What happens when memoir, fiction and fraud blur together? This course explores literary hoaxes, plagiarism scandals and disputed life stories to ask why truth still matters in publishing and reading.

Through cases such as The Hand That Signed the Paper and recent controversy around The Salt Path, you’ll examine questions of authorship, credibility, ethics and reader trust. A lively course for keen readers interested in literature, public debate and the pressures of the so-called post-truth age.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Learn about some literary hoaxes and authors pretending they are not who they really are.
• Why do people lie about who they are?
• Would you still read a book you knew was a lie?
• Is there a psychology behind being a fantabulist or is it just to sell books?
• How do readers and publishers navigate 'truth' in this era of lies?
• Why do facts matter more than ever? 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Why we feel let down by authors who lie?
• Understanding the idea of 'crossing a line' when it comes to lies
• Explore the idea of needing to lie to make a 'splash' in publishing

COURSE RESOURCES

• The Salt Path Author (The Independent, UK)
  https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/raynor-moth-winn-bill-cole-salt-path-b2788081.html
• ABC Conversations audio: On the Salt Path
  https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/raynor-winn-on-the-salt-path/103170728