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2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PECI5402M Story Workshop

30 creditsClass Size: 24

Module manager: Garry Lyons
Email: g.lyons@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisite qualifications

Acceptance on MA

Students wishing to choose the module as an option (from outside the MA Writing for Performance and Publication) will need to demonstrate the ability to write in fluent and nuanced English, and may be required to provide a sample of their work before acceptance.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module gives a solid creative and practice-based experience of short form narrative writing while encouraging peer group co-operation and criticism. The module gives a practice-based insight into the classical principles of storytelling, while introducing and encouraging alternative and experimental approaches. The principal forms and genres covered will include the prose fiction short story and the short film script. The students are expected to read classic and contemporary short stories, relevant criticism and theory, to watch short film and other screen material, and to attend talks by professional practitioners. The students produce a critical commentary on their work (2,000 - 2500 words) to demonstrate reflective practice.

Objectives

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

- Demonstrate an understanding of classical narrative structures and alternative modes of storytelling
- Apply that understanding in a portfolio of imaginative writing exercises, in one or more genres

Learning outcomes
- An understanding of the technical and imaginative requirements of writing short form narrative fiction in a range of forms, formats and genres
- A level of ability appropriate to Masters level in originating and executing short form narratives in range of forms, formats and genres
- An ability to analyse and critique imaginative and fictional writing, and to offer peer assessment and constructive criticism on fellow students’ work
- A critical awareness of short form narrative traditions and contemporary work in these fields

Skills outcomes
Imaginative writing; creative and critical skills specific to narrative writing in a range of forms, particularly prose fiction and short film.


Syllabus

This module will cover the following:

- The theory and practice of narrative structure as applied to imaginative and performance writing forms
- Classical and conventional structures and the alternatives
- Perspective and narrative voice
- Conflict – and the roles of the protagonist and antagonist
- The elucidation of theme through plot, character and language
- Twists and turns
- Building a climax
- Pace, leitmotif and rhythm
- Storytelling and the audience

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture22.004.00
Seminar82.0016.00
Tutorial20.501.00
Private study hours279.00
Total Contact hours21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study

In addition to an extensive amount of their own writing, students are required to pursue their own reading of prose fiction (particularly short stories) and related criticism and theory. They are also required to seek out and view relevant film and television productions. They are expected to pursue their own independent research through critical studies and craft-based books, and to plan and write their own fictional material in prose and script forms.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Monitoring of performance in seminars and tutorials.

Monitoring of work-in-progress towards the assessment portfolio through a series of class-set exercises, original material, drafts and redrafts, and round-table discussions with peers.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
PracticalPortfolio of short narrative pieces – 5,000-5,500 words75.00
CritiqueCritical commentary on portfolio – 2000-2,500 words25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/11/2018 09:25:43

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