Programme Specifications
Creative Writing and Drama and Theatre
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
NAWE Creative Writing Subject Benchmark statement (2008) and underging review against QAA Creative Writing (2016)
Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:
Dance, Drama and Performance Studies
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
gain a knowledge of the history, culture and theories of literature by studying a range of primary texts of different genres from different historical periods.
develop a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current literary problems and/or new insights, which are at the forefront of critical and theoretical debates.
explore the relationships between texts, and between texts and their contexts
develop the ability to write an originally conceived and sustained piece of research
become self-reflective readers of literary and theoretical texts
develop their own critical voice
become independent learners who can use a broad range of reference tools, assimilate and appraise substantial amounts of information, and address, define, and solve problems
develop an ability to arrive at independent conclusions and make judgements
develop an ability to express themselves clearly in speech and in writing
develop their own interests and manage their own learning through their choice of options
develop a broad repertoire of writing techniques
develop a responsiveness to the writerly demands made by subject matter, audience, genre, and style
develop the ability to work in a sustained and cumulative way on a writing project over an extended period of time
develop the ability to compose, revise, edit, sub-edit and finalise a piece of writing as part of a regular work routine
develop good habits of sustained, self-critical, and active engagement with chosen subject matter, including creative, imaginative, and transactional writing tasks
develop the ability to produce originally conceived and effective written work
gain a knowledge of the history, culture and theories of writing by studying a range of primary texts of different genres from different historical periods
develop a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, which are at the forefront of critical and theoretical debates about writing
explore the relationships between texts, and between texts and their contexts
investigate how different theories contribute to the practices of writing
become reflective readers of literary and theoretical texts
become independent practitioners and learners able to address, define and solve problems
develop an ability to arrive at independent conclusions and make judgements
develop an ability to express themselves clearly in speech and in writing
develop their own critical and creative voices
develop their own interests and manage their own learning
Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:
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• To empower students to become articulate practitioners and creative thinkers; self-reflexive and analytical; able to communicate and account for their aesthetic interests and choices; curious about research and the exploration of theory; eager to participate in intellectual debate.
• To provide students with key forms of theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for an understanding of drama, theatre and performance as related sites of study, thought and creative practice.
• To encourage the academic examination of a broad range of forms and genres of drama, theatre and performance, looking through and beyond historic paradigms to explore and understand the development of contemporary practices.
• To develop methodologies for critically analysing a wide range of dramatic, theatrical and performative texts and practices, both historic and contemporary, contextualising a knowledge of these within relevant historical, aesthetic and socio-political conditions.
• To examine ways in which drama, theatre and performance are constructed, disseminated and received.
• To develop and employ distinctive pedagogical approaches - both practical (practice as research) and theoretical (analytic, historical, critical, contextual) - which utilise the particular cultural and geographical resources of Aberystwyth - its landscape, language and history - and which value its characteristic physical, social and cultural ecology; to utilise the particular material assets of Aberystwyth as a creative stimulus.
• To draw upon traditions of experimental theatre-making, particularly devised performance and site-specific work, which have been developed in Wales.
• To provide students with the opportunities and conditions for experiential and reflective learning, encouraging practical initiatives in conceiving theatre and performance and the acquisition of embodied knowledge.
• To enhance the development of personal intellectual skills (of research and analysis) necessary for independent and collaborative research in both academic and creative contexts.
• To enhance the development of interpersonal and teamwork skills for independent and collaborative research in both academic and creative contexts, to deadlines and under pressure, with flexibility, imagination, self-motivation and organization.
• To enhance the development of communication skills, enabling students to express themselves coherently, imaginatively and persuasively in writing, performance and interactive media
• To provide students with a sufficient range of intellectual, creative, practical and transferable skills and experiences, to make informed career choices.
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
The successful student will have gained a knowledge and understanding of:
A1 their own writing practice, in terms of a reflective self-awareness of some of their own strengths and characteristics as a writer.
