Module: CW7032-30 Writing Now

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Philip Hensher

Module Tutor Contact Details: p.hensher@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

A context module which aims to acquaint students with works of fiction as they are produced for the first time, and to follow the works’ reception, publication history, handling, sales, critical responses both professional and online, as well as discussing the effects, traditions, literary qualities, success and inventiveness of each work of fiction. The publishing history of each novelist would be discussed, and the different positions that each novel finds itself in, trying to find a readership.

2.Outline syllabus

1. An analysis of the substance of a selection of newly published novels.
2. An analysis of the broader contextual framework in which these novels are responded to by the first readers, including paid critics, online comments, book groups, prize juries and bookshops.
3. A deeper focus on the trends that have produced each novel, and where necessary a discussion of the previous work of a novelist, or of other publications by a particular publisher, website or literary agency.

3.Teaching and learning activities

• Eleven weekly three-hour seminars
• Visiting speakers, including the publishers and authors of some of the books considered, invited to reflect on the experience of publication
• Online discussion of each work
• Minerva: postings of essays, critical material and creative writing related to the module syllabus
• Students would be expected to attend literary events relating to one or more of the books being discussed, eg at festivals, or readings in bookshops.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: An essay (2,000 words)
• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: A longer (5000 words) piece of creative writing
• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: A self-reflective essay (1000 words)
• % Weighting: 20%