Developing the Skills of Writing Fiction

Students will explore and develop appropriate imaginative writing skills for use in a variety of prose-writing forms including the short story, the novel, autobiography and journal writing. Through group discussion of work in progress, individual tuition based on drafts and revisions, and seminar work on themes and forms, students will be led through the planning, writing and completion of a variety of pieces with the goal of writing to professional standards. It is recommended, though not essential, that students complete the Core Module and Critical Analysis before enrolling.

An Introduction to Creative Writing (Core Module)

This module aims to provide students with the skills necessary to produce short pieces of imaginative writing. It introduces a range of contemporary texts (poetry, prose, drama), looking at their main characteristics, whilst developing skills to use language accurately and imaginatively. Through exploration of a range of forms students will develop confidence and expertise. This module is the first part of the University Certificate of Lifelong Learning (Creative Writing) and it is recommended, though not essential, that students complete it before undertaking any of the other modules which form this certificate.

Seeing the Middle Ages: Exploring Medieval Daily Life and Beliefs Through Images

Medieval history has frequently focused on kings and queens. However, the surviving art, such as stained glass, manuscript illumination and architectural carving, can give us an extraordinary insight into the medieval world. This module will explore the daily life and beliefs of the medieval people, using surviving visual sources to illustrate it; we will also study patterns of belief, understanding of the natural world, and geography. The emphasis will be on medieval England, but will include examples from other European countries.