Macquarie University

Writing: From Manuscript to the Digital Age - ENGL231

This unit's focus is on writing as practice, craft and function in historical and cultural contexts of reading and writing. What have changes in writing conventions, technologies, and distribution or publication output meant for ways in which writing is read and received? The contemporary age is one of radical changes in ways of thinking about writing and reading texts, but writing practices also have historical and cultural foundations that may be applied in new ways in digital, paper and creative environments. Reading practices too, are changing in the digital age, but there have always been different approaches to reading that have affected our choices and understanding of writing practices. Students will consider the contexts, practices and process of their own writing and reading in relation to wider cultural and historical influences, both past and present. Assessment for this unit aims to develop students' critical, reflective and research skills in factual and creative writing.