Programme Specifications

NAWE Creative Writing Subject Benchmark statement (2008) and underging review against QAA Creative Writing (2016)

September 2023

• September 2023

gain a knowledge of the history, culture and theories of literature by studying a range of primary texts of different genres from different historical periods.

develop a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current literary problems and/or new insights, which are at the forefront of critical and theoretical debates.

explore the relationships between texts, and between texts and their contexts

develop the ability to write an originally conceived and sustained piece of research

become self-reflective readers of literary and theoretical texts

develop their own critical voice

become independent learners who can use a broad range of reference tools, assimilate and appraise substantial amounts of information, and address, define, and solve problems

develop an ability to arrive at independent conclusions and make judgements

develop an ability to express themselves clearly in speech and in writing

develop their own interests and manage their own learning through their choice of options

develop a broad repertoire of writing techniques

develop a responsiveness to the writerly demands made by subject matter, audience, genre, and style

develop the ability to work in a sustained and cumulative way on a writing project over an extended period of time

develop the ability to compose, revise, edit, sub-edit and finalise a piece of writing as part of a regular work routine

develop good habits of sustained, self-critical, and active engagement with chosen subject matter, including creative, imaginative, and transactional writing tasks

develop the ability to produce originally conceived and effective written work

gain a knowledge of the history, culture and theories of writing by studying a range of primary texts of different genres from different historical periods

develop a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, which are at the forefront of critical and theoretical debates about writing

explore the relationships between texts, and between texts and their contexts

investigate how different theories contribute to the practices of writing

become reflective readers of literary and theoretical texts

become independent practitioners and learners able to address, define and solve problems

develop an ability to arrive at independent conclusions and make judgements

develop an ability to express themselves clearly in speech and in writing

develop their own critical and creative voices

develop their own interests and manage their own learning

• To develop interpretative, critical and creative skills relevant to the analysis and appreciation of audiovisual media

• To provide opportunities for students to acquire a wide range of academic, communicative and creative skills relevant to the above

• To give students an opportunity to combine academic study and understanding of Film and Television considered both as product and productive process, along with a developed appreciation of these media as modes of perceiving and representing the world.

• To enable students to acquire theoretical and practical experience and understanding of audiovisual cultural forms through a variety of methods, including individually designed research and practical exploration (singly and in small groups).

• To equip students with a range of graduate skills which will enhance their employability;

• To enable students to proceed to more advanced modes of study or production.

The successful student will have gained a knowledge and understanding of:

A1 their own writing practice, in terms of a reflective self-awareness of some of their own strengths and characteristics as a writer.

A2 the variety of options available to writers in presenting subject matter, and some of the effects of choosing one option rather than another

A3 some of the theories (for instance, of genre, register, rhetoric, and audience) which influence writing practice.

A4 key relevant aspects of the relations between texts, and between texts and their contexts

A5 a range of different literary genres from different historical periods

A6 a range of theories and debates about literature across different historical period

A7 the relations between texts, and between texts and their contexts

A8 the major theoretical issues associated with literature from different period.

• Key concepts and theories involved in the analysis and academic study of the product of the film and television industries

• Understanding of the structures and processes involved in the manufacture of the product of those industries and in their reception and consumption

• Awareness of the history of film and television in the 20th century, with particular focus on Britain and America, along with opportunities for comparison with other traditions

• A wide range of styles, genres, practices and codes involved in construction and consumption of cultural media, including fiction and non-fiction and other related modes

• Explicit and implicit modes of discourse sustained and developed, consciously and unconsciously, in audiovisual culture

• Problems and processes involved in creative practice relevant to film and television, individually and in groups

Intellectual Skills:

The successful student will develop an ability to:

B1 Analyse and interpret a variety of texts

B2 exercise independent thought and judgement, and demonstrate self-direction in tackling and solving problems

B3 engage critically and self-reflectively with complex material, major concepts, and assess the significance of key literary thinkers

B4 interrogate and apply a variety of theoretical perspectives

B5 present sustained persuasive and coherent arguments

B6 communicate the results of their studies clearly and articulately

B7 plan and organise work and present work to deadlines

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Seminars and workshops are used to develop these skills, which are assessed by independently devised and researched coursework assignments and a dissertation.

Practical skills

The successful student will develop:

C1 research skills, including the ability to analyse issues and theories, to assimilate, select and organise relevant material, and to use a variety of research tools in paper and on-line formats

C2 writing skills, including competence in structuring and presenting arguments, word-processing skills, and the ability to used recognised presentational skills, including bibliographical and notational conventions

C3 an ability to work in groups

C4 time and task management, initiative, and personal responsibility

C5 independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

core skills-based modules

student presentations

preparation for written assignments

essay writing

seminars with small-group components

independent study

extended research skill

Assessment

coursework assignments

essays on topics to be devised by the student

orally presented research papers

dissertation of writing project

• The ability to examine critically a range of film and televisual situations and forms, exploring their meanings and implications

• Critical awareness of the status and provenance of meaning in audiovisual culture, fictional and non-fictional

• The ability to locate and to draw upon a wide range of sources to support analysis, investigation and argument

• The ability to apply course-derived understandings to debates about the significance of film and television in contemporary culture

• The ability to work effectively and imaginatively, individually and in teams in a variety of aspects of film, television and media production.

The successful student will develop an ability to:

D1 analyse issues and theories

D2 research, assimilate, select and organise relevant material using a variety of research tools in paper an on-line formats

D3 sustain academic writing across an extended assignment

D4 structure and present cogent and substantiated arguments that are complex and nuanced

D5 work as part of a group or team

D6 manage their time effectively

D7 produce word-processed documents to a high standard

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

student presentations

group work

seminars in 'workshop' format

independent study

essay writing

extended research

Assessment:

coursework assignment

essays on topics to be devised by the student

orally presented research paper

dissertation/writing project

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

tutor-and-student-led workshops and seminars

encouragement of methods of working on longer pieces which incorporate on-going processes of composition, reflection, revision, and feedback

encouragement of habits of 'articulated practice', for instance, in the form of reflective working diaries and the acquisition of relevant theoretical ideas and terms

Assessment:

module assignments

writing portfolio

oral presentations

• The ability to structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations, and for a variety of potential users

• The ability to pose and solve intellectual and practical problems

• The ability to listen and make critical use of advice

• The ability to make effective use of available (including on-line) resources

• The ability to manage time effectively , both independently and under supervision

• The ability to work creatively

• The ability to utilise problem-solving skills in a variety of situations

• The ability to work independently, and in groups

• The ability to use a range of information technology skills and resources, appropriate to tasks.