and even humorous approaches to their non-fiction writing. While the writer may not be
able to change the facts he or she has to work with, the way these facts are conveyed and the
manner in which the story is told can breathe new life into traditionally stodgy non-fiction
writing.

HU4230 SCRIPT WRITING FOR SCREEN AND STAGE

This subject develops writing skills that enable students to create usable stage scripts and
screenplays that conform to recognised conventions. Drama is often overlooked as a form of
communication, relegated to the domain of ‘frivolous entertainment’. Entertaining though
it may be, good drama engages the mind and the emotions, imparting something to the
audience in a powerful way. At the basis of any good drama, there is a script or a screenplay
created by a writer who has something important to communicate. This subject will assist the
students in creating ideas, characters, and plot lines. Other issues covered are critical analysis,
copyright, and the line between censorship and artistic freedom.

HU4320 CREATIVE WRITING: POETRY

This subject explores a range of forms within the genre of poetry. Students will examine what
constitutes poetry (whether structured or free verse) and will experiment with a number of
poetic forms, both common and rare, in order to develop an appreciation of the poetic and a
mastery of the use of language. Students will undertake personal writing exercises, will study
a range of poets of various styles and eras, and will learn to appreciate how the underlying
structures (even when hidden) contribute to the power and ‘feel’ of a poem. Students will learn
not only to recognise and distinguish various poetic forms, but also to express their thoughts
in these forms. Free verse will be examined and practiced not as a form chosen by those who
do not understand metre, but as a deliberate choice of the poet who decides when to employ
structure, when to hide it, and when to abandon it.
 Creative
Writing
HU4310 CREATIVE WRITING: PROSE FICTION
Whether writing short stories, novellas, or novels, prose fiction is by far the most common
form of creative writing in the modern world. This subject examines the nature of prose
fiction, the habits of good writers, the elements of a good story, and the processes involved
in publication at various levels. Students will examine voice, characterisation, point of view,
dialogue, plot, style, revision and the art of writing introductions and conclusions. Students
will also learn to distinguish between the wide range of genres that currently exist and to
appreciate the kind of writing and techniques that work best with the particular genre or
genres favoured by the student. Most importantly, students will learn to enjoy writing and
the freedom of expression offered by the various forms of contemporary prose fiction.

HU4330 EDITING AND PUBLISHING FOR WRITERS

This subject develops editing skills for those who want to take their writing (particularly
fiction) beyond the basics. It aims to teach students to look critically at their own work
and the work of others with an eye to both structure and detail. It also looks at the current
publishing industry from the writer’s standpoint. Students will develop a piece of writing
from rough draft to polished final, along with supporting documentation, to prepare it for
sending to a publisher.

HU4340 DIRECTED STUDY PROJECT IN CREATIVE WRITING

This subject allows advanced students to undertake a special creative writing project under
the supervision of a senior lecturer in Creative Writing. The proposal should include an
outline of the story or project, character sketches for key characters, description of genre and
identification of any background research needed. The student will submit a first draft of the
project and will demonstrate self-editing skills in the development of the final draft, which
will be approximately 6,000 words.
HU4360 STORYTELLING
This subject will introduce students to the art of storytelling. Students will also improve
writing skills. It will cover the history, purpose of storytelling and how to prepare and
perform a story, and how to tell stories to different age groups, including children. Different
types of storytelling e.g. educational, biblical, cultural, will be studied, and also how written
and oral stories differ.

HU4399 WRITING THE SHORT STORY

This subject explores the history and development of the short story and focuses on the
major distinctions between the short story and other forms. Special attention will be given to
beginnings, endings, plot and character development in the short story.
 Creative
Writing
ENGLISH

HU3210 MODERN NOVEL

This subject provides a study of a range of litera¬ture, selected for cultural significance or
literary merit. It celebrates artistry and gives a perspective on genre, period and context.
Topics include: Cultural and literary characteristics of contemporary prose fiction; the
novel as a literary genre; study of selected novels and themes, such as modernism, post-
colonialism, gender and postmodernism; and Christian perspectives on fiction.

