Narrative Methods

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Dr Richard Hamblyn
• Assessment: a 3500-4000-word piece of creative prose (80%) and a 1000-word critical reflection (20%)

Building on the craft-based elements covered in your first year, in this module you will expand your understanding of the possibilities of prose writing. We'll be considering texts from around the world - some classic, some more experimental - in both fiction and creative non-fiction. You'll be introduced to key themes and topics that have proved inspirational for writers in recent times, finishing up with an examination of the forces shaping narrative prose today.

The module involves close reading and discussion of a range of seminal texts selected to broaden your understanding of literary form, style and structure. You will then take part in writing workshops, for which you will submit stories or extracts for group critique. You will also have the opportunity to meet individually with your tutor to discuss your writing.

In-class exercises and writing assignments will give you a chance to explore the themes and techniques covered in class, which you may choose to develop as the year progresses.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate awareness and control of the elements of fiction
• discuss and evaluate the work of fellow students and established writers in relation to elements of craft
• interpret, self-evaluate and communicate constructive feedback
• maintain a regular writing habit and produce more effective creative work independently
• understand sources of inspiration and creativity
• use language more confidently, precisely and imaginatively
• experiment with style and form
• display confidence and fluency in your own writing
• solve craft-related problems in your creative work
• implement the practice of redrafting and editing
• sustain and evaluate a work-in-progress
• demonstrate an awareness of the industry-standard expectations for the presentation of your creative work
• deepen your knowledge and understanding of contemporary fiction
• think critically and independently about creative works you have written and read
• develop the ability to edit and revise, to apply technique and critical analysis to the development of a piece of creative work
• present ideas and arguments in a variety of modes: visually, orally, verbally, reflectively, in practice, in groups, in writing
• work more efficiently and constructively within a group to critique work
• participate in workshop or small group discussion by listening and contributing ideas
• complete a 3500-4000-word piece of original prose.