SJ6P03 - Project (Creative Writing and English Literature) (2018/19)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2018/19 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Project (Creative Writing and English Literature) | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Art, Architecture and Design | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2018/19(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module allows students to explore in-depth a literary or creative writing topic of their own choice, subject to supervisor approval. It encourages students to pursue areas of personal, specialist interest, either based on topics they have previously encountered during their programme of modules or looking beyond the taught syllabus. Supervised independent learning and sustained research and writing will provide students with a focus for refining and drawing together a wide range of creative, scholarly and transferable skills which they have developed across their progamme.
The main aims of this module are: to enable students to become aware of the way specific literary topics relate to the broader field of critical or creative practice; to foster students’ understanding of the methodological choices appropriate to a particular project topic, including (where relevant) the contextual and theoretical research required for a creative writing project; to develop students’ ability to conceive, plan and carry through a sustained piece of work involving self-motivated, independent research; and to enhance students’ profile of personal and professional attributes as critical and/or creative practitioners.
Prior learning requirements
Completion and pass (120 credits) of previous level.
Syllabus
The content of this module will vary according to the student’s chosen topic. Guided by a list of English literature and creative writing tutors' areas of interest, students will choose a topic that focuses on some aspect of English literature, or choose to write in a creative genre such as fiction, poetry, drama, life-writing or other creative nonfiction. With guidance from a supervisor, students will formulate a project proposal, including aims, method and a basic research and writing plan (LO1, LO2).
A Weblearn site will be used as a source of support. Over the duration of two semesters and with the ongoing guidance and support of their supervisor, students will complete a long dissertation-style essay, or creative writing of equivalent length, based on this plan (LO3, LO4).
Each chosen topic must involve research, reading and reflection on a scale and at a depth appropriate for a 30-credit final-year module.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module consists primarily of independent study, supported by individual supervision meetings. There will be some introductory workshops on aspects of the research process, such as on preparing a project plan, identifying and using information sources, and referencing.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Cognitive intellectual abilities
LO1 conceive and plan a substantial project entailing a process of independent critical enquiry and/or creative practice;
Knowledge and understanding
LO2 identify methodological, stylistic, theoretical and/or contextual choices relevant to a specific project topic and to personal literary interests;
Subject specific skills
LO3 complete a sustained piece of critical or creative practice involving independent research, writing and editing;
Transferable skills
LO4 prepare a written project with attention to professional standards of expression and presentation.
Assessment strategy
Formative assessment will comprise submission and discussion of drafts of each student’s writing with his or her individual supervisor during the year.
The project plan will typically be around 1000 words. It may alternatively comprise an extract of writing from the final project, such as a draft chapter.
The final project will typically be around 10000 words in length. It must additionally contain a bibliography. Creative writing projects comprising poetry or script will have an appropriately reduced word count. All creative writing projects must include an academic reflective commentary.
Bibliography
Core
Students will be advised individually by their supervisor on reading specific to their chosen topic.
Other
Bryan, G., (2014) How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation, Palgrave Macmillan
Cottrell, S., (2014) Dissertations and Project Reports: A Step by Step Guide, Palgrave Macmillan
Carter, S., (2012) Structuring Your Research Thesis, Palgrave Macmillan
Fabb, N. and Durant, A., (2005) How to Write Essays and Dissertations: A Guide for English Literature Students, Pearson Longman
Creme, P., (2008) Writing at University: A Guide for Students, Open University Press
McMillan, K. and Weyers, J., (2011) How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports, Prentice Hall
McMillan, K. and Weyers, J., (2013) How to Improve Your Critical Thinking and Reflective Skills, Pearson Education
Murray, N. and Beglar, D., (2009) Writing Dissertations and Theses, Pearson Longman
Lipson, C., (2005) How to Write a BA Thesis: A Practical Guide from Your First Ideas to Your Finished Paper, University of Chicago Press
Swetnam, D. and Swetnam, R., (2004) Writing Your Dissertation: The Bestselling Guide to Planning, Preparing and Presenting First-Class Work, How To Books
Walliman, N., (2014) Your Undergraduate Dissertation: The Essential Guide to Success, Sage Publications
Electronic Databases:
Academic Search Complete
JSTOR