HU3310 LITERATURE AND CHRISTIAN FAITH

This subject examines English literature in the light of the Christian faith, adopting an
historical perspective, ranging from Middle English to modern literature, and offering
a selective analysis of key literary texts and authors writing within a variety of genres.
Important themes that relate to the Christian faith are identified and discussed. Topics
include most or all of the following: Middle English literature and the Bible; the importance
of Christianity to literature; the idea of pilgrimage; use of typology; translations of the Bible;
post-Reformation literature; Shakespeare; metaphysical poetry; Milton; 18th cen¬tury
literature; Roman¬ticism and the shift in religious ideas in this period and the resulting
interest in Platonism and neo-Platonism, pantheism, dissenting forms of Christianity, and
Blake’s attack on conventional Christianity; the importance of nature; the tendency towards
pantheism; critical writings of Coleridge and the idea of the imagination; Victorian literature
and evolution, science, and loss of faith; modernism and the idea of epiphany, the new
conception of self; 20th century religious writing; Beckett; and contemporary Australian
literature.
Creative
Writing
HU3320 CLASSICAL LITERATURE
This subject provides an in-depth critical study of a selection of classical literature. It
examines the cultural and literary characteristics, genre and historical context of selected
works, from the earliest civilisations through to the close of the Roman period.

HU3120 SELECTED THEMES IN AUSTRALIAN LITERATURE

This subject provides a study of the development of Australian literary traditions and helps
students to appreciate, enjoy and criticise texts, while developing increasing language
competence and understanding of people. The following themes in Australian literature are
explored: literary reflections on the bush; attitudes to heritage and tradition; indigenous
peoples and ethnic minorities; archetypes, national values and cultural identity; and
interactions with progress and modernity. In particular, consideration is given to: the idea of
a distinctive literary tradition in Australia; the literary treatment of the bush; and attitudes
to hierarchy and authority, and to wealth, success and the ‘good life.

HU3220 FANTASY LITERATURE AND THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION

This subject surveys modern fantasy literature from its origins in 19th century England to
present day Australian fantasy writers. Particular attention is paid to the dominance of the
Christian writers and Christian themes in early fantasy literature and in its golden era under
Tolkien and Lewis. The Christian response to atheistic and neo-pagan themes in some streams
of contemporary fantasy is also examined.

HU3340 THE ICELANDIC SAGAS

The Icelandic Sagas are among the oldest of all European literature and have not only been
influential on such modern writers as J.R.R. Tolkien, but are also essential for an understanding
of early English literature. In this subject the student will study a selection of early Norse
mythology, family sagas, and the poetic Eddas. The student will also look at the history of
Icelandic settlement, the role of men and women in Norse culture, and other historic, cultural
and mythical backgrounds necessary for a thorough understanding of the Sagas. This subject
will draw upon the nuances of the original Old Icelandic, but no prior knowledge of Icelandic is
required for enrolment.

HU3370 SHAKESPEARE AS LITERATURE

This subject will examine the body of Shakespearian literature including the Sonnets, the
Histories, the Tragedies and the Comedies. The student will become familiar with the historical
and literary context of the writings, the authorship controversies, the Elizabethan theatre, and
the influence of the Shakespearian corpus on English literature.

