Module: CWR6109-20 Professional Practice

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Lucy Sweetman

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This is an industry module which focuses on a creative writer’s professional practice. It offers the opportunity to work on a self-directed project focusing on working as a writer, with other writers (for example on a literary event) and in roles in the literary world or charity sector (e.g. professional writing). You will develop a project portfolio of demonstrable transferable skills relevant to employment in the professional creative industries, with a focus on writing.

Through a negotiated professional practice project, you will hone skills such as reading aloud, public presentation, running a workshop, giving talks, professional writing, speaking as a writer, conducting interviews, and organising events for literary festivals and author events. By the end of the module, students will understand the diversity of a contemporary writer’s life and its various challenges and merits.

This module may be used to carry out a proposal for a live literature event created in the Live Literature module.

2. Outline syllabus:

A mix of lectures, workshops and directed independent work. Students will be split into groups according to their chosen area of focus within professional practice.

By studying examples and using informal lectures and discussion, students will take part in activities that mirror some of the professional activities of a contemporary writer. Outside class, students will follow their project plan and schedule. The students will be encouraged to engage in public activities featuring professional writers, such as talks and workshops, and to attend events such as author bookshop readings and literary festivals. Some of these will be free or subsidised by the subject, other optional events might incur a small cost.

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. Your tutor will suggest suitable events for you to attend.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Report (1000 words) on an aspect of professional practice (e.g. based on industry research related to your project)

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: A practical exploration of an area of professional practice and presentation of your project (4000 words)

• % Weighting: 80%