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Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. The allure and impossibility of the novel form
2. Propulsive mechanisms (beginnings)
3. Plottiness, meanderings and breadth
4. Character development and the insatiable desire for change
5. Narrative positions
6. Voice
7. The novel and the body
8. How to stick the landing (endings)
9. BookTok, publishing and the evergreen agent question

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• By the end of the module the student should be able to: have deepened their practical and critical knowledge of the construction of longer fiction in terms of language, genre, form, narrative, character, dialogue and description, and furthered their understanding of representative examples by published writers.
• demonstrate the development of their prose styles employed in constructing short stories to a higher standard in the novella or novel. Some understanding of the impact their work can have on an audience will also be achieved.
• analyse writing sentence by sentence to see how each works in terms of meaning and voice;
• reflect critically on the relationship between theory and practice in creative contexts;
• understand the mental processes involved in creativity, and apply critical analysis to their own work.
• some students will progress to become published authors. For other students, careers in TV, radio, print journalism and teaching will more accessible since these industries require and value people who can write well and expressively on a range of subjects. The final objective of the module will therefore be geared to familiarising students with the literary marketplace most suited to their needs and expertise, especially as applied of the student's own original fiction.

Indicative Reading List