Module: CWR6006-20 Poetry as Synthesis 2

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Carrie Etter

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

Please note that in order to take this module you must have studied CWR6001-20 Poetry as Synthesis 1.

1. Brief description and aims of module: 

This module is designed to enable students to work on a single piece of extended creative writing (poetry), applying and developing the skills they have learned at Levels 4 and 5 and in Poetry as Synthesis 1.

This module synthesizes students’ skills not only in previous poetry modules, but also such cross-genre skills such as evocation/visualisation, structure, narrative, linguistic precision, distillation, and others.

2. Outline syllabus:

Taken in conjunction with Poetry as Synthesis 1, this module enables students to focus on creating a single, substantial body of creative writing.

Through lectures, seminars and group work students will be encouraged to develop ideas, build scenes and make decisions about the structure of their work. Teaching will focus on numerous aspects of reading and writing poetry.

The module is built around students producing a substantial extract (4000 words) brought to as close to publishable standard as possible. This work will usually consist of material following on from the work written and submitted in Poetry as Synthesis 1.

Alongside this students will produce a Critical Commentary (1000 words) in which they will analyse their own strengths and weaknesses – and consider their strategy for taking their work forwards. This commentary will also demonstrate an awareness of the current publishing market and where their work might be placed. There will also be a key focus on employability and/or the transferability of creative skills.

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

Some 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: Project (4000 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 80

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Critical commentary (1000 words)

• % Weighting: 20