Subject objectives/outcomes
At the completion of this subject, students are expected to:
a. Be able to produce an extended piece of narrative fiction
b. Bring focused critical skills to bear on their own and other's fiction narratives
c. Develop original ideas in narrative form
d. Understand how to revise and edit their own work
e. Have developed some level of reading knowledge in relation to a variety of narrative forms
Objective(s): a, b, c
Weighting: 30%
Task: To write several short narrative pieces and workshop them in class.
Assessment criteria:
* Capacity to realise set task
* Inventiveness and originality of writing.
Assessment item 2: Research seminar: 10 minute seminar on a narrative text, either a short story or novel
Objective(s): b, e
Weighting: 20%
Task: To present an analysis of one page from a chosen fictional text.
Assessment criteria:
* Insight and originality in discussion of chosen material
* Capacity to extrapolate in relation to writing practice.
Assessment item 3: 3000 word narrative
Objective(s): a, c, d
Weighting: 50%
Task: To write an extended narrative piece worked through the necessary re-writes, class discussions and editorial changes.
Assessment criteria:
* Inventiveness and accomplishment of writing style
* Originality of idea
* Dramatic and suspenseful structuring of work.
Minimum requirements
Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.
Brown, Renni and Dave King (2004) Self-editing for Fiction Writers (NY: Harper Perennial, 2nd edn)
Earnshaw, Steven (ed.) (2007) The Handbook of Creative Writing (Edinburgh: EUP)
Lodge, David (1992) The Art of Fiction (London: Penguin)
Strunk, William Jr and EB White (2000) The Elements of Style (NY: Longman, 4th edn )
Wood, James (2008) How Fiction Works (NY: Farrar, Strauss, Giroux)