An Introduction to Genre

This course is an introduction to writing creatively in various fictional genres. The course will examine: what is genre and what do different genres offer a writer?
Using a variety of fictional texts, students will learn to recognise the features and functions of different types of genre fiction. Students will be encouraged to explore and experiment creatively with a range of material and techniques. The course will cover, but is not restricted to, the following genres: crime fiction, historical fiction, horror, romance and science fiction and fantasy.
It is suitable for beginners who might be trying to write creatively for the first time and for more experienced writers who are keen to develop and improve their writing skills further.
This distance learning course enables you to study from home and participate in an online community of other students learning about genre fiction. The module is delivered through Blackboard, our online learning environment.
An introduction to genre can be studied as a stand-alone course, but it is also one of three core modules for the Certificate of Higher Education in Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University.
ASSESSMENTS
1. Written piece of genre fiction (1200 words; 60%)
2. Critical reflective commentary (800 words; 40%)

Note

This module is at CQFW Level 4