Module: CWR6008-20 Advanced Non-Fiction Project 2

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Katharine Reeve

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

Please note that in order to take this module you must have studied CWR6003-20 Advanced Non-Fiction Project 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 (non-fiction), applying and developing the skills they have learned at Levels 4 and 5 and in Advanced Non-Fiction Project 1.

2. Outline syllabus:

Taken in conjunction with Advanced Non-Fiction Project 1, this module enables students to focus on creating a single, substantial body of creative non-fiction.

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 writing, including (but not limited to): characterization, plotting, structure and form, dialogue, pacing, suspense, emotion and editing.

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 immediately following the Project Opening written and submitted in Advanced Non-Fiction Project 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 (some students may wish to include a brief letter to an agent, seeking representation). There will also be a key focus on employability and 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 Extract (4000 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 80

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Critical commentary (1000 words)

• % Weighting: 20