Module: CWR5003-20 Lifewriting

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Lucy Sweetman

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.sweetman@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module prepares you to write nonfiction for a general audience that tells a story in ways that use all your skills as a creative writer. You write a true story about other people, but you write it in the way you would write a short story or a novel. At this level, we encourage you to write about other people, not yourself.

2. Outline syllabus:

About half the course will be spent reading a wide variety of good nonfiction books to see how the writer does the research and tells the story. Then you will pick a topic – this can be anything you want, but it has to be about other people, not yourself. Then you interview at least two people, with a lot of help in class on interview methods. Finally, you turn your interview and other research into a creative piece that tells a story.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Most of the teaching is done in workshops, with occasional tutorials and short (10-15 minute) lectures. Students also learn through reading, research, writing and rewriting.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Creative Portfolio 2,500 words

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Contextual Essay 2,500 words

• % Weighting: 50%