EL35YB: CREATIVE WRITING: CREATIVITY AND CRAFT (2015-2016)

The course offers students the opportunity to develop both their theoretical understanding and practical application of creative processes and literary craft. Examples of writing by recognised authors and class members will be used to stimulate and illustrate key principles in the successful creation of fiction and poetry. The course will also introduce students to the challenges involved in editing their creative work to a professional standard and submitting it for publication. Teaching consists of practical advice and guidance from class tutors in a workshop environment alongside theoretical introductions to topics such as the uses of form, the role of voice in fiction and poetry, and effective editing. By enabling students to develop their understanding of, and practical skills in, the writing and publishing of prose fiction and poetry, the course also contributes to their future career potential (whether as creative or other kinds of professional writers), providing them with a better understanding of how literary works are constructed and how they contribute to the broader culture.

This course will not be available to students outwith the English Hons Programme.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View EL35YB Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: One completed portfolio of fiction of 2500-3500 words total, or one short portfolio of poetry comprising 60 to 120 lines (60%); one 1500 word piece analysing, in practical, writerly terms, the expressive, stylistic and formal effectiveness of a chosen poem or short story (30%); Seminar Assessment Mark (10%) For honours students only: candidates achieving a CAS mark of 6-8 may be awarded compensatory level 1 credit. Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit a new folio.

Throughout the course, students will receive regular oral feedback from both class tutor and class members in focussed workshop sessions. The re-drafting of coursework will also be subject to detailed, constructive feedback in both written and verbal form. Students will also keep a course journal.

Weekly feedback on journal work and class contributions. Detailed written feedback on summative assessment.

None.