Module: CWR6003-20 Advanced Non-Fiction Project 1

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Katharine Reeve

Module Tutor Contact Details K.Reeve@bathspa.ac.uk

This module is a pre-requisite for CWR6008-20  Advanced Non-Fiction Project 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 (an extended piece of non-fiction), applying and developing the skills they have learned at Levels 4 and 5.

2. Outline syllabus:

This module is for students who wish to begin writing a substantial piece of creative non-fiction work.

The first weeks will be spent identifying, defining and researching the chosen project. You will keep a Research & Planning Folder as a practical tool to investigate your own writing processes. It may include a reflective journal, as well as in-depth research and planning specific to their chosen project.

As the module progresses, you will work on your projects with teaching sessions focused on, for example, the importance of first lines and paragraphs; characterisation; plotting; structure; voice; and numerous other aspects relevant to the chosen genre. You will be expected to bring your work to as close to publishable standard as possible, demonstrating an advanced understanding of your target audience and the market for your work.

Students will be split into workshop groups relevant to the projects they are completing.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Some of the sessions will be devoted to individual tutorials, and part to workshopping, during which students will be encouraged to make informed and practical criticism of each other’s 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