Module: CWR6108-20 Live Literature

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Lucy English

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.english@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The live performance of literary work is now established as a key component of a writer’s professional practice. Live events such as literary festivals, readings and bookshop talks, provide writers with opportunities to connect with existing readers, reach out to new audiences, promote their work, and gain an additional income stream.

This module will enable you to develop a portfolio of skills to transfer to your future professional lives as writers and/or organisers of literary events. You will learn about event curation and programming, fundraising and basic budget management, and presentation skills (such as chairing panels, the creation of Powerpoint presentations and speech-writing).

You will discover the wide variety of literary events and be introduced to the wealth of live literature in Bath and Bristol, and in the South-West region. These might include the Bath Literature Festival, The Bristol Poetry Festival, and events organized by current and former students. You will be expected to attend live literature events during the module to further your understanding of curation, event programming and to gain first-hand knowledge of audience experience. This module will require you to step outside of your comfort zone and to be hands-on and proactive. Skills that you learn on this module will be valuable in finding future employment/internships and placements.

Your learning in this module can be developed further in one of the semester 2 modules, Professional Engagement or Creative Enterprise Project, where you can transform your proposal into a practical project.

2. Outline syllabus:

1. By studying examples and using informal lectures and discussion you will take part in activities that explore a range of live literature events such as author talks, interviews, chairing panels.

2. You will learn about festival programming, fundraising and budget management.

3. Outside class students will work either individually or in a team on a personal event project.

4. Your findings will be discussed in class and will inform your final submissions.

5. You will be encouraged to engage with public activities by professional writers such as talks, lectures and workshops and to attend events at literary festivals.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

You'll learn through participating in a variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations and performances. Handouts will be available on Minerva plus links to online material viewed in class. Individual tutorials to discuss your progress will be scheduled as part of the module timetable.

Field trips: you will be expected to attend a variety of live literature events, some of these will be free and some optional events might incur a small cost. Your tutor will suggest suitable events for you to attend.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: You will deliver your proposal for a live literature event in the form of a five-minute pitch-presentation.

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio (4000 words)

• % Weighting: 80%