module specification

The module develops students’ understanding of writing for performance through two syllabuses that focus on original writing for stage, and on performance poetry and the spoken word. Students will learn about the creation and adaptation of original dramatic material for the stage and the writer’s critical relationship to acting, directing and production histories, and the history, culture and practice of performance poetry; performance skills and the adaptation of material to audience, medium and venue, and critical and theoretical perspectives on performance poetry and the spoken word.

Completion and pass (120 credits) of previous level.

This module cannot be taken in addition to SJ5016 The Writer’s Craft level 5.

Available for Study Abroad? YES

The first part of the module discusses the writing and production of original material for stage (LO1/LO4) in the context of a given playwright’s work (LO2) and productions of classic dramatic texts in a modern and contemporary context (LO2/LO3). Students learn about production history, dramaturgy, direction and theoretical approaches to drama as well as studying different adaptations and staging of dramatic works, especially those of Shakespeare.

The second part of the module focuses on performance poetry, poetry readings and poetry’s crossover with performing arts (LO1) and examines performance traditions from folk, jazz and theatre to rap and slam, reflecting the historical and cultural diversity of performance poetry and poetry in performance (LO2). Students will study anthologies and the structure of selection by which they operate, as well as gendered, themed and genre traditions (LO2/LO3). The module is also concerned with researching practical aspects of performance and field research such as enquiries about performance opportunities and sites (LO4).

Practice: group discussions and workshop activities explore, deepen and refine students’ understanding of the writing, adaptation and performance process (LO1/LO5). Regular reading, performance, writing and criticism exercises (small group and individual) develop specific craft skills (LO1/LO5).

The module is taught in three-hour weekly classes comprising of seminar discussion and workshop. It is assessed through pieces of written coursework, presentation and/or performance that offer students the opportunity to develop skills required for a range of writing forms, as well as for a future in writing and publishing.

Scheduled teaching ensures that independent study is effective and addresses the learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Students are expected to, and have the opportunity to, continue with their studies outside of scheduled classes. There will be a range of learning strategies deployed and individual learning styles will be accommodated. The module’s learning outcomes, its contents and delivery, have been scrutinised and will be regularly reviewed to ensure an inclusive approach to pedagogic practice.

The module and course utilise the University’s blended learning platform to support and reinforce learning, to foster peer-to-peer communication and to facilitate tutorial support for students. Reflective learning is promoted through assessment items and interim formative feedback points that ask students to reflect on their progress, seek help where they identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes, and make recommendations to themselves for future development. Throughout the module, students build a body of work, including reflections on progress and achievement.

The School’s programme of employability events and embedded work-related learning within the curriculum supports students’ personal development planning. Through these initiatives, students are increasingly able, as they progress from year to year, to understand the professional environment of their disciplines, the various opportunities available to them, and how to shape their learning according to their ambitions.

On successful completion of The Writer’s Craft, students will be able to:

Cognitive Intellectual Abilities
LO1 evaluate to an advanced degree, showing awareness of recent scholarship and research, the generic, affective, expressive and ethical qualities of prose, dramatic and/or poetic texts for (i) a narrative and visual performance context or (ii) story, technique, genre and form.

Knowledge and Understanding
LO2 analyse performances, performance texts and/or prose texts to an advanced degree, showing awareness of recent scholarship and research, across a number of genres, periods, locations and styles, and demonstrate understanding of writers’ cultures, values and beliefs and the diverse contexts of writing, distribution and consumption of recent and contemporary creative productions or literary works.

Subject-specific Skills
LO3 evaluate and/or perform creative literary texts with an awareness of genre, production medium, cultural context, audience and tone, showing awareness of recent scholarship and research.
LO4 critically assess to an advanced degree the history, practice, technique, theory and production of writing (inc. adaptation) for narrative and/or visual performance, showing awareness of recent scholarship.

Transferable Skills
LO5 adapt work in response to criticism of technique, performance and form raised in tutorial, workshop and feedback.

End of year portfolio submission (001), consisting of assignments submitted throughout the year:

● 3000 word critical review of dramatic production process (20%) (LO1/LO2/LO4) – wk18

● 1500 word critical essay or 5 pages of poetry + 500 word commentary (20%) (LO1-LO5) – wk23

● 2000 word poetry review or 10 mins poetry performance + 800 word commentary (30%) (LO1-LO5) – wk29

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