Module: CWR6009-20 Planning and Writing a Novel For Young People 2

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Steve Voake

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

Please note that in order to take this module you must have studied CWR6004-20 Planning and Writing a Novel for Young People 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 (a novel for young people), applying and developing the skills they have learned at Levels 4 and 5 and in Planning and Writing a Novel for Young People 1.

2. Outline syllabus:

Taken in conjunction with Planning and Writing a Novel for Young People 1, this module enables students to focus on creating a single, substantial body of creative writing for a young audience.

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 the Project Extract written and submitted in Planning and Writing a Novel for Young People 1.

Alongside this, you will produce a Critical Commentary (1000 words) in which you will analyse your own strengths and weaknesses as a writer – and consider their strategy for taking the work forwards. This commentary will also demonstrate an awareness of the current publishing market and where the 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