MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: UARAH9-15-1 Title: Creative Writing: Plays and Screenplays Version: 1

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 15 ECTS credit rating:

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:

Entry requirements: If the module is offered as CPD or stand alone, indicate the entry requirements

In addition to those with standard qualifications, such as A-levels, the Faculty welcomes non-standard applications for this module. All applicants must submit a brief rationale as to why they would like to take part, along with a c.v. and short example of creative writing (in total no more than 500 words).

Excluded combinations:

Learning outcomes:

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

• Knowledge of the different techniques used in writing plays for stage and radio, and screenplays. (Assessed in Elements 1, 2 and 3).

• An ability to analyse published texts from writers successful in their genres. (Assessed in Element 1.)

• An ability to write imaginatively and originally in these genres. (Assessed in Elements 2 and 3.)

• Skills in constructive criticism and creative editing. (Assessed in Elements 1, 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 and unique voice.

Teaching and learning methods:

The module uses a blended learning approach, which includes online learning and workshops 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 possibly be presented online for peer evaluation in order to develop the student’s critical ability both for their own work and for that of others.

Students will be expected to keep a workbook which will include their own reflections on and evaluation of the workshop, as well as to develop their research into the genres. 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.

Churchill, Caryl	Shorts: Short Plays (London: Nick Hern Books, 1990).
Dicky, James Dixon, M.B. (ed) Glendenning, Robin	Deliverance: a Screenplay by James Dicky from his novel (London: Screenpress, 2003). Ten Minute Plays from the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville: Volume 2 (New York: Samuel French Inc., 1992). Best Radio Plays of 1991 (London: Methuen, 1992).
Hodges, Mike	Get Carter: The Screenplay (London: Screenpress Books, 1999).
Pinter, Harold Shaffer, Peter Shakespeare, William	The Servant and other screenplays (London: Faber and Faber, 1991). Equus (London: Longman, 2007). Hamlet (Cambridge: CUP, 2003).
Stoppard, Tom	In the Native State: Best Radio Plays of 1991 (London: Faber and Faber, 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.)

This is a project Module and therefore has only one component of assessment.

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Research Presentation (40%)

2. Creative Writing Portfolio (Final Element of assessment (50%)

3. Participation (for the whole module) (10%)

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Research presentation (50%)

2. Creative Writing Portfolio Final Element of assessment (50%)

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ………………………… (Associate Dean/Programme Director)