EL7023 - Reading as a Writer

What will I learn on this module?

This module introduces you to the interplay of writing and critical reading which is the basis of research in Creative Writing. By examining a series of creative, reflective and critical texts, the module will explore how creative and critical works can inform and underpin each other. It is designed to develop further the kinds of skills introduced in undergraduate Creative Writing as well as preparing you for study at doctoral level work.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, creative writing exercises, writing workshops, tutorials, and directed learning. The lectures will introduce new concepts and will be followed by seminars with writing exercises or by writing workshops. The seminars allow you to gain practical writing experience, to discuss the issues raised in the lecture and to further analyse and discuss key assigned texts. You will be expected to write regularly in class and in your own time in response to exercises designed to stimulate and teach the craft of writing. These practical activities will be informed by detailed critical analysis and group discussion of examples of good practice taken from the works of published writers. Reading and discussing the work of a range of creative and critical practitioners should assist you in gaining an appreciation of some of the ways your own writing might benefit from critical reflection and enquiry.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Advice and support will be provided in lectures, seminars and individual tutorials and through tutor and peer feedback in groups on the development of creative and critical projects. You also have access to specialised services provided by central university departments and close and effective links have been developed with student’s services, the career service, the library and information services and the students union. You are encouraged to meet and discuss your work outside the module with your peers.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between creative and reflective critical work
2. Develop ability to reflect upon and refine creative practice in ways which accord with academic definitions of research

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Produce effective creative work in the light of critical reflection

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Reflect critically on work of self and others

How will I be assessed?

Formative feedback is offered in two individual half hour tutorials as well as through feedback in seminars and written feedback on draft materials.MLO4

Summative The module will be assessed by a Writing Portfolio which has a creative element and a critical-reflective element. Together these elements should total 6,000 words (or equivalent for non-prose forms), with the creative element comprising not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,500 words, and the critical-reflective element making up the remainder.
The creative work should be a piece of original creative writing, exploring creatively some of the issues raised in the critical-reflective element. MLO1-4

1,000 words of prose will be treated as equivalent to 5 pages of script or 40 lines of poetry.

Feedback on summative work will be delivered according to the existing protocols of the Department of Humanities: all assessments are anonymized and moderated with feedback (with comments on feedback sheets) returned to the student with the final moderated grade. Feedback will encourage and facilitate reflective learning through the feedback sheet grid which pinpoints particular areas of strengths/weakness and the narrative comments which encourage students to consider how they have succeeded and how they can improve.

Pre-requisite(s)

none

Co-requisite(s)

none

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
1 other options available

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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