Module Information
Module Identifier
ENM6120
Module Title
Writing Fiction: Wider Explorations
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 11 x 2 Hour Seminars |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Written Assessment 1 x 3500 word - 1 or 2 complete stories | 75% |
| Semester Assessment | Commentary Assignment 1 x 1500 word commentary on the fiction submitted, plus bibliography (bibliography is not included in the word count) | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit Written Assessment Resubmit failed or missing assignment of 1 x 3500 word - 1 or 2 complete stories | 75% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit Commentary Assignment Resubmit missing or failed 1500 word commentary on the fiction submitted, plus bibliography (bibliography is not included in the word count) | 25% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate, in both creative and evaluative writing, an advanced understanding of themes and techniques used in fiction.
2. Demonstrate, in critical prose, an understanding of their own writing processes.
3. Improve their work in response to criticism.
Aims
This module is to be expanded from five to ten weeks to fit the pattern used for MA literature modules. This will be done by splitting the existing theory / workshop sessions into separate seminars and workshops. This will increase contact time and allow a deeper exploration of the issues covered.
Brief description
This module provides a forum in which students will assess and practise a range of approaches to the writing of fiction, with appropriate reference to the work of contemporary writers, including an exploration of wider issues related to the practice of writing. Members of the group will be expected to pursue a programme of reading from the recommended texts provided, and to present creative work for workshopping.
Estimated Student Workload
Contact time: 20.5 hours
Preparation for workshops and seminars: 80 hours
Estimated Student Workload
Contact time: 20.5 hours
Preparation for workshops and seminars: 80 hours
Content
Seminar 1: Beginnings
Focusing on a range of relevant excerpts, we shall address the structuring of fictions, with a particular emphasis on openings.
Workshop 1: Beginnings
Students will produce the opening of a story for workshopping.
Seminar 2: Endings
Focusing on a range of relevant excerpts, we shall address the structuring of fictions, with a particular emphasis on closure.
Workshop 2: Endings
Students will produce the ending of a story for workshopping.
Seminar 3: Memory
Using a range of extracts, we shall examine the operation of memory, and its importance for the production of both autobiographical and fictional writings.
Workshop 3: Memory
Students will produce for workshop a piece of writing incorporating a personal memory.
Seminar 4: Imagination
Using a range of extracts, we shall look at the ability of writing to create vivid imaginary scenarios, including some that transcend reality.
Workshop 4: Imagination
Students will either return to their memory-inspired piece and transform it into fiction by the use of imaginative elements, or create a new piece using an imagined scenario
Seminar 5: A sense of place
Using a range of extracts, we shall examine the importance of a sense of place in the writing of fiction.
Workshop 5: A sense of place
Students will produce for workshop a piece of writing that evokes a sense of place.
Focusing on a range of relevant excerpts, we shall address the structuring of fictions, with a particular emphasis on openings.
Workshop 1: Beginnings
Students will produce the opening of a story for workshopping.
Seminar 2: Endings
Focusing on a range of relevant excerpts, we shall address the structuring of fictions, with a particular emphasis on closure.
Workshop 2: Endings
Students will produce the ending of a story for workshopping.
Seminar 3: Memory
Using a range of extracts, we shall examine the operation of memory, and its importance for the production of both autobiographical and fictional writings.
Workshop 3: Memory
Students will produce for workshop a piece of writing incorporating a personal memory.
Seminar 4: Imagination
Using a range of extracts, we shall look at the ability of writing to create vivid imaginary scenarios, including some that transcend reality.
Workshop 4: Imagination
Students will either return to their memory-inspired piece and transform it into fiction by the use of imaginative elements, or create a new piece using an imagined scenario
Seminar 5: A sense of place
Using a range of extracts, we shall examine the importance of a sense of place in the writing of fiction.
Workshop 5: A sense of place
Students will produce for workshop a piece of writing that evokes a sense of place.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | N/A |
| Communication | Oral through workshop and seminar discussion, written through assignment |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Through revision of work in response to workshop feedback |
| Information Technology | Through Blackboard and wordprocessing skills |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Through critical reflection and the development of transferable communication skills. |
| Problem solving | Through dealing with problems of writing and research |
| Research skills | Through online research |
| Subject Specific Skills | Creative writing (fiction), literary research and criticism |
| Team work | Through co-operation in workshops and seminars |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7