Module: CWR4100-20 Explorations in Prose Fiction

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Steve Hollyman

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to produce confident and versatile readers and writers of prose fiction. It will introduce you to first class works of Prose Fiction from across the world, introducing you to globally significant writers whom you are unlikely to have encountered at A level. You will learn how to read as writers and discover how to deconstruct a work of fiction in terms of word-choice, grammatical structure, characterisation, setting, overall narrative structure, theme, intention, and genre. You will learn how to apply this technical and critical awareness to your own work and will begin to discover your own emerging writer’s voice.

2. Outline Syllabus:

You will be encouraged to think deeply about word choices and sentence structures and will have a firm understanding of basic grammar. You will look closely at wide ranging examples of prose styles, and you will discuss set texts at regular intervals, paying particular attention to prose style. You will be asked to write pieces that respond to the set texts. You will have experience of a wide variety of genres and will be aware of the ways in which writers use language appropriate to these genres.

Seminars, discussions and writing activities will follow the reading list of set texts. The weekly lecture will introduce the text and the seminars will then explore the text and its writer in greater detail.

3. Teaching and Learning Activities:

The module will be taught via a series of lectures, seminars and practical workshops.

The lectures will be tutor-led and didactic, with a focus on imparting important information on each set text.

During your seminars and practical workshops, time will be spent discussing the set texts and workshopping creative pieces. You may be asked to: participate in small and large group discussions on elements of the text; offer verbal analyses and responses to the set texts; identify successful technical elements within the set texts and apply these elements to your own writing;

During the second half of the seminar you may take part in writing exercises; offer up your work for peer critique; learn to identify successful and unsuccessful elements within other students' work and to respond in a constructive manner during small group workshopping sessions.

You will be expected to redraft work in the light of both peer and tutor feedback.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: 2,500 word sample(s) of prose fiction

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: 1,500 word study of a key text

• % Weighting: 40%