Setting the Story
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This module is all about creating interesting worlds and exploring the relationship between character and setting.
We will look at locating our narratives in various places and time frames - exploring era and culture, geography and weather.
For example, we may choose to place our characters in a city at midnight, or on a shingle beach at dawn, or a terraced house in South Wales in the 1990s.
We will seek to build dimension, atmosphere, vividness and credibility into our scenes, drawing on our memories and imaginations, and enjoying a bit of research too.
This course will appeal to writers of fiction and autobiography alike
Learning and teaching
There will be two-hour meetings once a week (20 contact hours in all) which will include discussions, exercises, craft lectures and workshops.
There may also be audio-visual clips and students might be directed to some relevant podcasts.
The module will be based around workshops which will include regular peer and tutor feedback.
Typically, the syllabus will comprise of a variety of exercises, reading of texts, tutor-led discussion, the sharing of student work, and will cover genres such as micro-fiction, the short story, the novel and poetry.
Coursework and assessment
Portfolio: 100% - This portfolio will consist of a piece of creative writing, inspired by one or a combination of classes from the course, and a commentary on the creative process.
1500-2000 words.
Due 1 week after the end of the course.
Reading suggestions
You will be provided with comprehensive reading suggestions at the beginning of the course. No pre-reading is required.
Library and computing facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.
Accessibility
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.
