2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

ENGL5013M Magic in Fiction Writing (Creative Writing)

30 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Jess Richards
Email: j.richards3@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Myth and magic featured in oral storytelling practices long before stories were ever collected, written down or described as literature. Aspects of these ancient tales are still present within many contemporary fictional texts via the use of archetypes, intertextual references, symbols and metaphors. Fantasy, sci fi, literary fiction and speculative fiction often allude to elements of fairy tales, folklore and myths. In this module we will aim to understand some of these reoccurring magical elements by exploring their presence in contemporary fiction and using them in our own creative writing practice.Students opting from outside the creative writing programme will need to demonstrate creative writing skills, so should email a writing sample of 1000 words of fiction writing to the module manager.

Objectives

We will examine a range of key examples of contemporary novels and short fiction (aimed at young adult (YA) or adult readers) with particular emphasis on texts that incorporate intertextual references to persistent fairy tales, folklore and myths. We will discuss these texts in relation to their literary and socio-political contexts and explore representations of magic in creative writing via creative practice. In workshops and through private study, students will be equipped to produce their own fiction (aimed at either YA or adult readers) and will submit a portfolio of creative writing and a short reflective essay for summative assessment.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. identify and discuss representations of magic in contemporary fiction
2. develop a range of creative writing skills to use within fiction writing (including worldbuilding, characterisation, the logic of magic, structure, transformations and reversals) from a practitioner’s perspective
3. reflectively consider representations of magic within a personal fiction writing practice

Skills Learning Outcomes

4. demonstrate effective decision making within an independent project (work ready)
5. engage creatively in the practice of fiction writing (work ready, technical)
6. give and receive critical feedback (work ready, academic)

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			280.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

There will be an unassessed presentation and short extracts of writing-in-progress submitted for peer and tutor feedback.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	Portfolio – A fiction portfolio to include: 1. Extracts from a novel or a complete short story of 3,000 words. 2. A critical reflection / essay of 1000 words that locates the portfolio in its literary and other contexts drawing upon relevant literary, critical and practice-led material.	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Students will submit a Portfolio comprising Fiction Writing and Critical Reflection Essay to make up 100% of their assessment.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/05/2024

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD