Programme Specifications

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

Languages and Related Studies

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 the learner’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the French-speaking world, past and present, including selected aspects of language, culture, history and institutions, as a complementary element of a degree predominantly (approximately 2/3) in another subject;
• to develop a resource of intellectually-trained individuals capable of acting as bridges of understanding and conduits of knowledge between the French-speaking and British cultures;
• to enhance by the addition of a French element (amounting to approximately one third of the total programme) the learning experience of students following degrees predominantly in another subject;
• to develop and enhance students’ communication skills and their capacity both for independent and co-operative working;
• to release graduates into a wide range of employment contexts as lifelong learners.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

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.

1. French language (spoken and written);
2. French-language culture in its widest sense (including film, literature and linguistics);
3. French history and contemporary French society;
4. key methods and concepts of cultural and/or linguistic analysis;
5. the position of all of the above in a wider European and world context.

Acquisition of 1 is through small-group classes and regular assessed coursework, with emphasis on group discussions/conversations. Additional support is provided through both assisted and self-access facilities for language learning in the Language Resource Centre. The year abroad provides total immersion in the target language and culture. Acquisition of 2-5 is through a combination of lectures/seminars in year/level 1, and subsequently developed through increasingly seminar-based teaching in later years. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and to consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen written examinations (1-5), assessed coursework (1-5) in the form of essays (1-5), oral examinations and classes (1), other set assignments or tasks undertaken under examination conditions (1-5), and extended essays (1-5).

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

1. reason critically
2. apply filmic and/or linguistic and/or literary and/or other cultural concepts;
3. identify and solve problems;
4. analyse and interpret;
5. demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.

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

Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 10). Each course, whatever the format of the teaching, involves discussion of key issues, practice in applying concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and interpretation of material, and feedback for learners on work produced.

Assessment

The variety of assessment methods employed places great emphasis (as shown in their assessment criteria) on the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills 1-5 through the production of coherent written and oral responses either to problems or tasks set. Most learners produce at least one extended essay during their studies (specifically for the year abroad) which provides a vehicle for the demonstration of these skills.

1. retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources;
2. plan, undertake and report a bibliographically-based piece of research;
3. speak, write and read French at high or near-native level of proficiency;
4. apply key methods and concepts of cultural and linguistic analysis.

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

All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in libraries and elsewhere. Bibliographies are provided for each course at the outset, as are guidelines for the production of coursework essays and extended essays. Classes and tutorials are given on cultural, historical and linguistic concepts, and on translation techniques. Students are required to read texts in French for all courses. The year abroad promotes the active learning of language to a high level as well as the development of intercultural awareness.

Assessment

Skills 1-5 are primarily assessed through coursework (independently producedessays and translation assignments), which forms an integral part of the assessment for all courses in French culture and linguistics. Additionally, skill 4 is assessed in unseen written examinations in these areas. Language is assessed throughout in oral classes (in which a topic presentation and active participation contribute to the assessment), by coursework and by unseen written examination.

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

1. structure and communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing;
2. manage time and work to deadlines;
3. participate constructively in groups;
4. work independently;
5. find information and use information technology;
6. be self-reliant;
7. assess the relevance and importance of the ideas of others.

All courses except FR10210 require regular written work, usually in the form of essays, and regular feedback on this is given to the learner to develop not only their understanding but also their powers of expression (1). Skill 2 is learnt (rather than taught) through the management of time to meet the various and sometimes conflicting deadlines (all notified at the outset of each course) for submission of coursework. Skills 3 and 7 are developed in classes, seminars and tutorials, which rely on discussion and interaction, as well as presentations given by individuals or groups of learners. Skills 4 and 6 are particularly developed during the year abroad, for which learners are prepared in advance. IT skills are largely developed through individual learning.

Effective communication of ideas is an important criterion in assessing all areas of a learner’s work, and the regular feedback as well as the final mark reflect this. Skills 4, 6 and 7 are assessed by both the coursework and extended essays produced, which although supervised, are nevertheless the results of independent thought and work/research by the learner. Skill 5 is assessed through the assembly of necessary information for essays, etc., and their production on PCs. Skill 3 is assessed in oral classes. Skills 2 is not formally assessed.