A2 the variety of options available to writers in presenting subject matter, and some of the effects of choosing one option rather than another
A3 some of the theories (for instance, of genre, register, rhetoric, and audience) which influence writing practice.
A4 key relevant aspects of the relations between texts, and between texts and their contexts
A5 a range of different literary genres from different historical periods
A6 a range of theories and debates about literature across different historical period
A7 the relations between texts, and between texts and their contexts
A8 the major theoretical issues associated with literature from different period.
Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:
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A1 Drama, theatre and performance as related key concepts and sites of study, thought and creative practice.
A2 A range of dramatic, theatrical and performative texts, practices and genres from various historical, cultural and aesthetic contexts and genealogies.
A3 A range of key theatre and performance practitioners and practices, including theorists, writers, directors, designers, actors and critics and text-based, body and movement-based, image-based and site-based practices from a variety of performative, aesthetic and cultural traditions.
A4 The processes, methodologies and strategies by which drama, theatre and performance are created and realised.
A5 The ramifications of social, cultural, political and historical context upon the nature, form, function, circulation and reception of drama, theatre and performance
A6 Debates about the social, political and aesthetic function of drama, theatre and performance
A7 The impact of past traditions and paradigms on contemporary theatre and performance practice.
A8 Key contemporary trends in drama, theatre and performance practice.
A9 Critical perspectives on drama, theatre and performance and the interplay between practice and theory.
A10 The ramifications of cultural and geographic context upon dramaturgy and techniques of exposition.
A11 Personal responsibility for working within defined parameters, structures and resources to achieve creative outcomes; the importance of health and safety in the working environment
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
Intellectual Skills:
The successful student will develop an ability to:
B1 Analyse and interpret a variety of texts
B2 exercise independent thought and judgement, and demonstrate self-direction in tackling and solving problems
B3 engage critically and self-reflectively with complex material, major concepts, and assess the significance of key literary thinkers
B4 interrogate and apply a variety of theoretical perspectives
B5 present sustained persuasive and coherent arguments
B6 communicate the results of their studies clearly and articulately
B7 plan and organise work and present work to deadlines
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:
Seminars and workshops are used to develop these skills, which are assessed by independently devised and researched coursework assignments and a dissertation.
Practical skills
The successful student will develop:
C1 research skills, including the ability to analyse issues and theories, to assimilate, select and organise relevant material, and to use a variety of research tools in paper and on-line formats
C2 writing skills, including competence in structuring and presenting arguments, word-processing skills, and the ability to used recognised presentational skills, including bibliographical and notational conventions
C3 an ability to work in groups
C4 time and task management, initiative, and personal responsibility
C5 independent learning ability required for continuing professional development
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:
core skills-based modules
student presentations
preparation for written assignments
essay writing
seminars with small-group components
independent study
extended research skill
Assessment
coursework assignments
essays on topics to be devised by the student
orally presented research papers
dissertation of writing project
Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:
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10.2.1 Intellectual skills
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:B1 The ability to identify, describe, interpret and discuss critically a range of theatre and performance events and practices from various historical and artistic contexts and genealogies at an appropriate level both on paper and through oral means.
B2 The ability to understand the interplay between theory and practice in the academic study of drama, theatre and performance, its practices and practitioners.
B3 The ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate the structure and staging of theatre and performance as aesthetic events within a variety of stylistic conventions and genres and from a range of critical and theoretical perspectives.
B4 The ability to read and interpret performance texts from a range of critical perspectives.
B5 The ability to demonstrate an intelligent awareness of the repercussions of social and cultural context upon the form and function of drama, theatre and performance.
B6 The ability to work effectively in group settings to develop, rehearse and produce performances of various genres.
B7 The ability to embody and sustain intellectual argument through written, live or mediated presentation, demonstrating the requisite communication skills.
B8 The ability to formulate and implement individual research, drawing upon and selecting from a wide range of information sources to undertake independent enquiry.
B9 The ability to effectively notate and document workshops and procedures of development, rehearsal and performance.
