Module Code and Title:       LAN203          Creative Writing       

Programme:                          BA in English Studies

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Yesodha Chauhan, Vanlallawmkimi, Sonam Deki, Ivor Hanson

Module Coordinator:            Sonam Deki

General objective: This module will introduce students to the practice of writing fiction and non-fiction, moving away from theory to the application of what they have learnt so far in their study of literature. Students will explore the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction. The module consists of a series of writing workshops intended to push students to create their own works of prose or poetry in a variety of genres including short stories, sketches, and poetry. The module aims at helping students sharpen their powers of storytelling and expression through a variety of writing exercises. Nonfiction writing exercises will enrich the students’ ability to pay attention to factual and sensory details, which will also enhance their creative writing. Students will also have opportunities to practice providing and incorporating critical peer feedback.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, learners should be able to:

1. Identify the various elements used in creative writing, such as description, voice, dialogue, character, point of view, rhyme scheme, rhythm.
2. Follow a writing process that involves organizing thoughts, brainstorming, pre-writing, writing, and revising.
3. Create at least a short piece of fiction and nonfiction from start to finish.
4. Explain the generic elements that comprise various forms of fiction and nonfiction.
5. Critically evaluate assumptions and issues in writing.
6. Apply these elements to consciously create works of a certain genre.
7. Critique their own writing as part of an editing and rewriting exercise.
8. Provide critical and thoughtful feedback to their peers on original writings.
9. Apply critical feedback received to improve on their own writing.
10. Incorporate an expanded range of vocabulary and figurative language in creative works.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

*Writing workshops will be two-hour block classes. In these workshops, students will focus on writing and exploring their creativity. Sometimes these classes will be used for students readings each other’s works, critiquing their pieces in pairs or in small groups, and for revising and editing their pieces.

Assessment Approach:

A. Writing Fiction: Portion of Final Marks: 25%

Students will write a piece of creative fiction of 400 – 600 words. This piece must incorporate elements of creative fiction taught. The first draft will be written in the writing workshop hours, and will be graded on 10%. 5% will be awarded on the improvements made upon the feedback on the draft, and 10% on the final product. Assessment will be based on the ‘Creative Writing’ rubric.

B. Writing Nonfiction: Portion of Final Marks: 25%

Students will be assigned to write a nonfiction piece which can be either a journal or a travelogue of 400 – 600 words. The assignment will be 500-600 words in length. The first draft will be written in the writing workshop hours, and will be graded on 10%. 5% will be awarded on the improvements made upon the feedback on the draft, and 10% on the final product. Assessment will be based on the ‘Creative Writing’ rubric.

C. Critical Feedback: Portion of Final Marks: 10%

Students are expected to provide 2 pieces of critical feedback in writing (100-150 words) on the work of their peers via the Virtual Learning environment in the form of forum posts.

Each feedback will be graded out of 5%. Assessment will be based on the ‘Analytical Writing’ rubric.

D. Class participation and preparedness: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. Assessment will be based on the ‘Participation and Preparedness’ rubric.

E. Writing Portfolio: Portion of Final Mark: 30%

The writing portfolio brings together 3 pieces started in class and completed later. One among these 3 chosen pieces must be a poem. These 3 pieces should not be a compilation of other previously assessed assignments. The portfolio will be about 1200-1800 words consisting of 3 short pieces. Students are expected to incorporate feedback received on the pieces. Each piece will be graded out of 10%. Assessment will be based on the ‘Creative Writing’ rubric.

Pre-requisites: LIT101 Life in Verse: Themes in Contemporary Poetry & LIT102: The Craft of the Short Story

Subject matter:

1. Genres in prose

• Understanding differences in genre
• An overview of characteristics of science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and animal fables

1. Genres in poetry

• What makes something a poem? Understanding the spoken word and free verse poetry
• How to write a free verse
• Understanding poetic meter and rhyme schemes
• Classical and modern Haiku

1. Elements of fiction

• How to create complex characters
• Writing a rich description, ‘Show, don’t tell’
• Harnessing multiple points of view: first and third person narratives and their implications
• Voice and Dialogue – bringing characters to life
• Adapting prose into drama

1. Elements of non-fiction
   • Observations and paying attention to factual and sensory details
   • How to express observations, experiences, and personal perceptions in the written form
   • Journal as creative nonfiction writing
   • Writing a short travelogue
2. Ethical issues challenging a writer
   • Ethical issues regarding plagiarism
   • Adaptation and writing back as techniques of appropriation
   • What is authenticity, debating ‘Write what you know’, and avoiding stereotypes
   • Challenges for new Bhutanese writers in English

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   • Adichie, C. N. (n.d.). The danger of a Single Story. TED Talks. http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en
   • Grenville, K. (2010). The Writing Book. Crows Nest: Allen and Unwin.
   • Short extracts from works of fiction will be used as examples as per the discretion of the tutor.
2. Additional Reading
   • Magrs, P. and Bell, J. (2001). The Creative Writing Coursebook. Macmillan.
   • Morley, D. and Neilsen, P. (2012). The Cambridge Companion to Creative Writing. Cambridge University Press.

Date: December 20, 2015

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