Unit information: Creative Writing, Prose Fiction: Representing the World in 2020/21

Unit name	Creative Writing, Prose Fiction: Representing the World
Unit code	ENGL20113
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Mimi Thebo
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of English
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

In this unit, students learn the practical skills of fiction. They will write their own original fiction and explore various forms of narrative in a supportive group environment. Informed by previous reading of fiction and their understanding of critical issues, students will also use their close reading skills to help each other develop as fiction writers in the workshop. The workshop teaching method provides each student with continual feedback and formative assessment throughout the unit and develop the valuable ability to give and take criticism in a group environment and to rework writing in light of criticism received. This learning experience will enable students to begin a practice of writing prose and to develop valuable insights for the study of fiction in general.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a practical understanding of the components of prose fiction and the terminology of prose construction.
2. respond to a brief and produce an original piece of creative writing.
3. evaluate the relationships between literature, culture, society and place as a practitioner.

Teaching Information

Teaching will involve asynchronous and synchronous elements, including group discussion, research and writing activities, and peer dialogue. Students are expected to engage with the reading and participate fully with the weekly tasks and topics. Learning will be further supported through the opportunity for individual consultation.

Assessment Information

• 1 x short story of 2000 words, to be submitted with first draft, workshop comments and 500 word process paper outlining student craft decisions and discussing ethical questions arising in the short story (100%). [ILOs 1,2,3].

Reading and References

Hensher, Philip, ed. The Penguin Book of British Short Stories: from PG Woodhouse to Zadie Smith

Brande, Dorathea, Becoming a Writer

Prose, Francine, Reading Like a Writer

Wood, James, How Fiction Works

King, Stephen, On Writing