Module: CWR6001-20 Poetry as Synthesis 1

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Carrie Etter

Module Tutor Contact Details C.Etter@bathspa.ac.uk

This module is a pre-requisite for CWR6006-20  Poetry as Synthesis 2.

1. Brief description and aims of module: 

This module is designed to enable students to work on a single piece of extended creative writing (a collection of poems), applying and developing the skills they have learned at Levels 4 and 5.

Each session will include a short sharp treatment from the tutor on one aspect of this: the choice between lyric and narrative, irony, the work of the line, the work of the sentence, and so forth. Each student will be expected to bring at least one new poem along to every session. Alongside this, the module will give serious attention to the protocols of the poetry publishing market, mainly concentrating on UK, but also looking at the US market.

2. Outline syllabus: 

You will keep a Research & Planning Folder as a practical tool to investigate your own reading and writing processes. It may include a reflective journal, as well as in-depth research and planning specific to the chosen project.

As the module progresses, you will work on the opening to your project with teaching sessions focused on, for example, The Work of the Line, irony, rhyme, embodiment, transformation, observation and imagination, and the market for publication.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Part of the sessions will be devoted to individual tutorials, and part to workshopping, during which you will be encouraged to make informed and practical criticism of your peers’ work. There will be whole-class exercises, smaller group work and individual working.

At least one plenary session will be delivered, and students of this module will be welcome to attend the MA professional plenary series.

As well as encouraging high literary and academic standards, the tutor will advise on professional aspects of the work, and on approaches to getting published.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research / Planning Folder (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: First installment of Project (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50