Module: CWR6004 -20 Planning and Writing a Novel For Young People 1

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Steve Voake

Module Tutor Contact Details S.Voake@bathspa.ac.uk

This module is a pre-requisite for CWR6009-20  Planning and Writing a Novel for Young People 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 novel for young people), 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 work for a young audience.

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 project 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, and you will demonstrate awareness of your target audience and market.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Some of the sessions will be devoted to individual tutorials, and some 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