Learning and Teaching:
Teaching methods will include: lectures, demonstrations, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops. Learning methods will include: structured academic reading; close discussion of topics guided by reading; research exercises, analytic exercises; production exercises; group projects.
Teaching and learning is via practical workshops, small-group seminars, lectures, production projects and group based project work. Teaching is frequently mixed-mode, interrogating theory through practical investigation and practice through the lens of various theoretical perspectives.
Assessment:
Assessment methods will include: written and practical examinations, critical and creative portfolios, practical productions, seminar presentations, group activities, and a dissertation. Increasing emphasis will be placed in teaching, learning and assessment methods on students’ independence and self-management of their own learning as they progress through the degree.
10.2.1 Professional practical skills (where appropriate)
The programme does not purport to offer professional theatre training. However, graduates will, in the normal course of study, encounter modules which teach fundamental performance production and theatre design skills. These will include the following: acting, lighting, design, set, scenography and technical theatre.
At the same time students will be encouraged to think creatively and to produce practical work that reflects current experimental trends in which theatre is seen as a component of an inter-disciplinary network of different artistic practices. To this end students will be asked to think about performance writing, choreography, and the use of digitalised images and other new media forms.
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
The successful student will develop an ability to:
D1 analyse issues and theories
D2 research, assimilate, select and organise relevant material using a variety of research tools in paper an on-line formats
D3 sustain academic writing across an extended assignment
D4 structure and present cogent and substantiated arguments that are complex and nuanced
D5 work as part of a group or team
D6 manage their time effectively
D7 produce word-processed documents to a high standard
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:
student presentations
group work
seminars in 'workshop' format
independent study
essay writing
extended research
Assessment:
coursework assignment
essays on topics to be devised by the student
orally presented research paper
dissertation/writing project
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:
tutor-and-student-led workshops and seminars
encouragement of methods of working on longer pieces which incorporate on-going processes of composition, reflection, revision, and feedback
encouragement of habits of 'articulated practice', for instance, in the form of reflective working diaries and the acquisition of relevant theoretical ideas and terms
Assessment:
module assignments
writing portfolio
oral presentations
Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:
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By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:
D1 Apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations
D2 Research, evaluate, synthesize and organise information independently and critically.
D3 Structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations and using a variety of oral, written, visual, and performative means.
D4 Develop effective time management, managing workloads effectively and operating within available budgets, resources and deadlines.
D5 Work responsibly, constructively and creatively in group contexts.
D6 Work creatively under the guidance of others.
D7 Work independently, taking the initiative where appropriate.
D8 Respond positively to constructive feedback and criticism and to be sensitive in offering feedback and criticism to others.
D9 Be self-motivated and self-disciplined, displaying a capacity for self-assessment and self-criticism and management of stress in a variety of work contexts.
D10 Use a range of information technology skills and resources.
Teaching and Learning:
Teaching methods will include: lectures, demonstrations, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops. Learning methods will include: structured academic reading; close discussion of topics guided by reading; research exercises, analytic exercises; production exercises; group projects.
Assessment:
Assessment methods will include: written and performed, written and practical examinations, critical and creative portfolios, practical productions, seminar presentations, group activities, and a dissertation. Increasing emphasis will be placed in teaching, learning and assessment methods on students’ independence and self-management of their own learning as they progress through the degree.
BA Creative Writing and Drama and Theatre [W841]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Joint Honours scheme - available from 2014/2015
Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 yearsBeginning Creative Writing Part 1
Beginning Creative Writing Part 2
Beginning the Novel
Classical Drama and Myth
Literary Theory: Debates and Dialogues
Literary Modernisms
Literature and Climate in the Nineteenth Century
Contemporary Queer Fiction
In the Olde Dayes: Medieval Texts and Their World
Writing Women for the Public Stage, 1670-1780
Effective Academic and Professional Communication 2
Remix: Chaucer In The Then and Now
Literatures of Surveillance
The Writing Project
Writing Horror
Writing and Place
Writing Music
Humour and Conflict in Contemporary Writing