Module: CW7506-30 - Context, History & Genres in Creative NonFiction

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

A contextual module, which aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the way the various genres of creative non-fiction writing (e.g. Travel Writing, the New Nature Writing, plus other relevant genres such as Popular Science, Environmental Writing etc.) have developed over time, from the past to the present, and how this both reflects and shapes social, cultural, historical and environmental issues in Britain and around the world.

2. Outline Syllabus & Teaching & Learning Methods

This module gives students an overview of the history and development of creative nonfiction writing over time, from historical works to the present-day, with a particular focus on the past 50 years. This includes an analysis of the broader contextual framework in which creative non-fiction writing is found: the social, cultural and political changes that have shaped the different genres over time, and in different parts of the world. We also focus more deeply on specific authors and works, which best reflect these changes, and make critical comparisons between authors and works from different times, places and backgrounds.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: An essay on the historical, social and/or scientific context of an aspect of creative non-fiction writing, OR a critical essay comparing two works or authors in a particular field.
• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: A longer (2000-3000 words) piece of creative writing written to fit a specific travel or nature writing genre OR a creative project using a range of media (e.g. audio, video, visual art, photography) as well as writing.
• % Weighting: 50%