Overview
This advanced portfolio course develops the sustained production, critical revision, and professional presentation of a substantial body of creative writing. Students may work in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, hybrid forms, or an approved combination of genres.
Instruction emphasizes portfolio coherence, sequencing, genre conventions, thematic development, stylistic range, and the distinction between developmental and line-level revision. Students use workshops, individual conferences, self-assessment, and close study of exemplary portfolios or published collections to refine their work.
Students maintain an editorial rationale documenting selection, exclusions, ordering, revision history, intended audience, and aesthetic principles. Professional practice includes manuscript formatting, submission standards, cover letters, biographical statements, reading preparation, copyright awareness, ethical representation, and constructive participation in literary communities.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate the formal, stylistic, thematic, and editorial qualities of creative writing across an extended portfolio.
- Synthesize individual works into a coherent portfolio with a clearly articulated aesthetic and editorial vision.
- Revise creative work substantially in response to workshop discussion, independent analysis, and faculty guidance.
- Apply appropriate manuscript formatting, submission conventions, copyright principles, and ethical standards to professional creative practice.
- Construct an editorial rationale that explains portfolio selection, sequencing, exclusions, revision history, and intended readership.
- Provide nuanced, constructive, and genre-aware feedback on peers' creative work.
- Defend creative and editorial decisions through an oral presentation supported by sustained critical reflection.
- Assess personal development as a writer by identifying significant changes in craft, process, and professional practice.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Practicum | 1 hour | Fortnightly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Portfolio proposal and editorial plan | 10.00% |
| Attendance | Workshop participation and peer feedback | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Revision dossier and reflective commentary | 20.00% |
| Deliverable | Professional manuscript and submission materials | 15.00% |
| Capstone | Final creative writing portfolio | 30.00% |
| Test | Portfolio presentation and oral defense | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
