Module: CW7505-30 Writing in the Field

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Stephen Moss

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.moss@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

An introduction to “writing in the field”: using your own experience of people, places and environment as a source and inspiration for creative writing. This module also sets the foundations for independent study. It aims to develop the student’s ability to observe and creatively respond to the human and natural environments that surround us within urban and rural settings.

2.Outline syllabus

This module also sets the foundations for independent study. This module is designed to give students a real sense of what writing from experience in the field is about. It usually begins with an intensive week of outdoor and indoor workshops focusing on experiential writing, engagement in landscape, place and language; representations of journeying, nature, culture and people. These themes are followed by a semester of on-line seminars based around the set texts with group tutorials and workshops and individual discussions and appraisals via email and other electronic communications.

3.Teaching and learning activities

This course consists of 11 sessions. The content may be delivered as a standalone module in one location over 11 weeks or adapted to an intensive/low residency version.

Session 1: Successful habits for Writing in the Field

Session 2: Drawing inspiration from people and places.

Session 3: Writing form memory

Session 4: Immersion and Experience

Session 5: Knowing your audience

Session 6: Critical readings and comparisons/

Sessions 7 -9 : Workshops, self-directed projects and/or group work in actions sets.

Session 10: Becoming a Professional. Applying

Session 11: Feedback

NB For the low residency version many activities are done through online forums such as Minerva and/or Google Hangouts. This may involve:

• Digital seminars (for example, Google Hangouts) involving precise, creative, critical and sensitive group discussion of various aspects of their own and other students’ creative work, in a variety of settings.
• Minerva: postings of essays, critical material and creative writing related to the module syllabus, and based on writing in the field
• Residential courses and/or intensive creative labs with in-depth lectures, presentations and discussions involving experts, the course leader and students.
• Formative fieldwork assignments encouraging students to expand their writing practice and observational abilities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: A short essay reflecting on the experiences, readings and discussion within the module and drawing from your contextual and creative journals. (2000-2500 words or equivalent).
• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Creative writing from experience, research and response to texts 6 – 10 short pieces (500 words each, or equivalent)
• % Weighting: 70%