The aim of this module is to inspire students to experiment with content, form and technique in prose, so as to produce a novel extract. They will gain practical and theoretical insight into the similarities and differences between contemporary literary and genre fiction. Students will study up-to-date writing models in the form of 20th and 21st Century texts. They will become acquainted with market requirements and offered advice on how to get into print. They will consider in depth what it takes to develop a substantial idea that has the potential to be sustained and explored through a work of long-form prose. Working towards the assignment will enable students to think critically and strategically about what a successful novel-opening requires, and how these requirements may shift according to genre, style, plot, character, voice and other technical considerations.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
20.1
Demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences between popular and literary fiction, with reference to contemporary trends, and to two different popular genres;
20.2
Demonstrate a grasp of techniques and conventions specific to formula writing in a chosen popular genre, with reference to voice, viewpoint, characterization and chronology;
20.3
Produce an extract from a novel which demonstrates joint attention to aspects of voice, language, content and form as response to an examination and study of contemporary texts.
20.4
Demonstrate understanding of how to capture a reader's interest in the opening of a novel through multiple literary mechanisms, including, but not limited to, character, voice, plot, style, setting and tone.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Prose Extract 2,500 words (75%) Prose analysis 1000 words (25%)
Reassessment:
Resubmission of failed component(s) Prose Extract 2,500 words (75%) Prose analysis 1,000 words (25%)