MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: UARAEM-30-1 Title: Introduction to Creative Writing Version: 2
Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: FCA Field: Drama
Faculty Committee approval: Quality and Standards Date: 24 June 2010
Approved for Delivery by: indicate name of affiliated institution if module will only be delivered by them
Valid from: Sept 2010 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Entry requirements: If the module is offered as CPD or stand alone, indicate the entry requirements
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate:
• Knowledge of the different techniques used in poetry, prose, plays for stage and radio, and screenplays (assessed through Component A: 1, 2 and 3).
• An ability to analyse published texts of writers successful in their genres (assessed through Component A: Elements 1, 2 and 3).
• An ability to write imaginatively and originally (assessed through Component A: 2).
• Skills in constructive criticism and creative editing (assessed through Component A: Elements 2 and 3).
Syllabus outline:
The module will provide tutor-led exploration of the works of various writers with a view to learning about their structure, style and appeal. We will use our understanding of these works to create governing ideas, effective guidelines, and principles on which to base the students own writing.
By concentrating heavily on practical exercises particular to the different forms of writing, we aim to help each student discover an original voice.
Teaching and learning methods:
This module will be taught through a combination of workshops and group work in which students will be prepared to discuss texts from the reading list and to participate in writing exercises set by the tutor. Writing will be read aloud in class groups and used to develop the student’s ability to reflect critically on their own work and that of others.
Students will be expected to keep a work book which will include their own reflections on and evaluation of the workshop. In addition, students will create a portfolio which contains the creative writing which they choose to submit for evaluation.
Reading Strategy
Students will be encouraged to read widely using the library catalogue, a variety of bibliographic and full text databases, and Internet resources. Essential reading will be provided electronically or as printed study packs.
Guidance to some key authors and journal titles available through the Library will be given on UWEonline. It is expected that assignment bibliographies and reference lists will reflect the range of reading carried out.
It is important that students can identify and retrieve appropriate reading. At the start of the module, students will attend a workshop on the selection of appropriate databases and search skills.
Indicative Reading List: (see guidance notes)
The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.
Atwood, Margaret |
Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002). |
Churchill, Caryl |
Shorts: Short Plays (London: Nick Hern Books, 1990). |
Dixon, M.B. (ed) |
Ten Minute Plays from the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville: Volume 2 (New York: Samuel French Inc., 1992). |
Housman, A.E. |
A Shropshire Lad. (London: Harrap, 1940) |
Lessing, Doris |
The Habit of Loving: A collection of short stories (London: Penguin, 1960) |
McKee, Robert |
Story: Substance, structure, style, and the principles of screenwriting (London: Methuen, 1998). |
Pinter, Harold |
The Servant and other screenplays (London: Faber and Faber, 1991). |
Stoppard, Tom |
In the Native State: Best Radio Plays of 1991 (London: Faber and Faber, 1992). |
Tyler, Anne |
The Accidental Tourist (London: Vintage , 1992) |
Williams, Tennessee |
A Streetcar Named Desire and other plays (London: Penguin, 1997) |
Assessment
Please state which element of assessment should be recorded as the final assessment for the purposes of submitting data on non-submissions to HEFCE. (For further information please contact Academic Registry.)
Final assessment is the Creative Writing Portfolio COMPONENT A ELEMENT 2
This is a Project module and, therefore, has only one Component of Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 100%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity (Sit)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1 Workbook and Research Presentation 40%
2 Creative Writing Portfolio Final Element of assessment 50%
3 Participation (for the whole module) 10%
Second Assessment Opportunity (Resit) (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1 Workbook and Research Presentation 40%
2 Creative Writing Portfolio Final Element of assessment 60%
EXCEPTIONAL SECOND ATTEMPT (Retake): Attendance at taught classes is required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)