Module: CWR5002-20 Genre Fiction

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Celia Brayfield

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.brayfield@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Genre Fiction is sometimes seen as the lesser counterpart to more serious ‘literary fiction’ and less attention is paid to its practitioners. However some genre fiction writers are the most highly paid in the industry, far more so than writers acclaimed for the quality of their writing.

But what is Genre Fiction? Is it a publishers’ convention in order to market books or are there recognisable forms and structures in certain types of writing? This module will examine four of the most popular types of genre fiction; Horror writing, Fantasy and Sci Fi, Romance and Crime and we will begin to understand how a reader’s expectations can dictate a writer’s choice of character, plot and language. By using contemporary fiction as examples we can also see how some writers are expanding or indeed subverting genres and that genre fiction writers are as passionate and committed to their craft as the winners of the Booker Prize. Central to the module is the way that all writing changes depending on the assumptions of reader and writer.

2. Outline syllabus:

Using informal lectures and seminar workshops we will learn how to read and interpret a text and how to understand the writer’s craft. We will produce creative work in response to the texts studied and workshop these pieces with fellow students. We will experiment with writing for different genres and begin to understand the expectations and demands of certain reading audiences. Throughout the module students will be produce their own examples of genre writing and demonstrate their willingness to experiment.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

*See Outline Syllabus above

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: A selection of work from the portfolio (2500 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: An analysis of four texts studied (2500 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%