In this unit students learn research skills by focusing on an auto/biographical topic of their own choice; for example a literature student may wish to research and write the life of a favourite author. Students survey a large range of autobiographical and biographical writing, life stories and personal history narratives in order to examine, analyse and practise different models. They learn various methods of preparation prior to writing, and then how to write their auto/biography in workshops, which encourage peer reviewing. In order to place their life subject in focus, students research contextual background, target markets, readership, and publication. They learn about the importance of ethics and legalities in their personal history research through lively in-class discussions.

Students also have the opportunity to write commissioned biographies for people in the community, for example for people in aged residential communities like Elimatta, in Mount Lawley, or for people with sight problems through the Association of the Blind for WA, or for Mission Australia. The interviews, conducted by the students, have mutually therapeutic value for both the biographical subjects and for the students. The subjects often suffer loneliness, so the meetings in themselves provide pleasant contact with students. The fact that their life stories are taken seriously enough to have them written by another person also endows community subjects with a sense of well being, and of having led a life well lived. The students learn to think of perspectives other than their own and hear of life experiences involving circumstances that they could not possibly encounter themselves. There is a strong philanthropic edge, too, to this unit as the product is copied and presented as a book to the community subject. The unit always applies for, and is granted, a unit licence for ethics and follows strict guidelines.

This unit has been showcased by the Pro Vice Chancellor for Engagement and the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts in an official ECU document featuring examples of the University’s engagement with the community.

1. describe the principles of auto/biographical writing;
2. collect data from a range of sources and adapt for use;
3. synthesise disparate factual information into coherent auto/biographical commentary or narrative;
4. conduct research and planning for auto/biographical writing, utilising such resources as the Alexander Library;
5. write auto/biography for target readerships;
6. apply a range of appropriate theories and methodologies to auto/biographical writing;
7. discuss the ethical and legal responsibilities of auto/biographical research and writing; and
8. complete all stages of auto/biographical writing in a professional way with an emphasis on high standards of editing.

1. Principles, theories and methodologies of auto/biographical writing.
2. Auto/biographical writing forms, life stories, personal history narratives, and autobiographical commentary.
3. The analysis of forms of auto/biographical writing and market research into readers of auto/biographies in order to determine target readership.
4. auto/biographical research and preparations for writing, including genealogies.
5. Data collection and adaptation: the skills of synthesising, and recreating into coherent commentary or narrative.
6. The auto/biographical writing process.
7. The ethics and legalities involved in professional research for autobiographical writing.
8. The editing of auto/biographical writing for general and specialised publication.
9. Ghost writing.
10. Biographical versus autobiographical writing.

Lectures, seminars, workshops and independent study.

The following graduate attributes will be developed in this unit:

• Ability to communicate.
• Ability to generate ideas.
• Cross-cultural and international outlook.