200-level

WRIT201
The Essay and Beyond: Creative Non-Fiction
Description
Non-fiction writing has a strong place within the traditions of literature, but has often tended to be neglected as a subject of study. To redress this, we will look at different genres of non-fiction: essays, popular science, travel writing, nature writing, and various types of 'life writing'. We will question the particular techniques and generic distinctions of texts studied, consider the specific subjects of non-fiction texts, examine how the texts are constructed and discuss their significance in the contexts most relevant to them. In addition, the course will explore the representation of place, displacement and placement; the history of subjectivity; recent interventions into postcolonial, globalisation and literary studies, and ecocriticism and human-animal studies; and the operation of gender and class as they apply to the production and readership of literary non-fiction.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from ENGL; DISC101 or DISC102; or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
ENGL201
WRIT220
Creative Writing: Storymaking and the Short Story
Description
In this course students explore storymaking with a focus on the short story. The course is structured into three modules: 'the beginning', 'middle', and 'end', and each includes diverse readings, guided writing exercises, and discussion. Students explore character, place, plot, structure, voice, meaning, resolution and editing, and the weekly workshops offer space for supportive feedback and experiment. By the end, students will have drafted, re-crafted and completed a short story, developed their fingerprint storytelling voice and style.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from WRIT or ENGL; DISC101 or DISC102; or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
ENGL220

Not Offered Courses in 2026

200-level

WRIT204
Communicating with Data and Digital Media
Description
This course explores how to write clearly about numbers, data and descriptive statistics, how text is turned into data and what such 'datafication' implies for communication practices. The first part of the course covers writing techniques, introductory data visualisation, presentation approaches for different audiences, and issues of interpretation and bias. The second part of the course focuses on textual data more closely, introducing common methods for analysing and extracting information from texts, then turns to a critical examination of social and ethical issues that arise through data collection and analysis.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see WRIT204 course details
Points
15 points
WRIT231
Creative Writing: Experiments in G.L.A.M Poetry
Description
This course offers instruction and advice in the practice of writing poetry. A number of forms and styles will be studied, and writing exercises will be used to extend and develop the individual student's range of competencies. The course will culminate in the production by each student of a portfolio of his or her original work.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see WRIT231 course details
Points
15 points
WRIT233
Creative Writing: From Page to Stage
Description
This course offers a hands-on introduction to one-act plays, guiding students through the essentials of dramatic structure, character development, dialogue, and stage direction. Over five weeks, students will read, analyze, write, and perform short plays, gaining insight into both the creative and performance aspects of theatre. Emphasis is placed on collaborative work, practical exercises, and the development of original scripts. The course will culminate in a live showcase of student-written one-act plays, allowing students to experience the full arc of theatrical production - from page to stage.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see WRIT233 course details
Points
15 points
WRIT239
Creative Writing: Eco-Lit in the Field
Description
In this course students will have a series of immersive experiences of the Aotearoa environment and explore a range of poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction texts by key writers including pioneers of environmental writing, contemporary writers, and writers with a strong Aotearoa New Zealand connection. Students will participate in daily lectures, writing workshops and guided writing exercises and walks, will engage in close observation and explore ways to effectively and powerfully communicate ideas about the environment, landforms and lifeforms through creative writing.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see WRIT239 course details
Points
15 points