Module: CWR5004-20 Professional Portfolio

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Steve Hollyman

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.hollyman@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module builds on The Writer’s Workshop 1 and 2. It focuses on three related areas:

• Your own development as a writer in a specialist area of your choice

• Your knowledge of opportunities within the creative industries to get your work "out there".

• Your awareness of and confidence in yourself as an independent practitioner.

You'll also explore ways in which writers independently manage themselves (and their writing) in writing-related careers.

The module will help you to develop specialist skills in a chosen area of creative writing while at the same time helping you to think about your work and writing-related activities beyond University.

2. Outline syllabus:

You will develop your writing skills within a specialist field, and refine your understanding of how creative writing is presented within professional contexts surrounding the creative industries. The module is assessed via a Negotiated Professional Portfolio.

The negotiated Portfolio will enable you to extend your specialist skills within the context of the creative industries and related occupations. You will be encouraged to sharpen your writing skills, develop an understanding of the business of creative practice and adapt existing work for a specific publication, outlet or audience.

You may produce a negotiated Portfolio that takes forward work developed in your chosen R* modules. For instance, if you choose to specialise in writing short stories, you will write short stories during the first semester, and then for the Professional Portfolio you could adapt your short stories for a recognised segment of the literary market and prepare an accompanying promotional package. If you choose to specialise in writing for theatre, you will write a short play during the first semester, and then for the Professional Portfolio you could edit your play, market it and put on a live performance. In your Professional Portfolio, you will need to demonstrate that your work has been substantially adapted for a relevant market, and that you are aware of the possible outlets and audiences for your publication.

Looking forward, this module will help to prepare you for a greater level of independent study at level 6. It will enable you to develop both your writing skills and your employability skills, laying the foundations for enterprise-focused modules at L6 (i.e. “Strategy Camp” and “Creative Enterprise”).

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Your pattern of study will normally be as follows:

At the start of the module, you will attend an introductory lecture, during which the module leader will outline the module aims, assessment criteria and learning outcomes. Throughout the duration of the module, the module leader will continue to convene industry focused plenary lectures and/or workshops to broaden your knowledge of the practice of writing within a professional context.

You will pitch your ideas for your negotiated project before the module begins and you will then be assigned a tutor, who will help you to develop your negotiated Professional Portfolio in the second semester. This will consist of an industry-focused body of creative work that will (usually) extend from your experience in the first semester, and a market analysis / proposal positioning your work in a particular market (this should include a CV or an equivalent written account of your professional experience). Your tutor will meet with you to discuss your career aspirations and develop this market analysis / proposal. In your scheduled meetings with your tutor, you will identify the content of your Portfolio and review work in progress at key stages in your journey.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Professional Portfolio to include proposal, positioning statement (1000 words) and creative project (4000 words)

• % Weighting: 100%