Module Information

Module Identifier
WR11020
Module Title
Beginning Creative Writing
Academic Year
2026/2027
Co-ordinator
Dr Ann Matthews
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
View example reading list on Aspire
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Portfolio  Short fiction 3000 Words  100%
Supplementary Assessment Portfolio  Short fiction 3000 Words  100%

Learning Outcomes

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

Demonstrate knowledge of narrative techniques used across a range of short prose, and the ability to apply these skills in their own creative writing.

Demonstrate an ability to work independently, developing critical and self-reflexive awareness of their own writing practice

Produce work that demonstrates focused reading and a sound understanding of creative approaches and contexts

Demonstrate, by the revision of work previously developed in exercises, an ability to improve their critical and creative writing in response to feedback from peers and tutors.

Brief description

This module introduces students to the basic structures of a range of short prose narratives and the techniques. It focusses on honing plots, character and structure, specifically for producing short stories.

The students will participate in weekly seminar/workshops. They will participate in close reading (of short stories, critical work and their own and peers work; group work (discussion, exercises and workshopping); and independent study (reading, writing, and research). The module is designed to provide regular opportunities for formative feedback as well as summative feedback.

Aims

To introduce students to the concept of creative practice, enabling them to develop creative, reflection and writing skills that they will use on all modules.
To Introduce them to effective ways of studying and working within an undergraduate setting through: group work; close reading; and effective independent study.

Content

The module will be taught through a combination of seminars and workshops, allowing students to study and discuss a range of short stories, as well as giving them opportunities to write and workshop their own work. The module will look in detail at a number of key writing techniques including: structuring a story; developing character/s; setting the scene; focalisation and Point of View; narrative time; writing dialogue.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Co-ordinating with others Participation and collaboration in workshops and seminars
Creative Problem Solving Dealing with the technical problems of writing fiction and critical reflection, including the correct use of conventions and English usage.
Digital capability Use of word-processing skills to prepare and submit portfolios, accessing material on Blackboard, use of digital resources for research.
Professional communication Written communication in assessed work, oral communication in seminars and workshops.
Real world sense Developing writing for wide audience
Reflection Reflecting on responses to feedback from peers and tutors. Reflecting upon their own work to improve and develop skills, applying this to assessment.
Subject Specific Skills developing and improving narrative and structuring techniques in producing short pieces of prose.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4