HUMANITIES ACTIVITIES AND
SPECIAL EVENTS
Publications
The Tabor Humanities faculty encourages
scholarship among its faculty and students.
Its staff and postgraduate students are
regular contributors to journals and
anthologies in their respective fields.
Book Launches
With our Humanities faculty committed to
publishing within their respective fields, we
are blessed every year with the opportunity
to hold a number of book launches, to
which students are invited. These are
always enjoyable occasions in which we can
celebrate the appearance of a new book
and meet and mix with guests from other
academic institutions and professional
fields.
Gospel and Culture Series
The Humanities faculty hold annually an
evening lecture series over 3 or 4 weeks in
conjunction with a major cinema or publish-
ing event that provides an opportunity to
discuss Christian faith in the context of
contemporary culture. Past series have
included The Matrix trilogy, The Narnia film
and books, and the DaVinci Code. These
well-attended series are open to the public
and are generally held in the chapel
Creative
Writing
Scholarship and Fellowship
The Humanities faculty is committed to
encouraging interaction and dialogue
among its staff and students. Faculty-
wide activities such as sausage sizzles,
quiz nights, film nights and barbeques are
scheduled once a term. Also, the faculty
organises a series of discussion evenings
on topics of interest to Humanities
students, and through its Creative Writing
Department, has sponsored since 2004 a
monthly Writers’ Circle, The Literati, which
is open to all past and present students and
staff. Both groups meet in the loft area for
pizza, drinks and discussion.
Christian Professional Writers
Association of SA
The Christian Professional Writers Associa-
tion, currently convened by Wendy Noble
and Dr Rosanne Hawke, meets monthly at
Tabor and is open to all published authors
and to Tabor post-graduate students in
creative writing. The group offers support,
information on such things as contracts and
publication opportunities, and organises
special events.
Creative
Writing
STAFF PROFILES.
Rev Dr Mark Worthing (Deputy
Head Humanities Creative Writing
Coordinator )
Mark has a long-standing interest in science
and theology, ethics, English literature and cre-
ative writing. One of his books God, Creation
and Contemporary Physics (Fortress Press,
1996) won a Templeton prize for best new
book in science and religion. He is also author
of When Choice Matters: An Introduction to
Christian Ethics and The Matrix Revealed:
The Theology of the Matrix Trilogy. Mark is
a published poet and a frequent speaker at
conferences in Australia and overseas.
Yr Ham (Senior Lecturer)
Yr has a Diploma in Ministry, a Bachelor of The-
ology and a Masters in Creative Writing. She
is the Humanities contact person for External
Studies and an Associate Lecturer in Humani-
ties. Yr has published several short stories and
poems, many of which are inspired by her
childhood in Iceland. She is currently studying
her PhD at Adelaide University.
Associate Lecturer in English and Creative
Writing
Claire has a BA in Social Sciences from Flinders
University, an MA in Creative Writing from
Tabor, and supervises post-graduate students
in Creative Writing and English. She provides
editing advice and writes short stories,
poems and novels for young adult and adult
audiences.
Dr Rosanne Hawke (Senior Lecturer in
Creative Writing)
Rosanne has written more
than a dozen books for
young people.
She has taught primary school, ESL and
creative writing; and has also served as an
overseas aid worker with TEAM in Pakistan and
the UAE.
She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the
University of Adelaide. Her book Soraya the
Storyteller was short listed for an Australia
Children’s Book Council (CBC) award and the
SA Festival Award; Wolfchild was short listed
for the Aurealis Awards, and Across the Creek
won the 2005 Cornish Holyer an Gof Award.
Rosanne is a Varuna, May Gibbs and Asialink
Fellow, and is a Bard of Cornwall.
Dr Joh Wurst (Senior Lecturer in
English)
Joh has a BA (English/History/Politics),
B.Th., Dip. Ed., and a Ph.D (Hebrew Scrip-
tures/Religion/Ancient Literature/Literary
Theory). She has a lengthy background in
teaching English at a secondary level, with
expertise in Shakespeare, modern poetry,
modern drama, Australian literature, and
classical literature. She has worked as a
freelance writer and editor; an equity, diver-
sity and conflict management consultant.
 Creative
Writing
STAFF PROFILES.

Dr James Cooper (Academic Ben Morton (Associate Lecturer in

Administrator and Lecturer in
Creative Writing)
James has a background in Indigenous
education, philosophy of education and
social research. He has completed post-
graduate study in creative writing at Tabor.
As well as coordinating external studies in
the School of Humanities, James is also a
marker and tutor for Intro to Creative writ-
ing, Creative Writing: Poetry and Creative
Writing: Prose Fiction.
Creative Writing)
Ben has a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and
Creative Writing, Certificate IV in both
Multimedia Design and Christian Studies,
along with an Advanced Certificate of
Ministry, and an MA in Creative Writing. He
has had published many poems and short
stories and has worked for many years
as a cartoonist/illustrator. Ben also has a
background in church youth leadership and
creative ministry.

**The course also includes a selection of authors and literary identities who serve as
workshop leaders, guest lecturers and thesis supervisors.
Recent contributors/visitors to our creative writing programme have included:
Dr Anne Bartlett, Adelaide University, author of Knitting.
Dr Christobel Mattingley, AM, award-winning children’s writer and author of Sur-
vival in our Land.
DM Cornish, fantasy writer and illustrator (Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy).
Janeen Brian, award winning children’s author and poet.
Katharine England, book reviewer for The Adelaide Advertiser and selected journals.
John Waddington-Feather, British poet and children’s author.
Susan Rintoul, editor.
Contact details

Dr Mark Worthing
(Deputy Head of Humanities)
(08) 8373 8742
mworthing@adelaide.tabor.edu.au

James Cooper (Humanities Academic Administrator)

(08) 8373 8740
jcooper@adelaide.tabor.edu.au

visit us at: www.adelaide.tabor.edu.au, or

call us on: (08) 8373 8777

(from outside Australia, dial 0011 61 08 83738777),

or complete the form provided and post it to Tabor

Adelaide.
POSTAL ADDRESS

Tabor Adelaide
Humanities Department
Attn: James Cooper
PO Box 1777
Unley SA 5061
AUSTRALIA

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TABOR ADELAIDE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES

WRITING AND PEN