SJ5016A - The Writer's Craft part 1 (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||
| Module title | The Writer's Craft part 1 | ||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Art, Architecture and Design | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module develops students’ understanding of writing for performance by focussing on writing for the stage. Students will learn about the creation and adaptation of original dramatic material for the stage and the dramatist’s critical relationship to writing, acting, directing and production histories. Students learn about dramaturgy, direction and theoretical approaches to drama as well as studying different adaptations and stagings of dramatic works, especially those of Shakespeare.
Prior learning requirements
Completion and pass (120 credits) of previous level. Available for Study Abroad? YES
This module cannot be taken in addition to SJ6018 The Writer’s Craft level 6
Syllabus
The syllabus 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.
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.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
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.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of The Writer’s Craft Part 1, students will be able to:
Cognitive intellectual abilities
LO1 evaluate the generic, affective, expressive and ethical qualities of prose and performance 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 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 creative literary texts with an awareness of genre, production medium, cultural context, audience and tone
LO4 critically assess the history, practice, technique, theory and production of writing (inc. adaptation) for narrative and/or visual performance
Transferable skills
LO5 adapt work in response to criticism of technique, performance and form raised in tutorial, workshop and feedback
Assessment strategy
2000 word critical review of dramatic production process (100%) (LO1-LO5)