Introductory description

CW101 Modes of Writing: An Introduction

The main purpose of the module as a whole is to introduce students to writing in several genres. They will also gain critical insights into contemporary literature and the process of literary production.

Module web page

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.

Unit 1: Fiction
Unit 2: Literary Essay
Unit 3: Beyond Books
Unit 4: Poetry

Learning outcomes

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

• 1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, practices, and traditions within the core genres of creative writing: fiction, essay, performance writing, and poetry. • Understand fundamental elements of each genre (narrative, argument, voice, form). • Recognize the cultural, historical, and social contexts shaping creative writing.
• 2. Produce original creative work across fiction, essay, performance writing, and poetry, demonstrating initial development of craft, experimentation, and personal voice. • Employ appropriate techniques for genre and purpose. • Show willingness to experiment within genre boundaries.
• 3. Critically analyse and interpret creative and critical texts in all four genres, using relevant terminology to explore construction of meaning and effect. • Engage with texts to understand aesthetic, formal, and thematic elements. • Develop skills in close reading and contextual analysis.
• 4. Participate actively in collaborative workshops and tutorials, giving and responding to constructive feedback to revise and improve creative work. • Develop skills in peer review and reflective practice. • Demonstrate openness to critique and capacity for self-directed improvement.
• 5. Communicate ideas and arguments clearly and coherently in both written and oral forms, adapting style to suit fiction, essay, performance writing, and poetry contexts. • Tailor communication for audience and genre conventions. • Use appropriate rhetorical and stylistic techniques. • Effective communication across creative and critical forms.
• 6. Reflect critically on their own creative processes and outcomes across genres, identifying strengths and areas for further development. • Demonstrate emerging ability to self-evaluate and plan learning.

Subject specific skills

Acquired some knowledge and understanding of a range of examples of contemporary fiction, essay, performance writing, and poetry.
Received an introduction to some literatures in English and to the practice and imitation of those literatures.
Acquired some knowledge of the power and practice of the imagination in literary creation.
Acquired and introductory knowledge of useful and precise critical and practical terminology and, where appropriate, of linguistic and stylistic terminology.
Acquired some awareness of the range and variety of approaches to the practice of writing.
Improved skills in writing a critical commentary.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.