Module Information

Module Identifier
ENM6520
Module Title
Writing and Publication
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 5 x 2 Hour Seminars
Workshop 3 x 2 Hour Workshops
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay Assignment  1 x 5000 word essay on some aspect of the publishing industry, plus annotated bibliography (bibliography is not included in the word count)  100%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit failed essay assignment  Resubmit failed or missing 5000 word essay assignment on some aspect of the publishing industry, plus annotated bibliography (bibliography is not included in the word count)  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate their understanding of matters relating to the publishing process. An indicative list of topics might include the role of agent and editor; the responsibilities of the author, particularly with regard to the preparation and presentation of material; and the role of specialist and small press publishing;

2. Demonstrate an ability to undertake relevant factual research;

3. Engage in discussion, at an appropriate level, with representatives of the world of publishing.

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 adding workshop discussions, group presentations and one-to-one tutorials to the existing visiting-tutor sessions. This will increase contact time and allow a deeper exploration of the issues covered.

Brief description

The aim of this module is to enhance students' awareness of the mechanics of publishing - the opportunities and constraints of the profession, the role of agent and editor in the publishing process and the responsibilities of the author, particularly with regard to the preparation and presentation of material. Visiting speakers from the publishing industry will contribute to the module and each session will be conducted as a seminar, with significant input from each speaker, but with students also participating in discussion. The module will cover important issues relating to the submission and editing of manuscripts, marketing, foreign rights, copyright and the role of booksellers

Estimated Student Workload
Contact time: 16 .5 hours
Preparation for workshops and seminars: 64 hours
Preparation of essay: 120 hours

Content

The structure of this module will depend on the number of students registered and the nature of the assignments chosen by the students. The following structure is typical.
Weeks 1-5. Five invited lecturers, all industry professionals, will discuss their roles with the students and, where appropriate, carry out workshop exercises with them. These lecturers may include
• A novelist
• A literary agent
• An editor at a major publishing house
• A small-press publisher
• The editor of a literary journal
• A blogger or online editor
• A radio playwright or producer.
Weeks 6-8. Students will be formed into groups based on the affinities of their proposed projects, and will give joint presentations on aspects of the publishing industry connected with the projects. These will be discussed by the class as whole.
Week 9. Students will receive one-to-one tutorials on their projects (30 minutes each) with the module tutor or an additional tutor engaged for the purpose.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number N/A
Communication Oral through workshop and seminar discussion, and group presentation (not assessed) 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 study of the creative industries and the development of transferable communication skills.
Problem solving Through dealing with problems of writing and research
Research skills Through wordprocessing and online research
Subject Specific Skills Writing academic prose
Team work Through group presentations and co-operation in workshops and seminars

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7