Literature and Languages
Current Undergraduates
Option Seminar Module Descriptions
ENG9BS Creative Writing
Convenor: Dr Chris Powici
(Spring 2009)
This is a creative writing option that will cover the writing of prose fiction (novels, short stories) and non-fiction (travel writing, reportage, etc.) – and explore the relation and fusion of these forms. Students will have the guidance and opportunity to write travel articles, poems, feature articles and short stories.
The course aims to be as inspiring as it is instructive, taking students through the writing process, from their own original ideas to the realization of them. It will explore several types of creative writing and give students an insight into several forms and the possibilities of blending these: for example, the use of poetic prose in a travel article or the use of reportage in fiction. Creativity, research and editing will be central to the course which aims to be a training experience that will be invaluable to students in all their writing endeavours. Writing workshops will facilitate and stimulate students in finding their own unique voice and writing style, giving them an insight into several genres with all their possibilities and limitations.
While experiencing some of the best writing from an array of contemporary writers (see book list), students will become familiar with the practical techniques essential for the evolution of their work (through editing) to its highest potential. Aspects of the course will include: research methods, structure and narrative development, fiction and faction (i.e. the fictionalized documentary), characterization, and dialogue.
The course has three main aims: (1) To stimulate and support students in exploring their own ideas in several genres (the first sessions will consist of a series of confidence-building exercises to form a good foundation for each individual’s own work). (2) To equip students with the practical techniques essential for the effective realization of their work. (3) To give students a hands-on, practical literary experience which will provide a valuable insight into several literary genres.
Module Material: Students should compile a personal notebook to consist of notes, rough drafts, cuttings, photocopies , etc – anything that may inspire or interest them. These visual and verbal notebooks will be used rather as an artist uses sketch books: the raw material in them may form the foundation for work to be completed ‘in the studio’ (or in our case, on the computer).
Set Texts: TBA
| ENG9BS | Creative Writing |
|---|---|
| Module Structure: | The seminar is taught in weekly two-hour seminars. Attendance at seminars is compulsory. |
| Pre-requisite: | Normally, two English Studies modules at level 9 |
| Assessment: | Assessment will be by two pieces of work. |