Creative Non-fiction

 

Gellir astudio ‘Creative Non-fiction’ fel cwrs annibynnol ac fel cwrs dewisol ar gyfer y Dystysgrif Addysg Uwch mewn Astudiaethau Ysgrifennu Creadigol ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth. 

Ffeithiau Allweddol 

 

Iaith:  Saesneg 

Hyd:  10 Wythnos

Nifer y Credydau: 10

Tiwtor:  Dr Liz Jones  

Dull Dysgu: Ar lein  

Lefel: Mae'r modiwl hwn ar Lefel 4 FfCChC  

Cod y Modiwl: XM10710 

Ffi:  £130.00 - Cynllun Hepgor Ffioedd 

Nid oes modd cadw lle ar y cwrs hwn ar hyn o bryd

Byddwch y cyntaf i gael gwybod pan gyhoeddir dyddiadau newydd trwy ymuno â’n rhestr bostio.

 

Overview

​​Creative non-fiction (e.g. memoirs, personal essays, biography, literary journalism etc.) is a popular and publishable genre. This course will guide you through the techniques of creating your own ‘true story, well told’ and how to present it in a dramatic and compelling way. You will be introduced to the craft and techniques of creative non-fiction through a combination of writing exercises and readings.  

Programme 

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.   

  • ​Unit 1 – ​Introductions.​Overview of the course. ​What is creative non-fiction? Towards a definition of the genre (or genres). ​​Writing the personal: the memoir and the first person. ​Writing exercise(s). 
  • Unit 2 - ​The (true) short story: the personal essay and literary journalism.  ​Be your own compassionate critic – the critical portfolio and reflecting on your own work.  ​Writing exercise(s). ​
  • ​Unit 3 - ​The memoir. ​Approaches to the memoir. Writing about ourselves and others. The memoir and the autobiography. Ethics and the memoir. ​Writing exercise(s).
  • Unit 4 - ​Writing about real people. ​Approaches to biographical writing. The importance of empathy. Letting characters speak for themselves. ​Following your passion and taking cues from enthusiasms and curiosity.​ Writing exercise(s).
  • ​Unit 5 - ​Structuring your work. ​Be your own editor: drafting and redrafting. ​Review of work in progress. 
  • ​Unit 6 - ​Linear and non-linear narratives (e.g. flashbacks and fractured time techniques, circular constructions.) ​Review of work in progress.
  • Unit 7 - ​Narrative viewpoints. ​The first person singular and its alternatives.  ​Finding a market for your work, approaching a publisher or agent, the query letter.  ​Review of work in progress.
  • ​Unit 8 - ​Some things to avoid: editorialising, egocentrism and sentimentality. ​Review of work in progress. ​Course overview. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

  1. Identify and evaluate various approaches to creative non-fiction.  
  2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the various styles and stances of creative non-fiction. 
  3. Demonstrate an ability to develop and produce a short piece of non-fiction (1,000 words.) 

Assessments

  1. A critical portfolio. This should include:
  • Critical reflections on the process of creating the developed piece of writing (see below).
  • Critical reflections on some of the course reading materials (or on pre-negotiated wider reading). Weighting: 50% of marks
  1. Creative non-fiction essay (1,000 words)Weighting: 50% of marks 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:
• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.