| Unit name | Creative Writing Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL30126 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Mimi Thebo |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
In this unit, students will work independently with one on one advice from their tutor to create an extended piece of original creative writing (two short stories, a long story, the beginning of a novel or a collection of poetry).
They will also complete a contextual paper, placing the work in the context of contemporary literature and describing how their understanding of critical concepts helped to form the creative work.
By the end of the unit, students will have experience of working independently on a creative project and of responding creatively to criticism from their tutor. They will also be able to speak about their work in terms of both critical issues and issues/themes/trends in contemporary literature.
This unit may be of particular interest to students who may be interested in further study in creative writing, or who are interested in publishing or other work in the creative sector.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1) demonstrate the ability to carry out some original research.
2) respond creatively to the critical intervention of a tutor in an editorial role.
3) write about their creative work effectively and maturely.
4) create a new original body of work in prose or poetry.
The creative writing dissertation will involve asynchronous and synchronous elements, including a programme of writing guidance, and one-to-one consultation and feedback from the designated supervisor. Students are expected to manage their time and pursue their independent writing. Learning will be further supported through opportunities for peer dialogue and organised ‘writing retreats’.
Key reading and references will vary depending on the student’s own creative writing. Tutors will help students consider both critical and literary contexts, which will involve a programme of reading.
