Writing Workshop: Fiction
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ENGL4144 | English | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- ENGL4144
- School
- English
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module explores the structures, techniques, and methodologies of fiction through both creative and analytical practice. Students examine a range of international fiction from a writers perspective, with an emphasis on craft. Assignments include creative exercises of imitation or modelling, as well as direct responses to works of fiction in ways that demonstrate a practical understanding of their qualities. Analytical writing focuses on the functional aspects of selected works. Particular issues for consideration might include narrative voice and technique, point of view, character development, dialogue, plot, and setting. Students consider not only the elements of fiction, but also how those elements contribute to overall structure of a narrative.
Target Students
Only available to on-site postgraduate students in the School of English.
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 30% Coursework 1: Essay, 1500 words
- 70% Coursework 2: 3,500 word portfolio of original fiction, taking into account considerations specific to literary form
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To provide students with an opportunity to practice and refine their skills as writers, to examine fiction creatively and critically, and to develop a working knowledge of narrative structure.Learning Outcomes
(a) Knowledge and understanding of:
- the elements of fiction, including narrative voice and technique, point of view, character development, dialogue, plot, and setting
- the relationship between reading and writing creatively
(b) Intellectual skills:
- the ability to think critically about fiction
- the ability to examine fiction as a product of particular techniques and practices
- the ability to apply selected techniques to one’s own writing and to discuss their effects
(c) Professional practical skills
- the ability to write adaptively to suit a specified creative context
- the ability to present a logical and sustained argument in an analytical context
(d) Transferable (key) skills:
- the ability to reflect upon and assess progress of oneself and others